MERA PEAK SKI EXPEDITION 2003

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29.03.2003     Expedition succesfull, Mera Peak summit reached!

After heavy days working the expedition is successfull. Two members reached the summit at 8:30 am on the 29th of March.

After a heavy night of sleep and recovery (from an 11 hour climb the previous day) we all felt fit to go up to high camp. Unfortunately Greg could not go up because his right big toe got frozen during the previous attempt.

The climb up to high camp was relaxed and we encounted the first expedition behind us going up to high camp. We arrived at 3 pm and the weather degraded quickly, snow, heavy winds and thunder. Our stoves worked very good and we prepared great meals for ourselves. A quick look at Everest and Makalu before we fell into a deep sleep, NOT!

At 3am we woke up and felt really fit, even without a wake up tea and breakfast. Our trail from the first bid was erased by wind and snow but Falco found the way up under moonlight despite an upcoming head ache. At 6100m Falco showed us dinner from a couple hours ago. When the doctor (Jan Maerten) had a close look at Falco it was enough to send him down due acute mountain sickness. Jan Maerten took the heroic decision to accompany Falco on his descent back to base camp They arrived safely at 6:30 am. Falco recovered quickly.

Now it is up to Joost and Rogier to save honours of the Mera Peak Ski Expedition 2003. A very emotional moment follows, as they both understand they are two instead of five. With mixed emotions they continue towards the summit.

Here comes the pain. The climb up is extremely straining due to lack of oxygen, sleep, food, liquids, and trails.

From base camp, the team follows their progress anxiously. At 8:30 am Joost and Rogier reached the summit of Mera Peak. The summit crevasse which caused lots of fear beforehand, appears to have taken incredible dimensions. (4m wide, 4m under the summit.)

The Expedition is succesfull! Many thanks to Ngima's team Nepal Myths and Mountain Trails and all who have supported us. The descent from the summit (6476m) was outrageous, with vieuws on 7/14 8000m peaks. The powder snow was very good but three turns on the skis seemed to be the limit due to the lack of oxygen (less than 50% of the amount at sea level.) Skiing as if breathing through a straw!

The expedition is still going on. The next few days will be very challenging and we will attempt to cross the Amphu Lapcha pass with the entire team (40 people). This is one of Nepal's most difficult passes, at the foot of the Everest region. From there the next goal awaits us: climbing and skiing down Island Peak (6189m). We will keep you updated.

Skiing at 6500 m! This is what we do it for!