K2 2004: K2 North: The weather has decided for us.  We are going home: Italian expedition Everest/K2 2004 expedition

K2 2004 - 50 years later

K2 North: The weather has decided for us.  We are going home.

This morning – contrary to expectations – the weather remains very uncertain – “these are not ideal conditions for climbing,” advises our “correspondent at North Camp, Claudio Bastrentaz.

“Extremely strong winds with very rigid temperatures; no ‘falling stars’ tonight,” states Claudio. “We have decided therefore to return to base camp, and upon our return we find the steep descents extremely heavy with snow, and an increased danger of avalanches – under normal conditions- we would not dream to take these chances.”

Our expedition leader, Agostino Da Polenza, in contact with the climbers at base camp, agrees with their decision to return home. He also agrees with all 7 climbers that “after having truly given their all and having believed and hoped that conditions were truly extraordinary for a possible late assault on the summit after such a long weather delay, they now have no other choice but to retreat.”

In thanking this brave group of climbers for all their patience and hard work, we want to end with the words of our K2 North correspondent: “we wanted to believe in the unbelievable, that after such a long wait we would finally have the chance to take on the mountain.  We have put ourselves wholeheartedly into this enterprise, body and soul.  Not having been given the opportunity in the end, we return home proud of our effort and with souls richer for the experience. We want to thank everyone who has supported our endeavor.  We have felt them close to us and have gotten great energy from them.  It has been incredibly strengthening to know that some many people have been behind us, but sometimes, even the strength of many is not enough to reach one’s objective.  Thank you again for your thoughts and support.

Editorial Note: The Pakistan Senior meteorologist wrote us the day before yesterday to tell us he was worried to see their forecast. Well, the Pakistan Meteorological Dept got it right again...

copyright Italian expedition Everest/K2 2004 expedition Expedition

 

Altitech2: Digital Altimeter, Barometer, Compass and Thermometer. Time/Date/Alarms. Chronograph with 24 hour working range. Timer with stop, repeat and up function. Rotating Bezel. Leveling bubble. Carabiner latch. E.L. 3 second backlight. Water resistant. 4" x 2-1/4" x 3/4" 2 oz. Requires 1 CR2032 battery. See more here.

  Altitude pre-
   acclimatization

   Ascenders

   Atlas snowshoes

   Black Diamond

   Botas

   Brunton

   Carabiners

   CaVa Climbing Shoes
   Clearance

   Clif Bar

   CMI

   Crampons

   Edelweiss ropes
   Eureka Tents

   Featured

   FoxRiver

   Garmin

   Granite Gear

   Harnesses
   Headlamps
   Helmets

   HighGear
   Ice Axes

   Kavu Eyewear

   Katadyn

   Kong

   Lekisport

   Lowepro

   Motorola

   Nalgene

   New England Ropes

   Nikwax

   Omega

   Outdoor Designs

   Pelican

   PowerBar

   Princeton Tec

   Prescription Glacier

   Glasses

   Primus

   Rope Bags

   Seattle Sports

   Serius
   Sleeping Bags

   Stubai

   Suunto

   Tents

   Trekking Poles
   Ushba
   and more here