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 Home > South Col Dispatches Index > May 28 Dispatch

Luis Rejoins the Group
Camp IV - Wednesday, May 28, 2003

Benitez
Benitez
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Greetings everyone out there. This is Luis calling from the South Col.

I'm incredibly touched and moved by all of the well-wishers, both climbing partners, both clients, friends, neighbors and family that have called in to give their support and love. I am currently at the South Col after pushing from Camp II to Camp IV yesterday. Felt very strong. Felt very good in spirit. It felt like the right thing to do to come up here, and rejoin the team that I had worked so hard with for two months. After taking a hike into Tibet today, sitting down having a long talk with some dear friends up here that are also guiding, I've decided to join my team for the summit push. While some people might think this may be irresponsible of me strength-wise, I know in my heart that I'm surrounded by some of the finest guides as well as clients in the world, and we will not make any mistakes when it comes to frostbite, snow-blindness or too high of winds.




Thank you for your support! I send my love back to all of you wherever you are. Thank you for your thoughts, and know that in honor of Karma's spirit, I will try to go to the summit for his family. Because he, like I, was up here just simply trying to do my job. So till later, this is Luis from the South Col telling everyone back home much thanks, much love, and hopefully the next time I talk to you will be from the summit. South Col clear.

Luis Benitez, Alpine Ascents International Guide and MountainZone.com Correspondent

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