Generally this year was bad on the south side of Everest. Abnormally high temperatures in badging sunlight, radiated the Khumbu icefall and the Lhotse wall, increasing the risk of avalanches. The icefall, was and is unstable and with a very high risk as it was moving from day to day.
Khumbu Icefall……this years tricky part on Everest
Russel Brice (Himalayanexperience.com) decided to “pull the plug” and dismantled his BC, which once again triggered off a new controversy in the community. Russ has already tasted the sweet taste of “fatal controversy”, when David Sharp died on the Tibet side of Everest May 27th 2006. Read more about the reasons to pull the plug.
Russel is an experienced old timer now, and his judgment stands clear. If there are a major collaps in the Kumbu icefall, not only can this have fatal consequences in the BC, but it can also block the “bottled climbers”, descending from a summit attempt.
As of yesterday May 21, 3 climbers were reported dead on Everest, and two other were reported missing (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-18142900). But the season is not over yet!
Chilian climbers heading for the South Col May 17th.
Ralf Dujmovits did try his “topless” Everest attempt. Climbing without oxygen, solo from CIII, and carrying all his personal gear up to the South Col just the way it should be done. Suisse speed climber Uli Steck, was in Ralf’s tracks and arrived later at the South Col. Together they would go for the summit next day (May 18th).
A “Burned out” Ralf at the South Col of Everest
During the night, Ralf realized that he had burned out, and with his experience of 27 8000, he knew his new heading: Down. It’s obvious that Ralf had not completely recovered from the sickness of sinusitis during the climb…..so a burn out at the South Col is not surprising. Uli Steck however, summited topless the 18th.
During the decent, Ralf crossed the organized expeditions heading for the summit. “Climbers” bottled up in CII, heading to become the first boy on the block, to climb Everest.
Climbing Everest? No comments.
Summit window is reported open from the 24 to 27 May. And the Khumbu Icefall is roasting in the sun…
Pay $75.000 and get your place in the line!
Good luck!
http://www.ralf-dujmovits.de
ICI Sports Tokyo
ICI Sports Tokyo receives delivery (Nov 2th 2011) of Nolik’s work on the Japanese version of www.valandre.com. It’s not a simpel translation it’s the “Japoniard” version! (Japoniard = Japanese living in Chamonix). At times even Tokyo takes a blow!
Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner & Ralf Dujmovits
Int. K2 North Pillar Expedition 2011 root
Dear Friends
Apologies for not having been in touch for such a long time but the last few months were packed with presentations, endurance training and a two-week climbing holiday in Croatia, during which I also had the time to recharge my batteries.
Continue reading “Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner & Ralf Dujmovits Int. K2 North Pillar Expedition 2011” »
Stick’em up everybody……this is a hold up!
Since the first presentation at the Outdoor Retailer, we have continued the development of the Immelman.
Latest product information concerning the Immelman.
The technical key issue in the Immelman is the combination of articulation and a compartment system, that fixes the insulating down exactly where it is designed to be. To raise the performance of the Immelman, we have increased the total number of body side and inner sleeve compartment from 6 to 9. This increase in lateral compartments, offers a better guarantee that the insulation is maintained in the correct place, once the arms in movements and raised up.
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Shocking Blue | Valandre | Down Sleeping bags
Shocking Blue | Down Sleeping bags | Description :
Valandre Shocking Blue 800 Sleeping Bag (Fall 2010) The Valandre Shocking Blue Sleeping Bag is electric. No, it’s not an electric sleeping bag – the Valandre Shocking Blue bag is better than an electric blanket. This subzero Valandre sleeping bag was named for its technology and innovative design. 91 custom cut fabric panels layer the Valandre Shocking Blue from your head to your toes, making sure that not even your forehead feels cold on a frigid night. Valandre loads up the down in the foot compartments to keep your footsies toasty. The Valandre Tubular Bell construction will keep you warm in the roughest condidtions out there. Totally tubular. FEATURES of the Shocking Blue 800 Sleeping Bag by Valandre Cut of the hood keeps a constant level of insulation over all sides of the head, even on the forehead Draft collar seals the bodies heat into the bag with its revolutionary closure system that comfortably hugs the neck Valandre’s Tubular Bell construction allows the inner and outer fabric to maximize the fat French grey goose down 91 custom cut fabric panels and baffles Down is expanded by your body heat and inflates the compartment and the bag will begin to lift off of your body Foot section presents a trapezoidal form allowing the feet to naturally fall away from each other Increased down load in the foot compartments make even the coldest night more bearable
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