Solo Expedition by Mountaineer: Everest climber David Lim: Summit!

(Singapore), 2005 SUMMITTED OJOS!! : ) Just reached my tent after summitting Ojos. It was very tough and I feel exhausted. Bone tired!! But it was a great climb. First thing I did, had a few glups of water and took the satellite phone out to call Maureen. Then, boil water and cooked some food.

Started the climb at 3am as planned. It was quiet. Solitude. This is what climbing is about, me and the mountain. Reached the summit at about 3pm, twelve hours after I started. The going was tough and slow. I was physically challenged. Had just about enough time to turn around and descent safely. Standing on a summit is always a special moment. The descent was very difficult. I was tired, as expected, and as the sun goes down the going gets tougher. I had to keep my balance as I climb down. Not something very easy to do, for me. The snow and ice made it even more difficult. Towards the end, I had to keep my headlamp on as I descent in the dark. Focusing on one step at a time. This has been one of the toughest climbs that I have ever made. I think my limts have been pushed to the max.

Tomorrow, I will be packing up and going down to the lower basecamp. I think the mule and the driver will be there by then. It will be good to see another human being again. But for now, the water is boiling. Time to dump the mushy stuff in and have a celebratory makan (meal). Wished it was mutton curry and rice.... :) David

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In January 2005, veteran mountaineer, Everest expedition leader, and corporate motivator David Lim will make a solo expedition to climb the remote peak of Ojos Del Salado in Argentina.

At 6882m, " Ojos" is the world's highest volcano, and the 2nd highest peak in the Americas. Ojos is located in the driest desert on this planet, the Atacama Desert, and lies on the Chilean-Argentinian border. The expedition will be from Jan 4 - 28

The expedition¹s aims include demonstrating that being disabled does not necessarily mean unable.  And if successful, this will be the  first time this peak is soloed by any Asian mountaineer.

David has been partially disabled since 1998 from Guillain-Barre Syndrome and has paralysis below the right knee and left leg.

No climber from Singapore has ever attempted a solo expedition of a major mountaineering objective. In an age where the challenge of adventure has been lessened by all kinds of expedition aids such as support vessels, aircraft, air-drops of supplies, porters, professional guides, the Ojos Del Salado 2005 climb will be a move back to  the essence of climbing: self-sufficiency, uncertainty of outcomes, and calculated risk-taking

Dave Lim, Everest Climber, author and motivational speaker. To book David e-mail

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