rescue

Although Adrian and two sherpas were pulled away from the team to perform a rescue of an Austrian climber, Shinji and the team completed the three day acclimatization plan with great success. The rescue team charged 7000′ up the empty mountain (from BC to just below the summit) in about five and a half hours, and spent the next two days and nights (eventually joined by 6 more sherpas) getting the victim down to a safe evacuation site. Meanwhile, the rest of the team proved their prowess over the technical sections of the climb and got a feel for what lies ahead.

Our 14th season in Peru and on Alpamayo has been both a lot of fun and very challenging. While one of our team members, Steve, along with lead guide Jaime Avila, are still in the Cordillera Blanca attempting a technical route on Peru’s tallest peak, Huascaran, I have the good fortune to take a mini-vacation. My “office” this week is in the far north of Peru on the Ecuadorian border, a little beach town called Pocitas. Pocitas is famous for great waves, perfect wind for kiteboarding, and the freshest ceviche and sushi you can possibly imagine.

All of our team are safely back at Base Camp. Today and tonight will be spent recouping from the stress of summit day and the rescue of other climbers. Tomorrow, they will all hike out from Alpamayo, and head off in their different directions. Steve and Jaime haven’t had enough mountain yet, and are heading on for another summit attempt. Rob, Desiree and Adrian are all heading to warmer and less strenuous destinations!

Just received a satellite phone call from Alpamayo, with the good news that Steve, Desiree and Adrian reached the summit yesterday. Rob and Jaime made the tough but right decision to turn back from the cold. All 5 of our team are fine and expect to be back in Base Camp tonight.

Unfortunately, we have received news that another team were involved in an accident that affected 3 people. Adrian is apparently working with other guides to rescue the injured. More news as soon as we get it.