June Newsletter
Everest Wrap up
It has been a couple of weeks now since the team has returned from our spring Balsiger/ Mountain Link Everest expedition. I have had a chance to talk with the all the team members and there are a few things I would like to share with everyone who followed the expedition. The large question about our expedition is whether or not it failed or succeeded. Although team members reached the summit we failed in our number one objective; which was to shake hands with Chris Balsiger on the summit and safely return home.
Chris has climbed with Mountain Link for the past four and half years. We have had some great experiences together in the mountains; from surviving an icefall on Rainier (which would have ended most people's desire to ever climb again - instead Chris was back six weeks later and reached the summit) to successful summits on many of the major peaks of the world. He has become both a good mountaineer and a friend. He has been more than generous with our staff and remained a gentleman even in the most difficult situations. Chris put together an expedition and financed it with the intention of reaching the top.
I had several discussions with Chris in the planning stages of the trip to put together a team of experienced high altitude professional climbers. This was not only to increase Chris's odds for success but also to help increase the safety aspect as well. My idea was this; if we are going to the "World Series" of climbing we are going to need a strong pitching staff in case a starter needs to be replaced. An example of that is what happened to me. I got an infection in my lower leg that turned into a blood clot that could have been fatal had I not received proper medical attention in Kathmandu. This was after only one trip into the Khumbu Icefall. I became the starter that fell apart. I felt good about the expedition knowing the quality of the team.
An excerpt:
We made it to Camp 3. The plan will
be to head to high camp, at the south col, tomorrow.
The day was a difficult one.……
For more details please go to our dispatch page - click here. If you would like to read a personalized account of the trip go to Chris Balsiger's site by clicking here.
The end result was Chris descended from Camp 3 and did not have the opportunity to make another attempt. On big mountains, this happens to all climbers at different times in their careers. I believe that one can only find solace in knowing that it was an excellent attempt, yet unfinished business. A difficult personal decision will need to be made on whether or not to make another attempt.
A special thanks to the sponsors, the trek team, and to all of the people that have wished us well on our Everest adventure.
Ecuador
Our summer trips have had great success. The early June trip everyone made the summit of Caymbe and Cotopaxi. Also the team that made the attempt on Chimborazo experienced 100% success in reaching the summit. We would like to congratulate all the team members.
We are looking forward to the fall season there has been a great deal of interest and the bookings are coming in. If you are interested in securing a space let us know.
Africa- Kilimanjaro
Our July 12 trip still has a couple of spaces left but you would need to let us know soon. If you would like more time to plan we have trips going in October that are beginning to fill up. Kilimanjaro is a great experience for the whole family. The optional safari is first class, come join us for an experience of a lifetime.
