Mike and Don: Broad Peak 2005 : Finally Moving!

Dispatch #2: Finally Moving!

As we got on the bus in Rawalpindi I had to fight my way through the oversized biceps, lats, and quads of my muscular companions to take my seat. This is not just my impression. A pretty young trekker nearly swooned at the sight of one of our crew, saying, "Diego, you have such big muscles!" Anyway, here's Don's impressions of the Karakoram Highway

The Karakoram Highway lived up to all the rumors and stories- but I am told that this year the road conditions were tamer than most. Nonetheless, I resolved very early on in the trip (like, 5 minutes out of Pindi) that because of the speed at which our bus was hurtling down the all-too-narrow highway, the chances of meeting my demise on this stretch of road were very high. Somehow this resolution gave me comfort, and I even began to enjoy the near misses with oncoming traffic, even attempting to capture on film the closest calls. This last endeavor nearly cost me my new digital camera, not to mention my right arm.

The crux of the trip so far has been...er...keeping things inside- and I don't mean emotionally. The bus ride to Chilas was more an exercise in strategically utilizing restroom stops than anything else. Most of the team has come down with some kind of GI ailment at one time or another- and a few have been suffering quite severely. Unfortunately, I fear that I may have swung the other direction with a possible Imodium overdose. I'll keep you updated... Le

Updates

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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