K2 Tall Mountain Expedition
 
 
The team reached base camp on Thursday and has been busy sorting gear and getting things set up since then. They have 11 tents set up – three more than they anticipated since Karakoram Magic Mountains supplied three extra tents they didn’t expect. The porters have started their return journey. Chuck said it was quite hectic to manage paying about 80 guys, while Dave was occupied at base camp and Andy was fighting the ‘intestinal jihad’ they’ve all experienced at one time or another. They have a support team of 5 guys including a cook, a cook’s helper, a high-altitude porter, and two others who seem to be friends of the cook. The base camp is at an altitude of 4860 meters, or about 15,000 ft. They have a spectacular view of K2 so they are looking at it every day while they get ready to climb Broad Peak. It has been snowing on and off for the last two days, with little accumulation at camp, but some new snow at higher altitudes. Looks like favorable conditions are developing for skiing down. The weather looks like it will break and they hope to head to the base of the route on Sunday, or if the weather’s still unstable, they will hike to the K2 base camp to check it out and help them acclimatize. So far, the weather has been better than average according to the locals. They witnessed an avalanche coming off of K2 – a reminder of the need to pay close attention to the conditions and make sure the snowpack is stable. The base camp scene isn’t the circus that it is at Everest, but they aren’t alone. There are five other expeditions set up in the same area – about 100 people. The mountains are a common ground for many cultures and climbing is a common bond. They have had a great time on the hike in, and at base camp, with the Balti’s making music and dancing. They are using the gear barrels for drums. The team has been talking and socializing with Norwegians and Iranians as well as the Pakistani’s. There is also a Russian team there that they may eventually get to know.
 
Arrives at Broad Peak Base Camp
Saturday, June 28, 2008