Friday 9:46 pm local time (12:46 pm EST). All three American climbers have arrived at Camp 4. They are tired but safe. Tomorrow they will finish descending to Base Camp. They have been told of the extraordinary outpouring of well wishes, congratulations and admiration, and are measurably grateful for the love and support you have shown them throughout this truly shared summit experience. Stay tuned for more details.

Ed. Note:

I am continually amazed by all of the emails I have received, through four different accounts, since very early this morning. You are all amazing. Thank you.

I have attempted to convey to the Team, via Joel in BC, all of the missives as an outpouring of sentiment including "get down safely", "congratulations", "best wishes", "my prayers are with you" and "way to go on an international effort".

Some of the more colorful excerpts:

"I have been burning juniper (Himalayan tradition for safety for the climbers) and sending prayers to the Mountain Gods."

"I am on the edge of my seat reading this...nominate [them] to the United Nations".

Similarly: "It is exciting to hear of the international composition of the summit push team...it's the way we should solve many of our problems today."

"...perfect blend of caution and drive is in the best tradition of American mountaineering."

"YOU ARE A STUD!  Now, don't do anything crazy on the way down..."

Prior to the Summit: "I've got the Rosary beads working."

"Godspeed from ExWeb!"

And simply "unbelievable...." 

Lastly, a special thanks to one reader for telling me to go and get some coffee.

Chris Everett