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Ama Dablam adventure begins
12:44 p.m. EDT Oct 15, 2003
Adventure Consultants is on their way again – this time to Nepal’s “jewel of the Khumbu,” Ama Dablam. The expedition is headed for the Southwest Ridge of the 6,828m peak, described as “truly one of the most aesthetic climbing routes in the Himalaya – an exposed rock ridge dotted with towers and interesting climbing leads from the Camp I to the summit icefields and top camp site. On the final day of the climb, the route follows steep snow and ice slopes, accentuated by outrageous exposure, directly to the summit where the Everest group is unveiled and stunning views abound.”
The team meets up in Kathmandu today. Expedition leader Luis Benitez previously summited Mount Everest three times -- three years in a row. His first year, he was Erik Weihenmayer’s climbing partner when Erik became the 1st blind climber to reach the summit of Everest.
Luis checks in with the first dispatch:
"Greetings everyone from Kathmandu!
This is Luis and along with Steve we are the guides for the about to start Adventure Consultants Ama Dablam 2003 expedition.
Most of the team will be arriving this afternoon and for the past few days Steve and I have been busy packing and sorting gear, not to mention getting our ever important permit from the ministry.
We are about to set off for some coffee graciously provided by our friends in North Carolina at Summit coffee,then off for some last minute food shopping as we head to the airport to gather the team.
So for now this is Luis and Steve, signing off....."
Adventure Consultants is headed to Southwest Ridge of Ama Dablam this fall. Three-time Everest summiteer, Luis Benitez is leading the month-long expedition to the 6,828m "Jewel of the Khumbu." Adventure Consultants is an IGO 8000 member and has a strong reputation among climbers for its very high standards, experienced guides and sherpas.
Image of Steve Moffat taking care of preliminaries courtesy of Adventureconsultants.co.nz
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