The weather here is finally improving,
meaning the winds are weakening to about 20 - 25 knots and
are expected to slow down even more in the days ahead although
the afternoons are still plagued by occasional snow. Still,
it is good enough for the guys to resume their acclimatisation,
and they left on Saturday morning at 6am, aiming to reach
about 6200m by 1pm in order to avoid moving during the afternoon
bad weather. After almost a week at ABC sitting out the foul
weather, they were eager to move and were in good spirits.
Also taking advantage of the improved weather are several
other climbers from here. They are all climbing in the conventional
style, ie. going up with their sherpas and guides, hopping
from camp to camp which has been set up and stocked earlier
on by their sherpas, and climbing difficult sectors with the
help of fixed ropes, also previously laid. If all goes well,
they will probably summit on Monday or Tuesday. Among them
is one from Singapore, David Lim, who is handicapped by a
weak leg and has his own sherpa who carries all his gear.
Our guys are a little concerned that the news of others summitting
may cause Singaporeans to wonder why they are so slow in their
ascent. Despite numerous reminders, most people forget that
our guys need to be extra fit and acclimatised because they'll
be carrying much heavier loads and will not be using any pre-fixed
ropes, but rather, they will be pitching their own tents etc.
However, you can be assured that this has not distracted them
from their primary aim' of making their alpine ascent after
they return from their acclimatisation.
Lulin Reutens Base Camp Manager
Singapore Xixabangma Expedition 2002 06 May
2002, 9.08 am
