Weather: it is cloudy in all 8 quadrants of the sky (which is how they rate the cloud in PH), -10 degrees, wind is 20 knots (approx. 40 km/hr), gusting to 25 knots (50 km/hr).
We are awaiting the 2:30 pm call.
There was a briefing called today by ALES . A team member of the Jagged Globe group fell into a crevasse yesterday at the headwall. There was gusting wind and a snowstorm as they were on their way down from high camp. The climber was successfully rescued and the group was holed up in a snow pit they dug with a tent fly sheet held over. They spent Saturday & Sunday waiting for support from the base camp. Two guides and two Swedish climbers ascended to camp 1 but were unable to meet the group on the headwall due to the high winds. They were able to meet them later on Sunday. Now the whole group is at camp 1, safe and sound. The word is some of them have frostbite, but otherwise well. They are still waiting for the weather to clear to come off the mountain. Currently, apparently, there is a ´spitkicking´ contest going on. It is -40 and spit freezes from leaving your mouth to meeting your foot – hence the term spítkicking…..
There are still many climbers as well at Mt. Vinson base camp but the weather is too challenging to get the Twin Otter in to get them back to PH.
Meanwhile here in PA we have been kicked out of another hotel… and have moved yet again. It’s now been three days of waiting and on call to fly. All of us are dealing with things in different ways but still very much holding it together.
Tish and Team
Glad to hear that you are dealing with the hotel changes and the anxiousness of awaiting to fly. I am happy to hear that you are very much holding it together as that is very important with the task yet ahead. I know you will be fine and we are waiting with lots of love and encouragement.
Eileen
Dale
All of Thunder Bay is silently(some not so silent) cheering you on
We are so proud of you
Party time when you are safely back home
Sandra
Pat
Henry, Kyle and I want to say hello and send you our love and encouragement. We think about you constantly. I hope you don’t have to wait too much longer for the flight to PH.
I think it is awesome what you all are doing. What courage, motivation and determination you all have. I will be reading the blog to catch up. I didn’t even know what a blog was until today.hehe.. “Hang” in there! I mean…literally. 🙂 I wish you all the best of luck!!!
OH…Starbucks at TGH had a latte free fest today. I was going to say “coffee is on me” but it was free! hehehe…..
CHIN UP!!!!!!!!!
Jill….5cb
Hi Dale,
What a waiting game! Makes being windbound a few hours pale in comparison. Any scrabble players there with you? Best of luck and have a great climb.
On Getting Going
Hello Ian:
I’m saving my favorite Winston Churchill quote for a little later when the going gets tough. As for now we are losing sleep just waiting for you guys to get going!
Frank King
Calgary
Have you left?
I have not seen an update so I am wondering if you have been given clearance to fly. My Christmas wish is for you to come back safely. After reading the most recent update, I am sure glad that Mom does not have a computer. Lots of love from us all in Newfoundland and abroad.
Lots of love to you all as you are a team for sure.
Eileen
The big climb
Dale and Team: Hope the weather cooperates for you soon. We are watching with great interest and look forward to pictures once the climb starts. Take care – Glen and Grace
Hi Ian – Gary and I are both diligently wearing our bands and thinking of you…still excited about the climb. and hope you all are as well. – We’ll keep our fingers crossed for the weather to abate and the opportunity to get at least to stop one on the ice. xxoo
To Dave from Mom and Dad
Dear Dave,
Thinking about you and hoping the climb goes well. All is well here.
Love Mom and Dad
Hi Dave,
Sorry to hear you’re still waiting–it must be a bit anticlimatic. Hopefully the weather will clear and it will soon be smooth sailing for all of you. I’m really enjoying reading Heather’s blog and keeping up to date. We love you, take care.
Lyn
s__t happens out there
Hey Heath,
We are watching with baited breath. I am hoping you get clear air tomorrow. Waiting is tough especially with the reports from the glacier. Keeping our fingers crossed for good clear air, warm climes and nothing but cheery dispositions….(this too shall passs). luck:)
john
DALE
HEY DALE, WE GET THE LATEST NEWS FROM PEG ON A DAILY BASIS…..COOL….HAD BEER AND PIZZA AT BOSTON TONITE, AND WILL HAVE LUNCH TOMORROW AT THE HOSPITAL WITH PEG SHE MUST MISS YOU AS SHE WORKS NON-STOP SINCE YOU LEFT. NELSON SAYS HAVE PATIENCE ON THE WEATHER. WELL I GUESS IT’S EASY FOR HIM TO SAY IN HIS COZY ABODE.HOPE YOU’RE NOT BEING KICKED OUT OF YOU HOTEL AGAIN…….THERESE
SEIZE THE DAY
The waiting is killing us, WILL YOU GUYS HURRY UP ALREADY!!!
All good things are worth waiting for……. Hang in there!!
Our thoughts are with you all. Safe journey,
Teresa and Sandi
Keep your spirits up!
Dale and company:
It may be taking a long time getting started; but we are sure that when the weather clears and your flight departs all the “hard stuff” will be behind you. Enjoy the ascent.
Dorothy and Emil.