The Rest of Everest Episode 033 Climb On!

There Are Butterflies At Everest. It was a long time coming, but the wind has finally calmed down enough for the climb to resume. It's not gone, mind you, but just diminished enough to step outside again and for the team to return to ABC. I have to say that I have really mixed feelings about the climb moving forward. Over the course of the entire windstorm we were all upset about having to hunker down and wait out the weather. Yes, it was a pain to have to sit around and do nothing for days on end. But what I've come to realize is that in some ways it was a very good thing. You see, while we were waiting out the storm, no one was in danger. It was uncomfortable, but it was safe. This morning, Ben and the rest of the team headed out for the journey back to ABC and ultimately the summit push. I filmed this great shot of Ben leaving the Dome tent and walking past our camp in the direction of the mountain. It was a beautiful shot. Just as he was passing the mound of rocks we use as a windbreak I was struck by a heavy realization: I may never see Ben again. The full gravity of the situation hit me like a ton of bricks. I shut off the camera and yelled "Ben, WAIT!" He stopped and turned in my direction as I ran over to him. I gave him a big, solid hug and managed to avoid saying the exact thought running through my head. Don't die, Ben. Don't die up there. We said our goodbye's, he turned around and walked on in his signature determined, focused style. I returned to the empty camp and sat down with Dawa. And then there were three. Just Dawa, me and the butterflies fluttering around in my belly. Jon Miller Total Running Time: 17:00

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Google Video | May 8, 2007

Tags:. .moving. .leaving. .ive. .camera. .shot