Lucille called to chat on the Sat phone this morning. Today they slogged their way up to Camp 2, breaking trail in snow that was up to Domhnall's waist, even where there was an old trail underneath. The snow pack is pretty epic by the sounds of it.
They then retreated back to their snow cave at Camp 1, and the plan is to retreat to Base Camp tomorrow. The reason for that is once again weather. It started snowing again when they got to Camp 2, and the forecast is calling for another metre of snow, yes you read correctly, 1 metre of snow. This just adds to the difficulty and it has to start presenting an elevated avalanche hazard. This situation with the snow is clearly wearing down their resolve.
It seems that the Italian team that is sharing their Base Camp location is calling it quits, and others have already left. Manaslu and Mother Nature may not permit any summits this season. No teams have been higher than Camp 2 yet this season.
Lucille is also struggling a bit with her chest and does not have her usual vigor. We will just have to wait and see what a rest at Base Camp brings. They may be deciding on a big change of plans.
Stay tuned.
Ted
1 comment:
Hi Lucille, I've been following your adventure and am sorry to hear that weather has not been cooperating. Keep your spirits up as you keep inspiring the rest of us back home. I know that you will have an amazing adventure, whether it's plan A or plan B!
Liz
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