Base camp – February 3, 2012 – Report from the last two days
05.02.2012As it is known from the previous report, on 1st February Adam, Ali and Shaheen have established camp 2. Artur and Janusz were one day behind them. Fortunately, the route to camp 2 did not cause any major problems. Camp 2 was established at 6,450 m above sea level at Gasherbrum La. On the way to the pass and between seracs there are some thrilling crevasses and demanding ice walls that require fixing the ropes. However, having passed the Icefall below camp 1, they are by no means impressive.
Artur coping with a crevasse
Adam, Ali and Shaheen reached camp 2 already at 1:00 PM. Then, Adam took care of establishing camp 2, while Ali and Shaheen made a reconnaissance of the Japanese Couloir above camp 2 and towards camp 3. It was agreed that condition of the fixed ropes in the couloir was satisfactory; additionally, 200 m of our ropes were deposited at 6,750 m. Rapid progress allowed for a chance of establishing camp 3 and spending an acclimatization night in it. Therefore, on 2nd February Artur and Janusz set off at night in order to ignore camp 2, join Adam and climb together to camp 3. According to the plan, on 2nd February in the morning Ali and Shaheen left Adam and started to descend to the base camp. Simultaneously, weather reports about worsening conditions were invariably transmitted from the base camp.
Adam approaching Gasherbrum La
At 9:00 AM Janusz and Artur reached camp 2 passing the descending Ali and Shaheen. Unfortunately, weather conditions were already bad at the altitude of camp 2, visibility was poor and we could hear strong wind blowing above us. After several hours of waiting for weather improvement in camp 2, at 1:00 PM a decision to retreat was made. Adam, Janusz and Artur spent the night from 2nd to 3rd February in camp 1 and on 3rd February at 1:00 PM reached the base camp. Currently, weather conditions are bad. A fierce storm is expected between 4th and 7th February. Tent fixings were mended, especially the ones of the mess tent. We are glad that another plan was successfully carried out, i.e. at 6, 450 m above sea level we established camp 2.
