|
 Wednesday
May 8th: Due to a heavy storm, the entire
team was forced to return to camp ABC. They
will rest for a few days before doing
another attempt.
Monday
May 5th: The weather window (a series of
days when the sky clears to allow an attempt
at reaching the summit) has arrived earlier
this year. Regretfully I watch the members
of the other expeditions leave the advanced
base camp to take advantage of this
short-lived period. This morning I could see
a few dots climbing to the summit. I think
it's a team from Singapore. Three of my
climbing companions (J, S, MD) have reached
C3 and if the sunny weather keeps up, they
will be setting off tonight to make a first
attempt. The two other members have reached
C1. I am suffering from a serious case of
sinusitis, which is impossible to cure at
this height. The solitude in the advanced
base camp is almost unbearable.
Saturday
May 4th: I don't have the words to describe
how I'm feeling at the moment: I have
decided to call off the climb. When I was
planning this expedition I was often
assailed by thoughts about not being good
enough to climb the mountains or strong
enough to face up to the natural elements.
But the thought never struck me that I would
have to "drop out" because of
health reasons. Owing to feelings of
impotent frustration I'm coming down in
record time. For my own peace of mind,
calling off the expedition is certainly NOT
the best decision, but it is the most
reasonable one. That is what I promised to
those back home who are lending me their
support.
|
