What a great prospect, spending 6 weeks with your best mates, travelling to Pakistan, trekking up the Boltoro glacier and climbing the 12th highest mountain in the world – Broad Peak. We aim to complete this without guides, without porters above base camp and without oxygen. It’s the 1st time any of us have gone to 8000m so should be a good ‘man test’. The team consists of Scott, John, Rob, Ben and myself who all completed the haute route last year.
We are raising money for DEC who give aid to those most in need across the world after major disastors, they are heavily involved in supporting the recovery of the Pakistani’s caught in the floods last year. To donate to a great cause please follow this link.
http://www.justgiving.com/BroadPeakAscentTeam
The team,
Scott Mckensie, An IT consultant who seems to have more years out than in. Extensive climbing in the UK, Scotland, Alps, Himalaya, Andes. http://www.fightgravity.co.uk/
Rob Adie, works for the British Mountaineering Council, extensive worldwide climbing, Scotland being his main stomping ground with over 300 routes logged.
Ben Wolsenholme, A site manager, English climbing champion in his youth, we don’t know what happened after that! Extensive climbing in the Alps and UK, victories (over John) in numerous fell runs and triathlons including Ironman.
John Roberts, the face of teach first. There’s not much left to say about John on top of what he’s already said about himself! Extensive climbing in the UK and Alps, runner up (to Ben) in several fell runs and triathlons.
Duncan Robinson, Chef d’expedition in a swiss international school. Climbed in locations worldwide including Himalaya’s, Andes, Alps etc
Before we start on the expedition there is a lot to do, to organise and prepare. The main difficulties of this challenge I think are going to be, Pakistan beaurocracy and the volatile political situation, Money and gear – these expeditions aren’t cheap and the amount of gear you need is insane. Training the body and mind to deal with much less oxygen – and johns personality =). Getting to base camp – just getting to the start of the route has many difficulties, including the possiblility of getting kidnapped! The Route reccommended to leave 50 days to complete. The Weather typically unstable,could stop us from even attempting the peak.
Motivation is high and the team is committed so ‘bring it on’!
