Alan is currently at Camp 4 (25.2K') and will be making the summit bid tonight. The plan is to ascend 3000 feet to the summit, then return all the way down to Camp 2. The weather appears stable and avalanches have not been a major factor so far, which is a very good sign. The biggest concern on this next push is the avalanche danger around the Bottleneck serac, which contributed heavily to the 11 climbers lost in 2008, as well as other past expeditions. And, of course, the ever-present trickiness of downclimbing a beast like K2 while cold and exhausted.

Alan sounds strong and confident, which is a relief as he was suffering quite a bit last week during one of the rotations. He was exhibiting doubts at that point, but now appears eager and ready for tonight's marathon.

And tomorrow will be Alan's 58th birthday.

Climb on, Alan!

Last edited by Bulldog34; 07/26/14 07:52 AM. Reason: Added birthday note