Mark Tucker, Expedition Leader

Dear Climbers and Friends,

I am proud to say that once again we are going back to the Big E! While this annual adventure may take place over a couple months each spring, it represents a lot more time and effort than that. For our climbers, who have dreamed of this moment for years, saved their hard earned money and even harder earned vacation time, it is a great example of "walking the talk." It is easy to talk about trying Everest, but to really do what is necessary to take a shot, it is a big deal.

For our IMG staff, both at home and in Nepal, it has been equally a challenge organizing the team and doing the logistics. We are proud to say we have a great group of climbers for 2006 supported by an outstanding team of Sherpas.

Joining them for the first part of the trip are a handful of trekkers, Island Peak climbers, and Khumbu Icefall climbers. I am looking forward to meeting everyone in Kathmandu next week and trekking up to Namche Bazaar for our big Sherpa meeting. Over the next months you'll hear from Tucker, Jangbu, Hahn and me as we tell the story of the climb. I hope you enjoy it!

Eric Simonson
IMG Himalayan Programs Director

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