Update From SummitClimb.com

No more news by phone to Barrie Base Camp but I have been reading the posts on the Summit Climb website. Summit Climb is the outfitter that the Mallory's chose to help them on this expedition. On April 28 the team leader posted this:

All of of our members, except the Mallorys and Linda, made it to camp 2. They are all healthy and strong. The Mallorys are a little bit behind schedule, but they are sleeping in camp 1 right now and tomorrow they will come up to camp 2 for a short visit before returning to camp 1.

(No clue as to why they are "a little bit behind schedule".)

To read the full dispatch from Summit Climb go to www.summitclimb.com and look for the Everest Climb, Trek, Lhotse & Island Peak Spring 2008 link under "News" in the left-hand column (about half-way down the page).

Home May 1, I think

I am now staying at the Annapurna Hotel in Kathmandu for 2 days. A big upgrade from the Bejing Hotel where I have been staying in for the past 5 days. No cockroaches!!
I have arranged a flight home leaving Kathmandu April 29, 2008. My ticket has departure times but no arrival times so the exact day and time are questionable.
I discovered today that even though this is the only time to attempt to summit Everest it is not the best time to see Nepal. I will have to return when things are green and the air is fresh after the monsoon season to get a true appreciation for the country.

No news from the Mountain

The Chinese must be really paranoid. There has been no news from any expedition from the mountain for the last week and RUMOUR has it that there will be no news from Base Camp until after May 10th. Another rumour is that because of the American with the pro Tibet banner the Nepalis (really the Chinese) are not letting people climb to camp 2 after May 1 as originally stated. Everyone will have to come down to base camp or lower. Only communication with base camp will be emergency evacuation. The Chinese are at camp 2 on the Tibet side.
No news is good news -right?

Barbara trying to get home

It seems to be easier to get into Nepal than out of it. I have been trying to get a flight home but things do not seem to be working out. I will keep everyone posted.
My anke and leg show little sign of improvement. I had hoped to be treated at home but may have to see a doctor here. As for now I just keep hobbling around this overcrowded polluted city of blackouts.

Mallory update from base camp

Summit Climb gets regular updates of all their climbers. The Mallory clan has adjusted well to life at base camp and has been doing some hiking in the area and some ice climbing in the Khumbu icefall. All the ladders have been set in the Icefall and hopefully they will be able to climb to camp 1 and possibly camp 2 before the May 1 partial shut down of the mountain for the Olympic Torch run.

American kicked off of Everest

A "Free Tibet" sign was found in an American's bag at Base Camp. His climbing permit has been revoked and he has been sent down off the mountain. He was supposed to arrive in Kathmandu yesterday but he did not arrive and no one knows where he is. The Chinese are not fooling around with the torch run and the Nepali government is supporting them whole heartily.

The Moaists rule

The elections were the fairest ever held in Nepal. The Moaists won the majority and will form the next government. Rumour has it that they will tread carefully since 60% of the countries income comes from foreign aid. The monarchy is still in place but who knows what the future will bring.