Dutch attempting to summit Mt Everest 2004 Expedition

Meteorologist at work at the Royal Dutch Meteorological Institute. Every day they send the latest weather information to the members of the Dutch Mt. Everest expedition.

Update 5/17/2004: Wilco van Rooijen, Rex Snelder and Ron Doorakkers started moving up the mountain on Sunday morning. Before reaching North Col Ron Doorakkers decided to return to ABC. The injuries he suffered from last weekends nearly fatal accident proved to be to much a burden. His ankle was damaged during his fall. He gave it his best shot but decided it was not to be this year! Wilco and Rex continued their climb and reached North Col Sunday afternoon. Monday morning they continued their climb. Currently they are in Camp 2 at 7400 meters. They are reunited there with Dawa sherpa. 

The plan for their summit bid:
Tuesday climb to camp 3.
Wednesday climb to camp 4 (bivouac) Start summit bid Thursday morning 01.00 hr. (local time)
Thursday morning 10.00-12.00 hr. Summit.

Wilco is bringing his paraglide with him. Expected wind speed at the top 4-5bft. The conditions should be right for a paragliding flight from the top down to ABC.

I hope somebody in ABC has a video camera to film his descent. It must be an AWESOME SIGHT !

The Dutch expedition receives up to date weather information from The Royal Dutch Meteorological Institute.

I will keep you informed about their progress.

Good luck to all the other expeditions on the North Side

Kind regards,

Maarten van Eck
Base Camp Netherlands

Pictures copyright the Dutch Mt Everest expedition

Wilco van Rooijen announced last week he will attempt Mt Everest from the North side in spring 2004 without oxygen. He will go with Rex Snelders (attempt on Manaslu 2003) and possibly Ron Doorakkers (McKinley 2003) then descend with a paraglider from the summit!!

You might recall Wilco from Everest 2002, when we covered him and Hans van der Meulen. Hans van der Meulen and Wilco are below. Our coverage of Hans van der Meulen and Wilco from 2002 is here.

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