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The
Singapore- Latin American Everest Expedition
2001
The
Singapore- Latin American Everest Expedition
2001 was conceived in August 1999 with a view of
combining Singapore climbers and climbers from
several Latin American countries. The objective was two-fold: One, to raise the level
of high altitude mountaineering amongst
Singapore climbers, and two, to forge new
friendships and explore the possibilities of
more climbing in Latin America.
These
two issues have some importance to us since many
people in Singapore viewed the success of the
1st Singapore Mt Everest Expedition in 1998 (via
the South Col route) as a 'one-off' event, when
mountaineering is about striving for higher
quality routes. We're building on this
experience. Singapore itself has no real
mountains with the highest geographical
point only being 168m!
The
other challenges, such as coordinating and raising
funds from both sides of the Pacific were enormous.
Climbers have dropped out owing to these financial
pressures and the team now comprises:
Mr.
David Lim - Leader
Mr. Wilfred Tok Beng Cheong
Mr. Mohd Rozani bin Maarof
Mr. Gil Francisco Piekarz ( Brazil )
Mr. Wong Ting Sern (Basecamp/Technical Officer).
Since
the climb's inception, we've climbed as a group or in
smaller sub-teams on Aconcagua, TienShan peaks
(Kazakstan) and in Chile. We will be climbing the
North Ridge on Everest and will be in Kathmandu from
the 3rd week of March.
Regards,
David Lim Leader, Singapore Everest Expeditions 1998,
2001
Dispatch
Two 5/7/2001: The
Singapore-Latin American Everest Expedition 2001
members are now all back at base camp. Owing to
illnesses in the past 2 weeks, we have been unable to
all acclimatize at the same pace. Gil and David spent
2 night at North Col with a foray higher up to 7300m.
Rozani a week later climbed to the Col and also
climbed higher, to 7500 meters. Both acclimatisation
forays were stymied by harsh winds and snow
conditions. On both occasions, the teams had intended
to climb to at least 7600 meters or thereabouts in
preparation for a summit push. However, time left
remaining and the added strain to fit in another
acclimatisation cycle means we will be going to the
summit on our next climb uphill. The summit push is
anticipated to begin on May 10/11. Beng Cheong, our
4th climbing member is out of the running for the
upcoming summit bid owing to various upper respiratory
tract problems. It's a waiting game now. My hunch is
everyone is position are really waiting for the
American team to make the big move. To date, sherpas
and members from this team have been at the forefront
at pushing the fixed line uphill. Cheeerio, David Lim
Expedition leader.
Dispatch
One: The
Singapore-Latin American Everest Expedition returned
to BC yesterday after a foray 21km up the East Rongbuk
glacier. We spent 2 days at ABC (6500m) as part of our
acclimatisation cycle. Rozani and Gil are doing
great and going well. We'll rest up 5 days here at BC
recovering from the usual head colds etc. It's getting
busy at base camp RONGBUK with large teams from
Russia, Colombia and Australia making their presence
felt. The weather has been clear and cold but a cloudy
front will persist for the next few days.
Regards
David Lim Leader Singapore Latin American Expedition
2001
