A sudden improvement in the weather was all that Denis Urubko and Don Bowie needed to change their minds, their plans and their direction. Only yesterday, Urubko was strolling down to the village of Urdukas for some R&R. Then he got wind of a brief weather window. Early this morning, he was already hustling up Broad Peak toward Camp 2 and beyond. Their plan is to reach Camp 3 tomorrow and the summit on Friday. Fingers crossed!
Climbers are also moving on Everest. Alex Txikon, Oscar Cardo, Pechhumbe Sherpa, Norbu Sherpa and Tenjen Lama have reached Camp 2 after a tough day battling high winds and weighed down with 23kg backpacks. “We’re struggling for every metre,” Txikon reported. “The wind is really strong, and we are now just below the jetstream at 6,450m.”
Fierce winds have also caused havoc in the Icefall, moving ladders and forcing the team to jump over a number of crevasses. “The route will have to be redone at several points,” reported Oscar Cardo earlier today. “We’ll see how we manage on the descent.”
Alex Txikon (far right) and his team on the way to Camp 2. Photo: Mingma Sherpa
As for Jost Kobusch, he is still keeping company with Txikon’s Base Camp crew, but his injured foot has improved enough to walk on. Aided by kinesio tape, he checked the route to Lho La two days ago. Expect him to make another move soon.
