May 7th
Email update message from Base Camp Manager Lincoln Else
[Another expedition is letting him use their Internet
connection--a very rare and precious commodity in Base Camp, where communications are always problematic--Linda McMillan]

"Typing fast since this is a mooched connection . All is well here, Ted Vaill [an official of The American Alpine Club] spent last night in camp. Great times!

Sat phone acting funny, couldn't get a connection yesterday, possibly weather related, who knows... I'll try again tonight. As you know from talking to Tom on the phone, he made it to camp 3 and headed down to regroup. The weather has been fine in BC but windy as all heck higher on the mountain.

Nima Tashi and the other Sherpas made a carry to the South Col, hopefully Gombu and Pemba will make another while Tashi heads down the hill to meet with Tom and Nawang to talk plans. Weather looks bad for the next while... High winds through the 13th according to [Himalayan Rescue Association doctor] Luanne's forecast [she is printing out and posting weather forecasts for Everest Base Camp].

Everyone is sitting on their hands waiting for a [weather] window (including Working Title). I'm hoping things clear around the 14th or so and Tom and Nawang can make a run for it.

All else is great in camp, Luanne taking off in a week, no major crises in the medical world, and managed to mooch a dinner off Breashears... Wow.

If you haven't already, take a look at basecampmd.com, Luanne's site. Updated daily (if the software is working) and follows the goings-on in camp (including weather, etc). Held the first annual Khumbu Women's Golf Tournament this afternoon.

Hope all is well back in CA, and I can't wait to be back! mmmmm... Salad.

More as I can with email challenges, etc." --Link