Over the next two days, the Maltese Everest 14 team will be covering 25 kilometres and some 1,350 metres in altitude, days after the deadliest disaster on the world’s highest peak.

Gregory Attard, who is leading the team which will attempt to become the first from Malta to summit from the north ridge route in Tibet, wrote that “the wait is finally over”.

“We will try to make the advanced base camp as comfortable as possible as this will be our main base from where we will launch all future ‘assaults’ on the mountain.

“Nothing is comfortable at 6,400 metres. This is 500 metres higher than the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Any activity is discouragingly difficult, nights are cold and sleepless and we will all leave our appetite behind.”

Some 2.5 tonnes of food and equipment will follow the team along the magnificent Rongbuk glacier, carried by a train of 25 yaks, Dr Attard added.

“Yesterday, Everest put up a show for us. A lenticular cloud covered the windswept summit all day. This is no ordinary cloud; it signifies very high winds on the summit.

“The jet stream hasn’t shifted yet, a stark reminder that we will be granted a shot at the summit only when, and if, the Lady decides.”

We will be granted a shot at the summit only when, and if, the Lady decides

Together with Matthew Xerri, Douglas Barbaro Sant and Raphael Fenech Adami, Dr Attard was shaken by disaster when a massive avalanche swept over a group of Sherpa guides off the west shoulder of Everest, killing 16.

The ice falls claim lives every year but never has there been a tragedy of such a magnitude.

“There is no question that we are somewhat shocked and shaken, the tragedy is too close for comfort. However, the climb continues,” Dr Attard had written.

“And when the climb is done we will go home, numb the past and eventually force ourselves to forget about the fallen and occasionally look back and remember how memorable our climb has been.”

He said last week’s tragedy will be analysed and dissected but no conclusions will be drawn.

“Climbers will still flock to the most sought- after peaks, pay ridiculous amounts of money to climb, and Sherpas will still risk life and limb to have a piece of the pie. Is this right? I don’t know – what I know is that the people doing the work and risking it all should be the ones drawing most benefit from this business.”

The team is raising funds for Id-Dar tal-Providenza. The target sum is €30,000 – €1 for every foot they climb. To donate, visit www.everest14.com/charity.

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