CLICK TO HEAR THE CALL:

Hello, this is Eric Simonson on the morning of April 29th calling from Advanced Base Camp (21,400'). I'm happy to report that the weather up here has taken a change for the better. Yesterday, our Sherpas were able to push into Camp V (25,600') and today are carrying again to Camp V.

Yesterday, the climbing team carried to Camp IV at the North Col (23,100'). And now, this morning, we're getting ready to move to Camp IV at the North Col in preparation for moving to Camp V and hopefully Camp VI (27,200') over the next few days. So we're all on our way out of here... [satellite signal failed]

—Eric Simonson, Expedition Leader

Editor's Note: As Simonson and his climbing team move to the upper camps, they will begin searching for evidence of Mallory & Irvine's 1924 expedition. Simonson has compared the experience of staying at Camp VI on the North Ridge to scuba diving and says that this is where he begins to feel a long way from home. While on the upper mountain, the climbers will be out of touch for a couple of days, and we suggest the following pages to help you understand what they will be doing:

• The Mystery of Mallory & Irvine
  Could the British climbers have summited in 1924?
  
• Simonson Describes the North Ridge Route
  Windy, steep, and technical, this is a climber's climb.
  
• Multimedia
  Climbing video, interviews, and slideshows on the north side
  
• Dave Hahn's Everest FAQ
  What everybody wants to know, beginning with the bathroom issue...
  
• Maps & Routes
  From Kathmandu to Tibet to the summit. Features an Indiana Jones like FLASH map.
  
• Interview With Eric Simonson
  The leader's thoughts on his 1999 Mallory & Irvine Research Expedition
  

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