As it stands now, two members of our team are getting ready to head out for base camp today or tomorrow, to begin setting up tents and other preparations at base camp. It's still unclear whether yaks can make it that far, or if they will be stuck at 16,000 feet due to heavy snow. So more delays are expected, at least with regard to the yaks and getting in.

We just talked with two climbers who were attempting Mira Peak, a climb similar to Mount Rainier. But they, too, were held back by the snow. One of the climbers said she could hear avalanches from her tent all night long. She was both very happy to descend out of there, and also disappointed. Again, the amount of snow in the region is significant and may pose more of a challenge to climbers.

On another note, we've heard some strange news about one of the large teams heading to base camp. Apparently they sent a ground team up to secure tent space for this very large group. Unfortunately, this advance team spray-painted the team's name on 25 large rocks.

Very embarrassing for the team leader, and as we understand it, he had no idea what was going on until after it happened. However, as team leader, he's responsible for all that goes on, and it's his responsibility to fix it. He's going to have to find a sandblaster and work team, or use some nasty paint stripper, or worst of all, maybe paint the rocks gray. Sprayed rocks to secure your tent space at Everest base camp ... not too cool.

The moment Scott arrived in Kathmandu, his telephone started to ring. The logistics of this whole effort boggles the mind.

Bye for now.

-- Jane Bromet