Most climbers are at Camp II. Scott, Neal, and Anatoli--the guides--are feeling strong.

Scott has been literally going up and down between base camp and Camp III, without oxygen. He's completely acclimatized and very strong for the summit bid.

Most team members are doing well. Lene Gammelgaard, the Danish climber who has a limited climbing record, is very strong. As is Klev Schoening.

Charlotte Fox and Tim Madsen, who descended to about 14,000 due to altitude sickness, are keeping up with the pace and are not experiencing altitude sickness.

Martin Adams is also doing well and Scott is hopeful that he will summit.

Unfortunately, Dale Kruse, who suffered from cerebral edema the previous ascent to Camp III again experienced severe altitude sickness. On Sunday, Scott accompanied Dale to base camp from Camp II.

Dale is "big, strong climber" who has experience with climbing Himalayan peaks including summiting Baruntse. His case lends credence to the fact that one can climb without altitude sickness, yet be stricken for no apparent reason on another climb. The same situation occurred on this climb with Nawang Sherpa. Dale is in excellent condition and has a strong emotional constitution. Obviously, this is a disappointment for Dale.

Even Scott wonders about the randomness of altitude sickness. He recently was feeling slight anxiety over it, musing "I wonder if this will be my time." Altitude sickness is unpredictable and can turn back the most fit climbers.

Scott and Neal are feeling confident about the team summiting. Scott's positive attitude and upbeat manner are well known within the community of high-altitude American climbers. Neal (a rocket scientist, literally) has a wonderfully warm nature, is funny, and has great energy. Both Scott and Neil laugh at themselves and tell unabashedly hilarious and frank stories about their climbing and travel experiences. Their ability to deal with whatever happens while keeping their focus and determination has set the mood for this climb.

Climbing conditions and other teams:
Basically, the weather is holding. Scott is not worried about reports of "deep" snow. Now is time to climb if they plan to summit.

No other teams have summitted as yet. Ed Viesturs and the IMAX film crew will try for the summit on May 8. His team will most likely be the first to summit. No doubt that IMAX wants untracked and pristine footage.

Goran Kropp is now at base camp and may try for the summit again.

-- Jane Bromet