Update 1300:   Contact has been established!  

Just heard from Mike Spetko.  He called from the direct line of Bissett Base Camp.  Just know all are safe and finally homeward bound. If you hear from anyone, please respond to all and let us know what you have heard. It helps makes us all feel connected.  Cell phones may not be working there so it may be 4-6 hours before you get a personal call. At the time of the call,  Mike was the only one transported due to the fact they wanted to get the group leaders out to start making arrangements to get everyone home. The others are being flown out as soon as the float planes get to the site.. 

The plan at the moment is for the group to stay at a hotel in Winnipeg this evening in order to make a very early flight tomorrow.  No word on additional fees, etc.  Hopefully, these guys will all look so pitiful no one won’t charge them for anything and feed them dinner, too!  

Thanks to Mrs. Stokes, United is aware of the situation and has reserved seats for our entire group on flight 6757 out of Winnipeg at 0651 in the morning connecting to flight 554 out of Chicago arriving in Atlanta at 4:14 tomorrow afternoon.  The flight is due to arrive at gate T13 so the group will not be coming up the escalators. If yesterday was any indication, baggage will come to carousel 5.

 In order to meet the group when they come out, go to the North Terminal as far left as you can to the glass wall in front of the American Airlines ticket counter.  This is where the arriving passengers will come through.  Fortunately, the time from arrival and when they come out is substantially shortened since they don’t have to ride the train and come up the escalators.  Also, track the flight in case it arrives early or there are any gate changes.   

The flight was 20 minutes early yesterday.  Here is a good link to get updates to your phone or blackberry with notifications.  It is more accurate than the United flight notification.  http://www.flighttracker.com/

Mrs. Stokes and I will stay in contact with you all as final arrangements are made.  Please call me if you think of anything else. 

Carol