(9:05 PM - Nepal Time) “While descending, mid-way between Camp 2 and Camp 1, we crossed the paths of Inaki and Horia who had teamed up with Alexei Bolotov. Alexi is the Russian climber that I so enjoyed climbing the South Face with. Just a week earlier he  had reached the top of Annapurna East.

 

As we parted company - Inaki and co. headed up, Dan and I heading down - I expressed my best wishes to the three of them; for their ascent, summit bid and for their safe return. I will continue to hope for their success. It was mid afternoon when we finally arrived back in Base Camp, this time with heavier packs. Earlier we had stopped to retrieve the  last of our gear from Camp 1.”

 (6:45 AM - Nepal Time) While sitting at Camp 2 and looking toward the South Face, Don expressed "The mountain before me looms even bigger than before. In spite of being up for the challenge as well as feeling physically strong, the probability of me solo summiting this route is very low. The possibility for success is even lower under the current blanket of fresh heavy snow. Taking this into consideration, here ends my 2008 Annapurna Expedition! Let's just pray that Dan and I get down to Base Camp without incident."

  (8:50 AM - Nepal Time) A perfectly still night spent at Camp 2 was punctuated by roars of avalanches.  As for yesterday: The going was a little tough in poor conditions. Very soft snow on the ground with heavy loads made for slow progress. We arrived at camp around 1 pm. Again, I felt strong and thankful that I'm already acclimatized for a higher altitude. Our packs are beefed up as we need more than a weeks worth of supplies. The plan is Dan would hold the fort here at Camp 2 and I would go solo, taking the same line that I climbed together with the Russian team.  My only reservation is the amount of avalanche activity. With the occasional break in the clouds we've glimpsed their expanse following what appears to be my intended climbing route. With the forecast of more snow we will sit tight and wait the day out. Let's see what tomorrow brings.

(9:08 PM - Nepal Time) Dan & I are at Camp 1. The last of the Russian team passed us on their way down. They are tired but in good spirits. Climbing was done in overcast conditions with light snow. There has been no wind. It appears as though a light system has stalled over us. Earlier we enjoyed dinner. Presently we're boiling water before turning in for the night. Tomorrow we continue to Camp 2.