Mt. Everest 2005: Waldemar Niclevicz: Bad weather causes desertions

05/13/2005

53th day of the 10 Years of Brazil on Everest Expediton

Base camp (5,400m).

Dear Friends!

Without a doubt, this season is not one of the best for the alpinists who want to climb Everest, as well as the other big mountains in Nepal.

The weather has been punishing the expeditions for weeks, with unbearable snow and winds.  Avalanches destroying camps and winds that provoke frostbite had sent home at least 10 climbers who were in Nepal, running away from the undesirable hostile environment that hangs on Everest.

The hard weather conditions finally hit our expedition too, our friend Diego Zubani came back yesterday to base camp decided to quit the expedition and go back to Italy. 

The desistance of Zubani was a great surprise for everybody, because of his optimistic spirit and also for being a very strong climber, we never expected that he would desist the dream of getting to the top of the highest mountain of the world.  This is a typical and sad example of how weeks of waiting can weaken psychologically the ones who are here facing the adversities of nature.

Irivan and I having been traveling for 53 days now!  A considerable time to be far away from home, from family, from the people we love and the comfort of modern life available in the cities.  We have been here in base camp for 32 days, dreaming to get to the top of this gigantic mountain called Everest, which fascinates us with its altitude and beauty. 

And after so much time, so much desire, to let the dream escape because of bad weather???  No, my friends, we still have two weeks, before the probable arrival of the summer monsoon, when the season is closed, because of the arrival of the big storms. 

Then, once more, patience, a lot of patience!!!  Praying to the gods for some days, for at least 4 or 5, of blue sky, with little wind.

To make you feel on the summit... today's picture, which I have just shot, at 17h31, here in base camp.  It snows lightly and a freezing wind blows. 

We continue counting with your support!

A big hug,

Waldemar Niclevicz

Translated from Portuguese 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.

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