Chomolungma—Ascent and Descent Summary and Analysis

This major section describes Messner's solo assault on Everest. The meeting of the storm fronts has caused a suspension in the monsoon and Messner is acclimatized now. He realizes he cannot preplan or rehearse this unpredictable climb. Nena writes that she, too, is ready, and she feels now that she understands Messner better. He is a sensitive man behind a rough shell, and she loves traveling with him. As they pack, Messner thinks about scientific reading he has done on Himalayan weather. Excerpts from that material, define monsoon wind systems and indicate that shifting winds can cause an interruption of up to two weeks in the summer monsoon. Messner is convinced that the break has arrived. They hike to 6,000 meters and discover that their tent from their previous visit is still standing. They...