Garduce leaves Camp 4, on way to Everest summit

Romi Garduce now on final assault to Everest summit Romi Garduce has left Camp 4, found at 26,000 feet and the last of four numbered camps en route to the summit of 29,035-foot-high Mt. Everest. Garduce is expected to reach the top of the world’s highest mountain on Friday, between late afternoon and early evening. From Everest Base Camp, found at 17,600 feet, Jiggy Manicad reported live Friday morning that Garduce has not called through satellite phone, indicating that everything is going on as planned. Manicad said Garduce would call if he encountered problems and that if he did not, it would be assumed he has pushed through. In a message sent to GMA 7 Thursday, Romi said the weather was a bit bad but that he was feeling okay and looks forward to the final phase of his Everest journey. It snowed heavily at Base Camp on Thursday but the weather has cleared Friday morning, Manicad reported Romi arrived on Thursday, 2 p.m. (4 p.m. in the Philippines), at Camp 4. From there, he will proceed to the Balcony, a small platform at 27,700 feet, and then through to the perilous South ridge, which is marked by large rocks and waist-deep snow. More unfortunate incidents were reported from Everest with the death of a European climber, bringing to eight the reported number of climbers who have perished in this season's Everest expeditions. One Sherpa guide was reported missing in the South Col ridge. The last obstacle to the summit is the Hillary Step, a 40-foot spur of ice and snow. From there, Garduce will move up to the summit by climbing ropes.-GMANews.TV