K2 – Gut feel
High winds and lots of snow have prevented climbing up to Camp 3. Instead, a few of us went down the glacier to Broad Peak Base Camp. On the way back, I walked pass the remains of a human torso – decomposed ribs and a spine. I covered it with rocks. A few weeks ago at the base of the route, there was a decomposing foot protruding from the moraine. Tunc photographed it, covered it with rock and we went climbing. I never wrote about for avoidance of morbid curiosity but I have not been able to block it out of my mind.
I really enjoyed the climbing and expedition but the presence of death here is overwhelming. As magnificent as this great wilderness and K2 is, I have to listen to my gut feel. Michael’s death, the foot and the corpse have affected me. It’s time to call it a day. And so I have withdrawn from the expedition.
15 cms of snow fell in the night and the weather has deteriorated. Over the next few days, I will trek the 100 km back to Askole. It should take about 3 days.
Tunc Findik has also announced that he is leaving the expedition. This is sad news. Tunc told me the reason for his withdrawal from K2 is that he’s been listening to his inner voice and that K2 does not feel right for him now. I’ve enjoyed Tunc and we have become good friends. He’s strong, quiet and the most experienced climber in the group. He’s put a lot of effort into the climb and I wish him well as he moves onto to Gasherbrum II as part of his 14 x ‘8000 meters’ quest. “All the best Klaus – I’ll miss you mate”.
I’d like to thank you all for your support and hope to see you in South Africa soon. All the best. Sean.
Goodbye K2
Tags: K2, Sean Wisedale
Hey Sean it takes a bigger man to make a decision like you have than to climb K2 safe trip home Mike Weston
Look forward to seeing you back in SA at Jolly’s, when it gets warmer, do not stop in Jhbg it is too damn cold! The surf is waiting and travel safe. Chris and the chakarinet team
Right decision, Sean. When the inner voice talks we must listen. So often I, and people I know, have avoided trauma by listening.
Look forward to seeing your film of the trip.
Dave.
Hi Sean
Was wonderfull to follow your steps around K2. We pray for a safe trip home. Perhaps one day you can join us with a mighty men breakfast in Roodepoort. Arnold Smith
Well done Sean!! You did great!!
I believe that you have made the right decision. We are very proud of you!! Have a safe journey and take care
Howzat Wiseman,
Glad to know you’re safely on your way home, having done another successful mission. You’re the only one who would know when to call it a day, and when the gut speaks we must listen(especially for a druk
. Safe travels brutha, look forward to hearing story 1st hand. Proud of you. Heinrich.
Hi Sean
I am sure you have made the right decision as your life is more important at the end of the day. Have a safe trip down and hope to see you soon.
Anne Paterson
It was always going to be your strength of character and sense for the mountain that would have got you to the top, and its these same admirable traits that have made you realise its time to come home!
Serious respect for what you’ve achieved and looking forward to seeing the footage you have raved about!
Well done for your great achievements to date! It is always right to listen to the inner voice, I believe. Safe journey home to South Africa,loved ones and surf. The world heard your prayers for Vetchies, and we prayed with you.
Hey Sean – having watched you in action we know you are not one who would lightly pull out of anything. The foot, the torso, Michael, the pervading sense of death and a seemingly unpredictable, unstable mountain under extreme weather conditions tells us all that you have made one of your wisest Wisey decisions – the odds are too heavily stacked -its a relief to all of us. Get home quickly and safely – the surf is waiting! Hotmix
Hello Seano- eish man – been thinking and praying for you up there in the windy hills ! well done for listening to the old gut feel – nothing wrong with that.Sometimes I guess timing is just not right. Looking forward to seeing you – time for some more kayaking on the sunny Umko? Best Tim
Take your time Sean… dont rush this one. K2 is scary.
Like Dave said “Listen to that inner voice”
YOu can always go back there in September with the other expedition thats going up
Hey Sean…always another time and another place…no shame in calling it a day, takes a BIG MAN…look forward to the pics/vids and the story when you get back
Wow Sean, what a hard decision but so glad to know you have brains as well as brawn. Always another time and if not, well you set foot on K2 which is more than I did. Just feeling the electricity of your grand adventure was fabulous and wish you very safe journey back to Durbs and loved ones. Can we dare hope to see footage on vrot old SABC ???
Well done Sean,
Right decision at the right time! Will follow your next adventures with great interest. You made SA proud!
Tonie
The universe has its own way of sending messages to us. If you are in touch with your inner voice and nature, then you are in touch with those messages. It takes a strong man to extend his goals to abnormal limits and a wise man to know when the goal post just moved! You are obviously both and therefore even more of an inspiration to all of us than before! See you at DUC. Kathrine – bittersweet – but I know that your heart just cannot wait to see your man home safely! Enjoy!
Reason over glory is an admirable quality.
Hey Cuzzo,
I agree with all these sentiments. After climbing with you a few times on minor hills, there’s no doubt that you have a good gut feel for things, so good on you. Rather alive and humbled than a dead hero. I know how hard it must be to turn around…..its a bit like golf. Once you tee off and it doesnt feel right, most guys still follow through to their detriment. Those with control pull back and re-assess…..and always make the right choice.
Look forward to a few stories.
Rob
Hi Sean,
Have just returned from holiday, but you were in our thoughts much of the time, even though we couldn’t make contact. So glad to hear that you are safely back and look forward to catching up with you and Kath sometime soon. Always listen to the heart!!! Take care. Regards Geoff, Gail and Ryan
What a brave decision! From the all sentiments above its clear you’ve made South Africans proud and its better to have you back home in one piece to try again some other time when the mountain is a little friendlier; K2 isn’t going anywhere soon. Besides, you’ve been missing some cooker surf back in Durban so hurry back. Cheers
Hi Sean been following your journey – so glad you have made the decision to come home – definitely the right thing when you follow your gut. You have done amazing things – well done! Would love to see your video footage! Travel home safely. Alison
Sean, Your gut feel has never let you down. Well done for making the correct call. Can’t wait to go to Kili with you in November.
Your decision has earned you more respect with all your followers. The mountain will still be there next time. Safe trip home.
Wishing you a safe trip home Sean. Your decision shows the reason we felt so safe with you on Kili! Well done. We have loved sharing your K2 experience with you. Stephen and Yola Robson
Hi Sean
Sign of a good leader. I watched your dvd’s and read your book and always admired you, but regarded you as somewhat of a chancer. My perspective of you has changed 100% after your decision to turn around, not an easy one but wise, therefore the more appropriate to call you Wisey.
All the best and K2 will still be there. Francois Kemp -Bloemfontein
Hi Sean. Glad you listen to your gut – too many times, we ignore it and we pay the price! Good for you to make this very tough decision – we admire you. God Speed my friend and travel home safely. See you soon for cuppachino and cheescake!
Dear Sean, Sorry buddy but I believe it was a wise(dale) decision. Bets of luck for future climbs.
Well done Sean.
As quoted “the fundamental part of human nature to undertake seemingly insurmountable challenges- to push our limits of skill and endurance and rejoice in the triumph of victory.” I am sure K2 has not seen the last of you. Live to Climb another K2 (Art of War)
Best Regards
Skordis Family from Sunny Cyprus
Hi Sean. A good mountainneering decision. Good one!