Nicholas Rice: Broad Peak Dispatch

2007 Broad Peak Expedition

Dispatch Twenty-five: July 4th, 2007

Day Twenty-Five: Rest Day; Another Climber Injured by Rock Fall

Today, I woke up at 8:00am, called home so I could book my flights to Kathmandu, Nepal for my Shishapangma Expedition in August, had my friend Simon email Monterosa Expeditions Nepal and make them aware of my arrival date, and tied up a few additional loose ends. Afterwards, I went to breakfast, and once again refined my load for my carry up to Camp II and III. I then did some laundry, which took almost an hour, and had lunch. After lunch, I once again read my book for a few hours, helped Carlos figure out a solution to the situation that had come up; he had brought two left boots for the summit. Afterwards, I came to find that yet another climber had fallen victim to the rock fall that was so common on Broad Peak. This climber had been hit by a VERY large rock in the leg. It became lodged in his calf, which was basically gone, and had to be removed by the Italian doctor. The bone was exposed and was fractured. The climber, however, was in good spirit, laughing and talking to the doctor. A true testament to his strength and courage. The major called for a helicopter, but thanks to some beaurocratic mix-ups, it had to be postponed till tomorrow morning. I had a quick dinner, and went to bed.