This might just happen

Here is the latest:

Team, I know some of you are getting nervous. I don't blame you--hang in there!! Here is the latest: Jangbu says the Ministry has not issued the permits yet for the Everest teams, though they did post this on the NTB website: http://www.welcomenepal.com/brand/mediacenternews.asp

No ban on climbing Himalayas including Everest: MoCTCA The Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation(MoCTCA) issuing a press statement on March 18, 2008 denied the claim that it has suspended the mountaineering expedition to Mt. Everest saying that the dissemination of false information quoting the ministry in this issue has drawn the attention of MoCTCA. MoCTCA in its press statement said that the Ministry has not banned climbing expedition on Mt. Everest and other Himalayan peaks and the policy related to mountaineering expeditions has remained same as previous. Issuing the press statement, Spokesperson of MoCTCA, Joint Secretary Mr. Prem Kumar Rai has requested all media to contact spokesperson of the ministry for the fact before disseminating the information concerning with the Ministry.

It remains our hope/expectation that the permits will be forthcoming. Unfortunately, in Nepal, everything takes a long time! We are proceeding with our plans as if we are going on schedule. We want to be ready to execute the Plan when we get the green light. I will send an update tomorrow, or as soon as we hear something. I know some of you are leaving on Friday. I will keep you posted! Thanks,