After two months at altitude attempting summits of Everest and Makalu back-to-back, First Ascent guide Melissa Arnot reflects on her and David Morton’s expedition in the Himalaya.

First Ascent guides David Morton and Melissa Arnot discuss why they turned back from a summit attempt on Mount Everest at Camp 4.

Hi there, it’s David and Melissa calling to check in from Camp 2 on our way up for the summit bid on Everest. We’re resting, and we’ve had nice weather at Camp 2 today.

Story by Melissa Arnot When this trip started in April, I knew I would have to work exceptionally hard to stay mentally motivated for the goals ahead. As Dave and I flew out of Makalu Base Camp (one of the most amazingly beautiful experiences of my life) I mentally buckled down

Story and photo by David Morton Spectacular. Absolutely spectacular. Just can’t say enough about that helicopter flight. We landed in Everest base camp a few hours ago. 

Story by Melissa Arnot and David Morton; photos by David Morton Melissa: It is sometime between 7 and 9 p.m. Today, May 20, we carried our camp up to our highest resting point, Camp 4 at 7,600 meters. This is as high as I have slept without oxygen, and I am feeling the effects. 

Story by Melissa Arnot; photos by David Morton The waiting game is not one I am good at. It seems that all the nervous energy of an entire expedition can be pushed into the days preceding a summit attempt.