05.05.2005: Good News from Camp 1

It is a miracle that there were no fatalities when the avalanche struck camp 1 yesterday. We are all eased. Yesterday, the injured were brought through the Khumbu icefall to the base camp. Fortunately, there were only few people at camp 1 because most teams are at an advanced stage of climbing and spend the nights at camp 2.

If there were people in these tents there would be fatalities. When I (Olaf) saw the destroyed camp yesterday, I expected 20-30 persons there. But there were only eight and most of them had only lighter injuries. The avalanche from the west shoulder of Mt. Everest had caused no serious damage but the traditional site for camp 1 has to re-evaluated for future expeditions.


Thomas packs his backpack for descending to Pangboche.

Thomas and Thorsten have drawn a final decision. Because Thomas' cold wont get better, he decided to descend 1000 meters difference in altitude. He will cure himself in a lodge at Pangboche for four to five days. Thorsten decided to join him for several reasons. First of all, he wont let Thomas to descend alone. Secondly, he lacks locomotion. Because Thorsten has no permit, he has only limited opportunities for physical exercise. Finally, he has a chronic sore throat.

From my point of view, it is the best decision that Thomas could draw. However, it is very difficult to synchronize our activities from now on. I will force the setting of the high camps during the next days. Because Thomas as our cameraman was not planned to be involved in setting the high camps, his temporary absence will not affect our program. However, personally, I am sad, because it is very pleasant to be with Thomas. We were a congenial team at the Cho Oyu already and this feeling even improved here. But I know that he will return with new power.