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.

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.

"Nath - how about some Absolute Wilderness stew"                                                                              "yeah Nath , then apples on cream rice for dessert"

 Absolute Wilderness specialize in creating 100% freeze dried high performance meals for outdoor athletes and enthusiasts. One of the perennial high altitude problems is the lack of appetite - The palatability, nutrition, light weight and ease of use of Absolute Wilderness products will sustain us in that harsh top of the World environment.  Here multiple World multi-sport champion Nathan Fa'avae demonstrates his culinary abilities to me - "just add water and eat!!"

Visit Absolute Wilderness on Facebook or visit them at www.absolutewilderness.co.nz/

Its been a fairly quiet March training wise - mainly cycling and walking but I did get out a few times. Here I am hiking up to Mt Angelus summit and back in the Nelson lakes last Thursday. Great weather for a 10 hour day.

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