Mencin

	Hear Dave Mencin's call from Base Camp Click for [RealAudio] or [NetShow]
Satellite phones for Everest cybercasts provided by MVS/USA

Hillary Step and preceding traverse viewed from the South Summit [click to zoom] (photo: Burleson/ Alpine Ascents)

Just got a report from the climbers — indirectly through Wally — they're on the other side of the mountain a little bit, so it's hard to get radio transmissions. They are very close to the South Summit (28,700') and the time here is 7:15am NPT. They are moving very fast and potentially could be on that summit within the hour. When they get to the South Summit, we'll hopefully have radio contact with them.

Like I said, just an incredible summit day. Incredible. Everybody is very happy. It's a good day; there's not many big teams up there — small, strong teams that seem to be working well.

Eric is out front actually with the Sherpas fixing rope, and Greg and Charles are right behind. Wally has reached the Geneva Spur and is on the South Col. Here's a little transcript of us finding out they were close to the South Summit: [mostly inaudible radio conversation].

— David Mencin, Expedition Scientist

DISPATCHES

COMPLETE INDEX OF DISPATCHES