I am currently lying in my sleeping bag at base camp listening to the rain drops falling on my tent. It has been incredibly warm and when I came down from camp 3 on Friday I had to take off my warm jacket – even though it was only 5.30am when I started descending from 7,000m.
I have felt good all along and even though eating and drinking is still a struggle for me higher up, it hasn’t been a problem and I have been able to keep up with other climbers.
The ropes on broad peak have now been fixed to 7000m and there have been rumours that someone summited a couple of days ago. However, when Nick – one other member – and I were at Camp 3 we didn’t see anyone going up or coming down.
Apparently there is quite a lot of snow at the Col at about 7,400m and it certainly needs a lot man or womanpower to get through the snow up there – especially in these incredibly warm temperatures, which make climbing the mountain more of a challenge. So at the moment it’s the usual thing of hurry up and wait, however, as I know a lot of people at both base camps of K2 and Broad Peak I guess I can get through a few cups of tea at various camps and have a chat.
At this very moment I am not quite sure when we will head for the summit but word has it that many teams will go for 23 or 24 July. As all our Sherpas are busy preparing the Cessen route on K2 and all other members apart from Nick and I focus on the second highest mountain in the world, I will mostly be doing my own thing. However, it is fine as our Pakistani high altitude porters have been helping me and Nick to set up out camps at camp 2 and 3.
However, it’s still a long way to the summit from there so please keep your fingers crossed that weather, conditions and health will be favourable to reach the summit of this beautiful mountain. Having said that – I have already experienced amazing moments up there and as so often, I feel very grateful for being able to be here and absorb views only so few people are allowed to see.
Dear Billi!
Never forget your energetic lecture in Iran.
I follow your steps and keeping my finger crossed,hoping you health and safe reaching the summit.
Take care and good luck :*
Fingers crossed and be safe. Much love.
Amazing friend, up you go again! May everything work out as you wish. I shall be thinking of you. Much love Viv
wir wünschen Dir, dass alles gut wird ,dass Du durchhältst, dass das Wetter mitmacht und der liebe Gott auf Dich aufpasst dickes Bussi
all fingers and feets are strongly crossed dearBilli !!!!!
Hi Billi. On a crappy English summer morning in the drizzle with too many work problems it is fantastic to be transported to your micro world up there. Take care and enjoy.