UPDATE:
The team all made the summit according to a quick call I received from IMG and they’re already posting the summit team on the website. I wish them all my best and quick, safe descent. Well deserved! The summit team includes 26 in all:
- Mr. Shannon Bruce Dailey, USA
- Mr. Michael Joseph Moniz, USA
- Ms. Heidi Sand, GERMANY
- Mr. Kumaran S/O Rasappan, REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE
- Mr. Lars Sune Haugen, NORWAY
- Mr. Vadim Prudnikovs, LATVIA
- Ms. Olga Kotova, LATVIA
- Mr. Maximilien Peter Bunce, USA
- Mr. Robert Allen Berger Jr., USA
- Mr. James Emory Field IV, USA
- Mr. Craig Lewis Hanneman, USA
- Mr. David Israel Pastor Refizo, MEXICO
- Sanduk Dorji Tamang, Pangboche
- Da Rita Sherpa, Phortse
- Chhewang Lendu Sherpa, Phortse
- Mingma Tenzing Sherpa, Phortse
- Phunuru Sherpa, Phortse
- Nuru Gyalzen Sherpa, Phortse
- Danuru Sherpa, Phortse
- Dawa Finjhok Sherpa, Dolkha
- Phutashi Sherpa, Pangboche
- Mingma Chhiring Sherpa, Phortse
- Phurba Ongyal Sherpa, Pangboche
- Ang Karma Sherpa, Phortse
- Karma Dorji Sherpa, Phortse
- Ang Chhiring (Kami) Sherpa, Pangboche
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At least I can report some great news. This is from the IMG website:
The first IMG climbers are reaching the summit now, and the rest are not too far back. Conditions are excellent. The eastern sky is just starting to get some color. It’s going to be a fantastic sunrise up there this morning. We’ll post the complete summit list once everyone gets up there, and we have a chance to send the list to the Ministry of Tourism (which gets notified first, per the regulations).
http://www.mountainguides.com/everest-south12.shtml
I have absolute confidence in the team’s ability and fortitude and expect that they’ll all summit and descend safely. And then in the next day or so find themselves celebrating in the relative safety of Everest Base Camp. I will continue watching with an eagle’s eye until that very scenario plays out.
Also, as I wrote in response to so many nice notes/comments from yesterday: Thank you for all of the very nice comments. I’m extremely lucky to have such a great group of friends/family/supporters. It means the world to me and certainly makes coming home all the sweeter and the disappointment easier to digest. I’ll certainly recover from this and turn the page (likely, much sooner than later, especially with your help) and move on to new adventures (whatever form they may take).
Path to Everest 
Hey Bro- I know you’re disappointed. We’re thinking about you. We’ve gotten so wrapped up in your updates my whole family was bummed this morning when I read them the latest. See you soon. KK
Jim,
Sorry the gods were not with you, but as they say, iits all about the journey. Hope you are feeling better.
Mike Ross
You da man! We love you.
Caroline, Mike and Will
As difficult as it is, you made the right decision….life will bring more opportunities. Maureen and Jeff
Congratulations on the attempt Jim from friends of friends in UAE ( I hear Atte achieved the summit earlier this month – a fin but climbing under the UAE flag) your achievement is still more than most could ever consider, and sometimes it takes a stronger character to do what is best for themselves and the rest of the team. Glad you are well and there will be other chances. I hear RumDoodle is good this time of year!
The Reilly’s have enjoyed following all your adventures these many years. Your wrtings have made us feel like we were on the journey’s with you. Whatever you chose for your next adventure, keep writing. Remember, experience is not what happens to an individual, but rather what the individual does with what happens to him.
Jim,
Everyone at Coohills misses you and can’t wait until you come back and hang out at the bar with us again! Your party on the 15th is going to be awesome!!! We hope you are feeling good and strong, and with no feelings of regret or disappointment. There are so many opportunities that the future will bring!
Diane, Tom and the Coohills Staff
Jim,
This is Heather, one of Carla’s friends. I am so proud of you and your accomplishments! I am exceptionally proud of your wisdom to make the painful decision you made. Your thought process takes into consideration not only yourself, but those around you, your climbing team. You are an amazing athlete and although things did not work out as planned, you remained a true mountaineer, making stellar mountaineering decisions. Travel safe back to Colorado to the awaiting arms of all those who know and love you so dearly!
Heather Soistmann
Can’t wait to talk to you about the trip when you return. Hope you’re well.
Jim: I wrote you a few lines at the end of your post for 5/25 – not looking forward to see that there was a 5/26.
Hope you are recovering well.
Mary Pat