Vanessa battling the heat in the Western CWM.

The Summit Push Begins

The time has come at last for us to make our final push to the summit of Everest!

Today we left Base Camp, climbed up through the Khumbu Icefall for the last time on this expedition, and continued up to Camp 2. Greg and Vanessa made great time through the Icefall this morning, but we all slowed down a bit as the sun hit us in the Western CWM above Camp 1. It’s amazing how hot it can get at over 20,000 ft.

Topping out in the Khumbu Icefall.

We are settled in for tonight at Camp 2 and will take a rest day here tomorrow before continuing on up to Camp 3 and 4 and then to the top. It’s a three-day push even from here at Camp 2, so we are still a few days from the top. It’s incredibly exciting to be getting so close to our goal after all the effort that goes into getting here; from years of training, to the almost two months that we’ve put into this expedition. We are feeling healthy and strong, and we’re hoping the weather continues to cooperate. Thanks to all back home for the support.

— Bill Allen Owner/Guide Mountain Trip International. Sent from my iPhone, from Mount Everest.