13.05.2005: Thomas on the way to camp 3.

Yesterday, at 2 p.m., Thomas radio-contacted the basecamp for the first time. He just arrived at camp 2. During his ascent, the sun was shining and there was a light wind in the Western Cwm. The way to camp 2 seems to be endless and means a difference in altitude of 1200 meters (5300 m to 6500 m).


The climber comes closer to camp 2. Above his head, one can see the tents on a little moraine. The rocks about them belong to the Southwest face of the Everest.

This morning, at 9.00 o'clock, we had radio contact to Thomas again. At this moment, he was at the beginnig of the Lhotse face (6800 m). He intends to ascend to camp 3 (7300 m) and then to descend to camp 2 (6500 m) again where he will spend the night. He told us that he had a bad night without being able to sleep. But he had no serious symptoms like headache.


Thomas in the Khumbu icefall

After his cold, Thomas risks a lot but this is the only way to keep the chance of getting to the summit. This is the reason why he consequently does this way of acclimatization. If possible, he will ascend to Camp 3 again tomorrow.