Dutch Mt Everest 2004 Expedition Dispatch

As we say in Holland: He must have had an angel on his shoulder !

Wilco van Rooijen and Rex stayed in camp 3 (7900meters) for one night. The day before Ron Doorakkers decided to return to ABC. While descending from camp 2 towards northcol he slipped and started falling down the steep slope. He picked up speed tried to grab the fixed rope which was lifted by an unknown climber. He then again picked up speed and tried to slow his descend with his crampons and walking stick. At the very last moment ( 5 meters before a final drop into a ravine) he managed to stop against some pieces of rock. Czech climbers helped him and assisted him in his descend to ABC. He is safely back in ABC with a sprained ankle, some bruises and his climbing overall has some 50 holes. Wilco and Rex still not knowing that Ron had an accident descended on Saturday to ABC. All camps are ready and they are waiting for a good weather window for their summit bid.

All three are now safe in ABC and are recovering from the accident and the happy ending !

Video on Ron walking back up...

(note these are large files)

Video Interview Tjech_Milac

Pictures copyright the Dutch Mt Everest expedition

Wilco van Rooijen announced last week he will attempt Mt Everest from the North side in spring 2004 without oxygen. He will go with Rex Snelders (attempt on Manaslu 2003) and possibly Ron Doorakkers (McKinley 2003) then descend with a paraglider from the summit!!

You might recall Wilco from Everest 2002, when we covered him and Hans van der Meulen. Hans van der Meulen and Wilco are below. Our coverage of Hans van der Meulen and Wilco from 2002 is here.

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