Before we depart for our expedition to K2 | Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner & Ralf Dujmovits

June 17th, 2011

Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner, Ralf Dujmovits

Dear Friends

I would like to give you a brief update before we depart for our expedition to K2. On Monday, we were finally able to send our cargo, which was a lot more than usual, as we do not have any stored gear in China.

When I wrote my last newsletter, it was not certain whether our friends from Kazakhstan would join us, so I am now even more than happy to tell you that they will be part of our expedition. Our team is now complete.

Apart from Tommy Heinrich and Darius Zaluski, Maxut Zumayev and Vassiliy Pivtsov will join us, and Tommy Heinrich’s long-time friend Lawang will support him in carrying his gear.

On 15 June, we fly to Bishkek via Moscow. From there we will embark on a two-day bus journey to Kashgar, where we will buy all our provisions for our seven-week expedition at the Sunday market. We will then take a jeep for three days to Ilik from where we will start our approach march to K2 base camp. I am very excited about the camels, which will transport our luggage to K2 base camp, which lies at an altitude of 3,900m. If I find the time and opportunity, I will be in touch again from Kashgar.

Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner, Ralf Dujmovits with her husband at the summit of Lhotse, 2009 Wiener Zeitung / Photo: Apa

After thirteen consecutive years spending the spring in the Himalaya, I really enjoyed being in Europe this year. However, I can’t wait to embark on another journey and I am very excited about what is awaiting us this time.

I am sending you warm regards and I will be in touch again as soon as I can.

Yours,

Gerlinde