November 20, 2007 – Summit Attempt, Safe at Base Camp

Yesterday from Camp 2, our day started very early. Jack and Don and I woke up at 1:00am and had a quick breakfast, brew up some tea, and then we packed up and made our way at 2:00 am towards the summit of Ama Dablam. We followed some very technical terrain by head lamp which makes it a little bit more challenging as you could imagine. Once reaching the grey cwm we ascended fixed ropes and made our way to mushroom rock and eventually Camp 3.  The day was going reasonably well. The climbers were very motivated, two of the most motivated climbers that I have ever seen. They challenged themselves and I think that this terrain was the kind of terrain that would challenge any mountaineer. It did take its toll, but both guys are safely walking within sight of base camp and they should be there within the next half hour.

Unfortunately we did not make the summit. We came to a head wall below the Dablam; the main face fixture of the mountain, but unfortunately time was moving faster than we were. At the point just below 21,000 feet, Jack, Don and I started to decend towards our safe refuge at Camp 2. Where we had sleeping bags, tents and more food.

A little disappointed but safe and happy with all of our days challenge through this terrain. So, tonight we will spend all night comfortable in our base camp.