We are scheduled to leave for our second rotation early tomorrow morning at 3am.

For the second rotation, we will stay at Camp 1 for one night and Camp 2 for three nights. While we are at Camp 2, we will climb up the Lhotse face and touch Camp 3. During our climb to Camp 3, we will be wearing our full body down suits as a test run. The only thing we will be wearing underneath our down suits is long underwear so it will probably feel like we’re climbing in our pajamas.

Today we prepared our loads for the Sherpa to carry to Camp 1/2. Some of it is our summit gear. We have had a nice couple of rest days here at base camp and have been eating well. Some people have been passing the time playing horseshoes and poker, and others (Luke) got a haircut from one of the Sherpa. Gopal, our chef, made me a nice birthday cake the other day. Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes!

Unfortunately one of our team members has gone home due to a non-climbing related injury. He is such a great guy – we are all going to miss him but wish him the best.

Just like on our first rotation, I will not be posting updates so please be sure to check the AAI site. If everything goes as scheduled (which last time it didn’t), we will be back at basecamp on 7 May.

After our second rotation is complete, we are actually going to heli down to Namche for a few days to better recover at lower elevations. We are all looking forward to that. Hot showers, heated beds….can’t wait.