Upper Everest looms across the South Col (26,300') on an uncharacteristically perfect weather day in 1994. The Triangular face crests at the false summit of the Balcony (27,500') which is the first part of the summit bid route. (Plumes visible in this photo indicate high winds above.) At this altitude, sleep is elusive, eating almost impossible, and the body has begun to shut down. From here on, climbers want to move as fast as possible to minimize their stay in what is commonly referred to as the Death Zone -- listen for the difficult breathing in audio from here and higher on the mountain. Even talking is hard.