Friday 31st July 2009
July 31st, 2009 by Jake
Like soldiers on the eve of battle, today has been relatively quiet, each of us lost in our own form of preparation and quiet contemplation. Having outlined General Fabrizio's grand plan in yesterday's post, there's not much to really add to it today. We know that no plan survives contact, but we feel that given our hand and our lot, we have the best possible plan for the next few days, and hopefully the flexibility to cope with whatever gremlins rear their ugly heads.
We'll be travelling up the mountain relatively light tomorrow morning, as much of our kit is already stocked in C2 and C3, ready and waiting for us. A bit of food, 3 gas canisters each, and a few personal effects is all we’ll have tomorrow, which should make the climb up to C2 nice and simple. This morning we watched a large avalanche smash down our route, which should hopefully mean that the slope is nice and unloaded - therefore safer for us.
It's difficult to describe how I feel at the moment Although a little apprehensive about the next 4/5 days as a whole, I'm not at all scared or worried about the summit day at all (assuming we get to a position of making a summit attempt). I feel confident in my own abilities as a climber AND a team member, and although one might put it down to a youthful sense of invincibility, I'm looking forward to the summit day and what it'll bring. Ultimately, no one knows what will happen over the next 5 days, and although the statistics are galling, I'm going to give it my best shot.
Do I think that I'll make it? I don't know. This isn't Everest, where as long as you are healthy and in the right place when it comes to crunch time you'll make it. K2 is a very different prospect, yet that is something that I’m learning to embrace - this sense of uncertainty. In my heart of hearts, summit or no summit, I believe that I will be fine. However I realise that the chances of everyone up there being 'fine' is very small. There will be many variables that will be out of my control up there above 8000m (assuming I get that far). In fact they will probably be very few that are within my control. If for a moment, I didn't feel 100% happy about what I'm about to attempt, I wouldn't even leave BC. This is not a place for people who aren't 100% confident and happy about the situation that they are putting themselves in. I can't speak for the rest of my team, but I would put money on some of them turning back before the summit day. Perhaps, if my situation changes, I might be one of those. All I know is that I am very proud or what I, we have achieved so far on this mountain, and if I left now, I could do so with my head held high. However, I didn't come to K2 just to try and climb to 7000m; I came to attempt to summit, and that is still my goal and driving force.
Am I mad? Do I have a death wish? Of course not. Being high in the mountains, pushing myself to new limits is where I feel most truly alive. Carpe Diem. Whatever will be will be.
For everyone who has been following my exploits up until now, a massive thank you for all your support. The messages to my website have been an incredible source of motivation and a massive morale boost for me. Now all of these weeks of waiting and anticipation have come to an end, and the next few days will either vindicate my dreams and aspirations, or prove to me where my limits are. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather on Tuesday, and that I have the strength of mind, body and soul to do myself proud.
To all my family - all the blood, sweat and tears over the next 5 days are for Myrtle. The last thing she told me was to 'be lucky' - and I hope to do her and all of you proud. Thank you for your endless love and support.
Regardless of whatever happens, I am reminded of an ancient Tibetan Proverb:
"It is better to live one day as a tiger, than a thousand years as a sheep."
We'll be travelling up the mountain relatively light tomorrow morning, as much of our kit is already stocked in C2 and C3, ready and waiting for us. A bit of food, 3 gas canisters each, and a few personal effects is all we’ll have tomorrow, which should make the climb up to C2 nice and simple. This morning we watched a large avalanche smash down our route, which should hopefully mean that the slope is nice and unloaded - therefore safer for us.
It's difficult to describe how I feel at the moment Although a little apprehensive about the next 4/5 days as a whole, I'm not at all scared or worried about the summit day at all (assuming we get to a position of making a summit attempt). I feel confident in my own abilities as a climber AND a team member, and although one might put it down to a youthful sense of invincibility, I'm looking forward to the summit day and what it'll bring. Ultimately, no one knows what will happen over the next 5 days, and although the statistics are galling, I'm going to give it my best shot.
Do I think that I'll make it? I don't know. This isn't Everest, where as long as you are healthy and in the right place when it comes to crunch time you'll make it. K2 is a very different prospect, yet that is something that I’m learning to embrace - this sense of uncertainty. In my heart of hearts, summit or no summit, I believe that I will be fine. However I realise that the chances of everyone up there being 'fine' is very small. There will be many variables that will be out of my control up there above 8000m (assuming I get that far). In fact they will probably be very few that are within my control. If for a moment, I didn't feel 100% happy about what I'm about to attempt, I wouldn't even leave BC. This is not a place for people who aren't 100% confident and happy about the situation that they are putting themselves in. I can't speak for the rest of my team, but I would put money on some of them turning back before the summit day. Perhaps, if my situation changes, I might be one of those. All I know is that I am very proud or what I, we have achieved so far on this mountain, and if I left now, I could do so with my head held high. However, I didn't come to K2 just to try and climb to 7000m; I came to attempt to summit, and that is still my goal and driving force.
Am I mad? Do I have a death wish? Of course not. Being high in the mountains, pushing myself to new limits is where I feel most truly alive. Carpe Diem. Whatever will be will be.
For everyone who has been following my exploits up until now, a massive thank you for all your support. The messages to my website have been an incredible source of motivation and a massive morale boost for me. Now all of these weeks of waiting and anticipation have come to an end, and the next few days will either vindicate my dreams and aspirations, or prove to me where my limits are. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather on Tuesday, and that I have the strength of mind, body and soul to do myself proud.
To all my family - all the blood, sweat and tears over the next 5 days are for Myrtle. The last thing she told me was to 'be lucky' - and I hope to do her and all of you proud. Thank you for your endless love and support.
Regardless of whatever happens, I am reminded of an ancient Tibetan Proverb:
"It is better to live one day as a tiger, than a thousand years as a sheep."
Keith
July 31st, 2009
Good luck when you go up. I have been following for the past month or so. I look forward to all you have to say once you get back.
Paul Edwards
July 31st, 2009
Wow, what an amazing jornal you are keeping. It’s people like you that inspire me to do better things with my life. 10 years in front of a desk took it’s toll and now I dream of doing things like you. It’s truly amazing what you have achieved and I am sure that you will have the inner strength to make it to whatever summit you want. Best of luck…from someone sat at his desk!
Marie-Anne and Michel Favril / Belgium
August 1st, 2009
Dear Jake,
we just read your yesterday’s report and wish you all the best for the next 5 days !
We are sure that with your confidence, your dream will come true !
Lots of love from both of us,
Marie-Anne and Michel Favril
Marie-Anne and Michel Favril / Belgium
August 1st, 2009
Dear Jake,
we just read your yesterday’s report and wish you all the best for the next 5 days !
We are sure that with your confidence, your dream will come true !
Lots of love from both of us,
Marie-Anne and Michel Favril
Alec
August 1st, 2009
Dear Jake,
There’s a racing expression that I learned yesterday that made me think of you. “On the bridle”. It refers to when a horse is sitting comfortably, travelling within itself. For example when the horses start a race, they travel easily and are on the bridle, when however, it comes to the end of a race they are being pushed and are not on the bridle. Generally the horse that is on the bridle for the longest is the one travelling the best and wins. God I’d hate to write a dictionary.
I believe now you are very much “on the bridle” but knowing you, you will be in your stride and no doubt the final push will win you through. Sadly I know you cannot gallop to the summit and have to drag your feet but that’s what you do best and as I sit here in the office in London, drizzling rain and hectic noise I can only feel jealous at your great adventure and the inner drive and ambition that one only feels when on the margins. Go for it. You deserve the summit and my fingers are crossed for when you attack it.
An Indian philosopher in the 19th century believed it was most important for all humans to have “deep roots and wide wings”. Clearly your roots are deep and the whle family are all here pining for you. And you’ve never had a problem stretching your wings….
Best of luck and as Bonnemaman used to sign her letters off to me, “bon courage”.
Love from Alec.