Mountain Madness Gasherbrum II 2005: Skardu

Dispatch: This is Charlie Fowler reporting from Skardu. We arrive here yesterday afternoon after a long jeep ride from the trailhead at Askole. We left basecamp on July 24, intent on going over the pass of Gondogora La to the village of Hushe, but bad weather thwarted our plans. Instead we had to hike back down the Baltoro Glacier, a trek we accomplished in 3 longs days with 10 to 12 hours of hiking each day.

Hot showers, clean clothes and relaxing in a real bed were the highlights of yesterday afternoon and evening. Today team members went hiking and sightseeing while I took care of some expedition business with our Liaison Officer, Capt. Asif. We are scheduled to fly to Islamabad tomorrow morning and from there back home in a few more days. Cheers, Charlie

Updates

Millet One Sport Everest Boot for Spring 2009 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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