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2008 K2 and Broad Peak Expedition

Dispatch Fifty-nine: July 28th 2008

Day Fifty-nine: SUMMIT PUSH-Climb from Base Camp to Camp II

This morning, I woke up at 4:00am, triple checked that I had all my equipment packed for my summit push; there would be no turning back now. I went down at 4:30am and had breakfast with Hugues and Karim. They headed off as usual, early, so I returned to my tent to again ensure that I hadn’t neglected to pack any critical pieces of gear. I started walking towards the base of the route slowly at almost 6:00am. I caught up with Gerard, who was now deciding whether to go with the main group for the summit or go the following day with Mark after having an argument with Wilco the night before. He finally decided not to let the argument hinder his chances at the summit and continued up toward Camp I with the rest of us. I continued up the familiar steep icy route to Camp I, and upon arriving, was horrified to find out that the crows had broken into my cache in Camp I and taken all my food that I was saving for my summit bid. I took the few items that the birds had neglected, and continued up toward camp II. Two hours later, I arrived, quite tired, as I was carrying quite a lot of equipment. I joined Hugues, Baig, and Karim in their tent, and we shared some food and a few hot drinks. Hugues told me that Baig and Karim would share my Bibler tent tonight and Hugues and I would stay together in the Mountain 25 tent (much roomier). I of course agreed, and we settled into the tent. The evening was quite windy, yet I was able to get a very good night’s sleep.

 

In Photos:

Left: The Base of the Cesan Route; below Camp I

Right: The Cesan Route just below Camp II