5/7/2007 7:26:04 AM -- Day Log
    May 7
    The team is stretched from base camp to Camp IV doing various chores getting ready for the big push. As an extra bonus, we might get to do medical testing at Camp III. This is a special treat as it was hard to predict if Dr. Scott McIntosh could acclimate quickly enough to get that high up on the mountain to keep up with the Sherpas. Obviously he is in great shape and highly motivated to conduct his research at even higher altitudes than those planned for Camp II. We are beginning to sort through initial data and it appears that there are major differences between Sherpas and Westerners that we will be able to discuss scientifically in the very near future. Several studies are being conducted and as there are only three studies to date that only partially cover our research we are looking forward to some interesting data that is new and valuable. Areas of initial interest deal with dramatically different hydration mechanisms and the Sherpa ability to withstand altitude-induced anorexia. Jerry has been filling in for Staci doing the nutrition studies.
    SuperSherpas base camp
   

5/6/2007 8:44:43 AM -- To read a story about Apa and the expedition in Sunday's Salt Lake Tribune visit Sherpas climb

5/6/2007 8:41:36 AM -- From the Contact Everest File:
    Hi
    Watching your progress with great interest. With 48 teams on Mt. Everest is this effecting your route plans and actual climbing.
    During Peter Hillary's ( son of Sir Edmund) successful ascent there were so many climbers from other teams attached to his teams rope, at times, he could not move !.
    Peter Mutton, Yes also a New Zealander
    Brisbane,Australia.
   
   Dear Peter,
    Yes, you are absolutely correct in recognizing the problems that 45 teams presents. Luckily Apa and Lhakpa Gelu are very seasoned veterans familiar with the problems that will occur when over 500 people try to reach the summit from the South Side.
    Apa has reached the summit so many times that he knows each and every step on the route. He can do it in the dark without a headlamp. He is certainly a wise Everest Summiteer! Lhakpa is incredibly strong and even descended the Hillary steps by holding onto to other climber's jackets without the use of a fixed line to complete his speed record. There really is an art to summitting Mt. Everest and for us our incredibly experienced team is at the top of their game.
    By the by - our visit with "Sir Ed" was fabulous. What an incredible national hero for both New Zealand and Nepal.
    Sincerely,
   SuperSherpas Everest Expedition base camp