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K2 – Base Camp to Camp 2

Written By: sean on July 8, 2009 14 Comments

There is obviously no scale here to weigh yourself.  The only weight measurements units available are fingers, fists, rotated fist and hopefully never 2 fists between my waste and the seam of my rods.

After 2 weeks at 5100 meters I’m now at a 5th width – that’s about 4 cm thinner.  What that equates to in kilos is anyone’s guess  – I’d say it’s around about 4 kilos. Yesterday may have had a lot to do with that…  13.5 hr round trip from Base Camp to Camp 2.  My first push up to 6450 meters – an altitude gain of 1350 meters. Fabrizio was fixing line as we went, breaking trail too.  There’s a lot of snow and it’s exhausting getting through it.  Camp 2 is now established and we have a healthy cache of rope, hard wear, tent and stoves up there.  The climb from Camp 1 passes a loaded couloir, a really tricky traverse over mixed terrain and a steep chimney that leads to a 40 degree slope at the base of Camp 2.  The slope is icy with much knee-deep sugar snow – avalanche potential is high. We bombed down to Base Camp and I slept like a crocodile last night – an old one!

Today is recovery time – take a scrub, bask in the sun, dry out and air kit, drink loads and dream about cooking surf.  Most importantly check my weight – try and get it back.

Thanks for all the messages and comments. Greetings and thanks to Matt McCarthy in London and Jules Taylor for the encouragement. 

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Guided treks & expeditions with Sean: Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt Everest Base Camp, Mt Aconcagua, Mt Elbrus and Mt Kenya.  www.seanwisedale.com / katherine@seanwisedale.com

Camp view (FTA)

Camp view (FTA)

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14 Responses to “K2 – Base Camp to Camp 2”

  1. Robin Seabrook says on: 8 July 2009 at 1:12 pm

    Hey Cuz,

    Keep chomping!! Any game of 7’s being played there?

    I’m in India for my brother’s baby’s birth. Not far from you.

    Keep chin up. Getting closer.

    Rob

  2. Dronk Descender says on: 8 July 2009 at 5:57 pm

    Shup Wiseman,glad you got to Camp 2 & back safely.Bet some AC vrot & jellysteak would come in handy for the weight now…Keep it up,there with you all the way in spirit man.Heinrich.

  3. Angus Stewart says on: 8 July 2009 at 8:08 pm

    Sean, everyone down at the beach is asking how you are doing, and watching with interest. Keep it up and take care. Katherine and I did an awesome downwind from Umhlanga to Pirates today – thinking of you in the snow.
    Cheers, Angus

  4. Arnold says on: 9 July 2009 at 6:39 am

    Hi Sean, we don’t know you personally, but are following you step by step. We pray that you stay healthy and that you also stay mentally intact. Strongs!
    Arnold

  5. Bart Fokkens says on: 9 July 2009 at 9:20 am

    Focus and Vasbyt. Thinking of your adventures every day. Bart

  6. Sherpa Sista says on: 9 July 2009 at 9:20 am

    Seems like things are going well and on track – super chuffed for you. You guys are in my prayers!

  7. Errol Gottlich says on: 9 July 2009 at 11:40 am

    Hi Sean, watching your progress daily with great interest.
    Looks and sounds to be an incredible journey. Take care and good luck!

  8. Chris says on: 9 July 2009 at 12:42 pm

    There are fortunes to be made with your “weight loss program” Great on setting up camp 2, progress is wonderful.

  9. Ken Evans says on: 9 July 2009 at 1:39 pm

    Hi Sean
    Following your days with envy.
    Our prayers are with all of you and wishing you good weather,
    and safe climb up & down.

  10. Helen says on: 9 July 2009 at 3:35 pm

    All on track… keep up the spirits, keep focussed, keep eating and keep going. Can’t wait for the next update. We’ll check you on top for sure.

  11. Magda Timms says on: 9 July 2009 at 7:33 pm

    Hey! You are doing very well. Nearly there…,vasbyt boeta!

  12. Angie Rawlinson says on: 9 July 2009 at 9:28 pm

    Keep on keeping on and stay safe!

  13. Desmond says on: 9 July 2009 at 10:20 pm

    hey! Sean I know what it is to achieve a dream. It took me almost ten years to save to get to EBC. I final did it in March 2009. I now know how it feels to achieve a dream & AMS. I missed meeting you in Durban & you slipped by me in KTD. But i will meet you. Jst go for it because every step forward is a step higher.

  14. Natalie & Victor Knibbs says on: 10 July 2009 at 5:42 am

    hi Sean – sounds like you are making good progress and again… some amazing footage you have captured with that avalanche. Just be careful you don’t lose your rods with all that weight gain! Take care and keep the enthusiasm up – you are a real inspiration to us all.

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