Everest Summit Bid Underway
Mike Hamill's team left Camp 4 on the South Col of Everest at 8:30pm May 18th (Nepal Time) for the summit of Everest. The weather is good, but with forecasts of wind picking up in the next 24 hours. Many other climbers on the mountain are taking advantage of this narrow weather window, so Mike's team left earlier than normal in an attempt to stay ahead of the crowds. Wish them luck, and you can follow their progress on the IMG site: mountainguides.com
Ready for Summit Bid
My Everest team just finished our Camp 3 rotations to acclimate on the upper mountain and are now in base camp, resting, eating, and watching the weather for a window to let us attempt the summit. New snowfall has temporarily slowed the route-fixing above the South Col but has hopefully made the route better for climbing. You can follow our expedition with updates on the IMG site: mountainguides.com
-Mike
Team in Pheriche
Mike and the team are now in Pheriche, more than halfway up the Khumbu Valley en route to Everest base camp. The team is doing well and feeling healthy. They did an acclimatization hike today and will move to Lobuche base camp tomorrow for 3 nights before trekking in to Everest base camp.
In Namche, on the way in to Base Camp
Our Everest team made it through Kathmandu and on to the Khumbu Valley. We have been trekking for a few days now and are currently taking a rest day in the town of Namche. We went to the famous Bazaar this morning and are resting/acclimatizing before moving up to Deboche tomorrow. The team is doing well and enjoying the breathtaking views.
"Climbing the Seven Summits" by Mike Hamill, published by The Mountaineers Books, out in June!
Watch for "Climbing the Seven Summits" to be released early this summer. This is the definitive guide to climbing the Seven Summits and covers everything you need to know to be successful. 125 full color photos, 350 pages, and stories from the Seven Summits experts. Order your copy online today! http://www.mountaineersbooks.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=2009
Upcoming Expeditions
Upcoming Expeditions lead by guide, author, and host of ClimbingtheSevenSummits.com, Mike Hamill:
Mt. Everest:
late March – June 1
Denali:
June
Elbrus:
July
Cho Oyu:
Vinson Massif:
Late November through early December
Aconcagua:
Final Prep. for Mt. Everest Expedition
I'm putting the final touches on my packing and organization to leave for Mt. Everest on the 23rd. If all goes well this will be my 5th Everest summit and 6th expedition to the mountain. The team is ready and all of the equipment is in place. Look for updates throughout the expedition.
Best,
Mike Hamill
Aconcagua Success!
I recently returned from Aconcagua where we had good weather and great success!
Packing for Everest 2012
The last couple weeks have been full of packing food and gear for the upcoming Everest Expedition. See photos from the biggest Costco run ever and updates on the expedition here: www.mountainguides.com/everest-south12.shtml
-Mike
Successful Antarctica Expedition
I'm happy to have wrapped up 2011 with a 100% of my IMG team reaching the top of Vinson Massif, Antarctica. You can see updates from the expedition here: mountainguides.com/wordpress/climb/vinson-antarctica/
-Mike