Babanov&Koshelenko: returned to start

30.10.2003

Good evening,

Yesterday we returned to our base camp after a four-day leisure in Deboche. During these days, weather was hard here; heavy snowfalls had covered our camp with a thick snow blanket. Mount is booming: there are hurricanes above 6500 m. Nevertheless, we got an optimistic forecast so we are up for a next push to summit. On the 29th of October we are to ascend up to 6200 m, then to 6900 m and, if everything will go fine, on the 31st -1st we'll try to climb Nuptse East summit.

We've recovered, our spirits are high and we are looking forward to climb it. Americans have finished their expedition. On the 25th they were in Deboche, on the 26th in Namche Bazaar and it seems that now they are in Katmandu already. They are nice guys, it's a pity they had ill luck.

There will be no connection with us during our summit bid, but we promise to call you as soon as we are back in a base camp. We hope for victory. Our kindest regards to those who think and pray for us,

Valera and Yura.

Nuptse base camp, 28.10.2003"