{"id":19975,"date":"2014-07-09T01:11:20","date_gmt":"2014-07-09T07:11:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.alanarnette.com\/blog\/?p=19975"},"modified":"2014-07-09T01:11:20","modified_gmt":"2014-07-09T07:11:20","slug":"k2-first-view","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alanarnette.com\/blog\/2014\/07\/09\/k2-first-view\/","title":{"rendered":"K2: First View"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Alan<\/a>Knowing we had less than two hours to trek to K2 Base Camp, sick<\/a> we slept in to 7am this morning. As I finally found that perfect spot of warmth and comfort on the rocky moraine, capsule<\/a> I suddenly remembered where I was.<\/p>\n

Like a 4 year-old on Christmas morning, I jumped out of my sleeping bag and looked West – there it was, clear and unobstructed, larger than life, standing their like a super model at the end of the runway daring the crowd to criticize, demanding nothing but respect and admiration – I was staring at K2.<\/p>\n

An involuntary smile crept across my face, a physical reaction began in my stomach. My eyes squinted from the refection off the huge mountain echoing the morning sun. In my excitement, I had forgotten my sunglasses.<\/p>\n

We had a relaxed breakfast and began the final trek to base camp. The trail was smoother than the previous day but it didn\u2019t matter. I walked with Rick as we talked about climbing, history and other topics making the time go by quickly. The porters carried the last of our bags and passed us with ease as they would began the return trek to Askole once they dropped our bags looking to pick up another trek and more work.<\/p>\n

And after 5 days, 75 miles and destroyed shoes, we arrived. There were already 50 or more climbers here at K2. The route has been fixed to Camp 3. We came prepared with our own ropes and manpower to climb independent but would rather team up with others to leverage all our collective work. Early reports say the team cooperation could be better, not a surprise on K2.<\/p>\n

There are four main teams but each have multiple sub teams: Pakistan National, Italian, Greek, International, etc. Most of the teams obtained permits with Nazir Sabir Expeditions or Adventure Tours Pakistan. Our permit is part of Seven Summit Treks with Nazir. Many teams have brought over Sherpas as there are not enough Pakistani climbers to support the multiple international teams.<\/p>\n

I met the Nepali women\u2019s team as they left today for ABC and their first rotation to Camp 2. They were in great spirits and full of life. It will not surprise me if our schedules sync up and we all go for the summit together at the end of July or early August.<\/p>\n

As I mentioned before, I arrived at K2 Base Camp feeling as strong as I ever have on an expedition. I am sleeping well, have no upper respiratory problems, i.e. cough and have adjusted to the local diet after purging my last week of burritos, cheeseburgers and going away party margaritas – thanks all for such a fun send off.<\/p>\n

I will write a lot more about our base camp but suffice it to say it is nice. I had a \u201cshower\u201d today (bucket and bowl of warm water), got my tent set up complete with thick mattress and pillow and we have a generator to supplement our solar power. Our first meal was loaded with carbs AND protein so I am quite happy. I know I have lost about 5 pounds and that is OK as long as I don\u2019t lose 15 or 20!<\/p>\n

I know that I am at 16,330 feet or about 5,000 meters and have 13,000\u2019 to go to the summit. It will be tough. I continue to visualize the climb and prepare myself emotionally.<\/p>\n

We hope to have a Puja on Thursday and leave for ABC and a rotation to Camp 2 on Friday.<\/p>\n

Climb On!
\nAlan
\nMemories are Everything<\/p>\n

Thanks for all the donations to the Alzheimer’s non-profits for research and a cure. This is what this is all about. If you haven’t donated, please consider today as your day to make a contribution. Any amount that is meaningful to you will make a difference.<\/p>\n

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