Carlos Pauner DHAULAGIRI 2006: Accident

Makalu, K2, Kangchenjunga Summiter Carlos Pauner : Sunday, May 7, 2006

ALIVE

Yes, alive, after the terrible accident we had this morning.  We gathered yesterday in our small mess tent and we valued conjointly the situation in which we were.  We coincided that the conditions on the mountain were not ideal, that we had taken a lot of risks and that the bad weather that was coming was still going to make things worse.  So, despite how difficult this decision can be, we agreed to abandon the mountain after having reached those 7,800m, with much effort.  This morning we couldn't imagine what was coming to us.  At 5 we had picked up everything and prepared all the materials for the arrival of the helicopter at 8.  We planed to leave this way, because the road by foot is long and tedious.  At the agreed time, the big iron bird made its appearance.  It landed next to our things and in a frantic and rapid movement, we put everything inside the apparatus.  All was satisfaction, we were going to get away from this place that had made us suffer so much.  The helicopter started its take off maneuver when suddenly, the 8 people inside, huddled next to the 1,000 Kg of lose cargo, knew something was not right.  The copter started to spin violently and instead of lifting, it started to dive.  There was no time for panic, because in a few seconds we hit the ground, just next to the border of a hideous slope.  We exited in a rush, fearing a final explosion, but luckily that didn't happen.  We were safe.  Luck and the skill of the pilot could stop the helicopter after the terrible impact.  We couldn't believe it.  Safe, unharmed after this nasty accident at 5,000m of altitude.  The risks of the Himalayas are not only on the mountain.  The approach by dazzling runways, the flights in overloaded planes at the edge of their possibilities, are also factors to be taken in account.

Another helicopter rescued us to Katmandu.  Now I am in its crowded streets, deceived because I had to quit Dhaulagiri, sure that I took the right decision and above all, happy for having saved my life one more time.  I wonder, how many have I used yet?  It is time to recover, to forget the bad things and to prepare for the next adventures, very close now.  I'll be waiting for you.

Carlos Pauner 

Translated from Spanish by Jorge Rivera

Millet One Sport Everest Boot  has made some minor changes by adding more Kevlar. USES Expeditions / High altitude / Mountaineering in extremely cold conditions / Isothermal to -75°F Gore-Tex® Top dry / Evazote Reinforcements with aramid threads. Avg. Weight: 5 lbs 13 oz Sizes: 5 - 14 DESCRIPTION Boot with semi-rigid shell and built-in Gore-Tex® gaiter reinforced by aramid threads, and removable inner slipper Automatic crampon attachment Non-compressive fastening Double zip, so easier to put on Microcellular midsole to increase insulation Removable inner slipper in aluminized alveolate Fiberglass and carbon footbed Cordura + Evazote upper Elasticated collar. Expedition footwear for mountaineering in conditions of extreme cold.  NOTE US SIZES LISTED. See more here.

A cold weather, high altitude double boot for extreme conditions The Olympus Mons is the perfect choice for 8000-meter peaks. This super lightweight double boot has a PE thermal insulating inner boot that is coupled with a thermo-reflective outer boot with an integrated gaiter. We used a super insulating lightweight PE outsole to keep the weight down and the TPU midsole is excellent for crampon compatibility and stability on steep terrain. WEIGHT: 39.86 oz • 1130 g LAST: Olympus Mons CONSTRUCTION: Inner: Slip lasted Outer: Board Lasted OUTER BOOT: Cordura® upper lined with dual-density PE micro-cellular thermal insulating closed cell foam and thermo-reflective aluminium facing/ Insulated removable footbed/ Vibram® rubber rand See more here.

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