David Lim: Elbrus 2003

David Lim is best known in Asia and abroad for leading the 1st Singapore Mt Everest Expedition in 1998 which succeeded in placing two members on the summit. The climb captured the imagination of the entire country and helped reset the parameters of what could be achieved by the small and flat island nation. A week after returning from Everest, he experienced a life-and-death struggle with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a serious nerve disorder. The disorder totally paralyzed and hospitalized him for six months. David is now partially disabled as a result.

ELBRUS DISPATCHES: Just found an internet terminal (2 months old) near my hotel. Primitive and slow but it works. It's been raining for 2 days and we have been having some cold and wet acclimatisation. We just spent 2 nights at about 3000m up the Jankom glacier near the Adyl-Su peaks; about 15km from where I am based in the Baksan valley. Some interesting snow trekking and just keeping dry was a challenge!

Elbrus has just had a plastering of 30 cm of snow and we are spending (maybe) a day to wait for better weather. Folks are bailing from the area although I am sure some will tough it out if they are on a tight schedule A possible schedule for us:

Rest at Baksan valley

11 Summit push to 4300m, near the Garabashi/Diesel Huts

12 Acclimatisation hike to Pashtukov rocks 4800m

13 Rest day

14 Summit day

We have the 15 and 16 as spare days.

So far, all is well although Russian security and related checks are irksome and an eye opener to traveling in this varied and fascinating country.

Food is typically Russian - creamy salads, sour cabbage, meat ( and more meat ) and lunch today had some stewed veal on offer. Great black bread

Dave

Dispatches

 

Altitech2: Digital Altimeter, Barometer, Compass and Thermometer. Time/Date/Alarms. Chronograph with 24 hour working range. Timer with stop, repeat and up function. Rotating Bezel. Leveling bubble. Carabiner latch. E.L. 3 second backlight. Water resistant. 4" x 2-1/4" x 3/4" 2 oz. Requires 1 CR2032 battery. See more here.

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