Everest Attempt. A Belgian expedition consisted of Alain Hubert, leader, Eugène Berger, Bertrand Borrey, Guido Cadoen, Jacques Collaer, Vincent Dewaele, Jean Philippe Perikel and Pierre Soetè. They had hoped to climb Everest’s northwest face by the Japanese and Hombein Couloirs. The climbers reached Advance Base at 5500 meters on August 2 and Camp I at 6000 meters on August 12. It was still two hours from Camp I to the base of the face. They were never able to establish Camp II at 7400 meters but did make a supply dump at 7200 meters. The monsoon hung on later than usual and prevented progress. They called off the attempt on September 7.