Post 5: Camp 1 Canada 16,000ft

We make it to camp 1 Canada today and after reading my last few posts I thought I would add this especially once the effects of the high altitude take over I will sound like a crazy person.  

I was very negative about the cold and wind,my aches and pains, I know what I am getting into and love every minute of the trip.  I sounded like I was complaining too much and not sharing the beauty of what is around me.

The push to the summit comes in 3 high camps and a long summit push day, these high altitude peaks come with more pain and more beauty than anyone could ever imagine.  Hope didn't paint a bad picture since my next 5 days are without Comunications and haven't been able to post many pictures showing the good.

We are expecting a storm while acclimatization and walk to camp 2 and 3 will bring a few inches of new snow.  The temps are getting colder as we go up but they also are much better than last few weeks.  Camp is clearing many frustrateed teams defending from high camps beat up less than 1 in 10 are making it to the top many falling short of camp 3.  Most driven by bad timing with weather on the summit push they have to make the decision to rest, restock and make another attempt or start their 20 mile walk out. My tent is by the com tent and I hear it all.

We also give up our dome tent and meals together with rest of the team.  The next few days we stay in 2 man tents and when we get out we start walking when we stop we go back to our tents to get ready for tomorrow, cook our dehydrated meals, and get ahead of the cold night.  We don't start until 10 am except summit day that starts at 3am.  My tent is the envy of all.  We have solar panels and a IPad with all seasons of Dexter and Fargo loaded. 

I am now with pencil and paper write my notes for this blog.  The talk around the dome is about everything science, politics, religion but mostly about the mountain.  Other than the g outchos maybe? I am the least educated of the group executives, engineers, 3 surgeons If I need bones set, lung transplant, or a boob job I have the team.