The team arrived back in Islamabad yesterday - the lucky team I've called it as two of us survived almost uninjured very long falls , myself down 30 meters of rock and Dimitar some 300m down snow and ice. 

Climbing conditions in the Karakorums were extremely bad and dangerous. Heavy snow falls in the winter combined with an intense monsoon meant lots of treacherous snow. Unfortunately I managed to lose my backpack containing my sleeping bag, tent, warm clothing and passport off of a cliff during my fall putting me out of the climb. I was stuck at camp with the bike for 5 straight days of snowfall.

Zdeno with Dimitar pushed on to the end. But eventually they conceded defeat and it was on the down climb that the fixed rope Dimitar was on suddenly vanished, presumably cut in an avalanche, and he went hurtling down the snow slope.

 
These are some initial photos on the walk out - in the next days I will write a fuller report, download and post some of the main photos. 
For now , greetings from Islamabad , Pakistan where I am waiting for a New Passport.

As the full moon rose over Kahurangi National park Mike, Bill, Pam ,Nika and I made a quick dash up Mt Arthur for a nights stay.

Along the misty ridge 

A Kea - New Zealands Alpine parrot followed us up - rather more easy going for a bird than us.

It was looking to bright on way up!!

Dusk on the summit , an Easterly rolled thru and we had a full moon to pitch the tents,

Dawn on top 

Within minutes of the sunrise a strong Nor Wester blew up which remained with us the rest of day - we were planning some rock climbing high on Mountain but went lower in search of shelter.

Just fooling around!! can't really say I enjoy rock climbing much but every bit of practice comes in handy. Never know when one may need it.

Mike and Bill posing for camera on way out. It seems that great minds - well maybe slightly crazy ones think alike. Completely unknown to me my Slovakian team mate Zendo who lives in Kunming China had the same idea over Easter - to climb up a mountain and stay the night - his was rather higher and more difficult than mine - check out his blog posthttp://2015broadpeak.blogspot.co.nz/p/novinky.html 



 

Nathan Dahlberg, Broad Peak, World Record, Mountaineer, Cyclist, Outdoors, Adventure, Mountians, Climbing, Hiking, Biking, Tour De France, Absolute Fitness, Kathmandu, broadpeak, Exploring, 8000m

When one thinks of preparing for high altitude adventure there's the image of training as if from a Rambo movie. The reality is sometimes more like this , hours of nose to the grindstone or, well the computer screen organizing flights , equipment , porters and seeking sponsors especially that elusive breed called the cash sponsor and then figuring out what other extra fat you can pare out of the project to match the ever slimmer budget!! (I'm as be bewildered as I look!!)

Meeting Dallen , Nelson Kathmandu Manager - had a light hearted laugh or two. Fun guy.

The Colossi expedition bike on its way up Mount Arthur

Flora Saddle at 1000m. The bike rides over, the hiking begins.

Among the Rocks on Mt Arthur Summit 1800m there is nothing to see here as most of the Hike was in cloud however I got to enjoy some Absolute Wilderness goodies. I especially like the Banana milkshake. All up I had a great 9 hour day out of the office into the real office.

Nathan Dahlberg, Broad Peak, World Record, Mountaineer, Cyclist, Outdoors, Adventure, Mountians, Climbing, Hiking, Biking, Tour De France, Absolute Fitness, Kathmandu, broadpeak, Exploring, 8000m

A steep climb up to Flora saddle Bradley Neame discovers

Above the "Cauldron" as I call it on Winter Peak with a stiff South Westerly blowing. The wind is howling through these rocks at 1750m.