2021 Everest Summit attempts appear to be starting

I've been watching the news from many of the expeditions. It appears that some are now starting their summit bids. So far, I've seen news that Kenton Cool, a British guide who has summited Everest 14 times, is guiding a client and is on his way up. Also, the Bahrain expedition--which includes a Bahraini Prince--left Everest Base Camp this morning to start their summit trip. 

Their plan is:

• May 7 - Camp 2
• May 8 - Rest at Camp 2
• May 9 - Camp 3
• May 10 - Camp 4
• May 11 - summit attempt

They shared a video of their team leaving base camp this morning. (I guess the prince does not wear a crown on his helmet because I can't identify him in this video!)

I read a description from Alan Arnette about the ritual as they leave Base Camp:

As climbers leave for their summit bid, the Sherpas light juniper boughs that produce a thick smoke. You walk up to the alter with the smoke, and wave the smoke over yourself three times. Standing still for a moment, you go deep in thought about the upcoming effort – it is a very private personal moment. And then you swiftly leave your base camp home knowing the next week will be the toughest physical, and perhaps mental, challenge of your life.

It all starts feeling so real seeing these teams set off, doesn't it?

There is also a Sherpa rope-setting team that is always the first to summit as they set the ropes to the top. They are expected to summit any day, if they haven't already. That team is lead by Kami Rita Sherpa who holds the record for the most Everest summits: 24. The climb he is on right now will be his 25th!