May 19, 1999

Corfield Summits

(Note: Nationalgeographic.com does not research or edit dispatches.)

Hello, just wanted to pass on the good news:

Everest Summit: 5/18, 1:00 p.m.: Charles Corfield, Nima Tashi, Dawa Sonam, and Tsewang Nima.

Nuptse Summit: 5/18, 11:35 a.m.: Pete Athans (solo).

The team is descending to Camp II today, and the Sherpas are clearing Everest Camps III and IV. Pete has called an end to a very successful expedition! All members should be returning to Base Camp by 5/20. Sherpas will be clearing Camps I & II during the next few days and the team plans to depart Base Camp 5/22. More to follow upon Charles and Pete's return to Base Camp!

—Terry O’Connor