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Mike Horn and Fred Roux's mess tent at Makalu Advanced base camp Mike Horn and Fred Roux's mess tent at Makalu Advanced base camp

Waiting!

Written by adminmike on . Posted in Makalu. 2 Comments on Waiting!

Mike Horn and Fred Roux's mess tent at Makalu Advanced base camp
Mike Horn’s mess tent at Makalu advanced base camp with Iland solar panels

Bad weather hinders any attempt for Mike and Fred to ascend Makalu’s summit at 8’643m. A potential weather window of the 8th and 9th of May has now been pushed to around the 12th and 13th of May.

With the closure of Mount Everest this year many climbers have decided to regroup at the neighbouring mountain of Makalu.

We sure have company this year! There must be another 80 people here at advanced base camp waiting to climb. Most other climbers attempt to ascend with oxygen, group together and stop and rest at camp sites. Our technique is rather different as we climb in alpine style, that is without oxygen, light and fast.

We are as ready as can be – now we just need to have the weather on our side!

Steep slopes on makalu Steep slopes on makalu

Makalu – our last acclimatisation climb

Written by adminmike on . Posted in Makalu. 1 Comment on Makalu – our last acclimatisation climb

Steep slopes on Makalu
Steeper and Steeper!

We had the summit just above our heads but strong winds and snow made us turn back.

Mike and Fred climbed to 7’700m and spent a very cold evening in the tent with freezing temperatures and extremely strong winds.

On the descent they passed sherpas who were coming up, fixing lines for other climbers – they assume the overload from climbers who have been forced away from this years climbing season on Everest.

Mike and Fred are now back at Advanced Base Camp at 5’700m where they will have a much deserved rest. Tomorrow they will head down to base camp at 4’800m where they will wait for the bad weather to pass.

We feel great, strong and well acclimatised.  As soon as we get the next good weather window  we’ll go for the summit!