It finally stopped snowing at about 2000 last night but the temperature dropped like a stone. At 0600 this morning at Base Camp it was -3C inside the tent and -10c outside. One can only guess how cold it was at Camps 1 and 2 another 1000 and 1500 metres higher respectively but it was likely to be in the region of -15c and -20c. At the 0700 Radio check both teams reported that they intended to return to Base Camp today due to the severe conditions, the fact that the snow was about 18 inches deep and they had achieved much of what they had set out to do. However, the Camp 1 team, including the Sherpas, would first do a carry to Camp 2 which would deliver all the outstanding loads for that Camp. That would be a job well done but would undoubtedly mean a long tiring day for the team.

John Doyle's team arrived at Base Camp just after lunchtime with their appearance reflecting the hard work they had put in establishing the route to Camp 3 during the last week. They only just had the strength to eat the egg and chips which our chef Surya had prepared specially for them. During the descent from Camp 2 to Camp 1 Dave Bunting decided to test the safety rope over the large crevasse just before Camp 1. Fortunately it proved man enough for the job! Andy Hughes team arrived at Base Camp at 1700 after a very hard day, indeed a very hard few days getting Camp 2 fully stocked. All the teams were highly delighted to receive our first big mail delivery which included mail as recent as mid April including a consignement of T Shirts and Hats from Pittards Leather Company and their partner Lundhags the boot manufacturers.

We rang Lieutenant Dick Stevens at the FWOC this morning for the weather forecast until 8 May. The next three days are likely to be reasonable so the "DHL" team, who are champing at the bit to be allowed out at the front of the expedition, are going up to Camp 1 in the morning and from there will push on and establish a better footprint at Camp 3.