SOUTH AMERICA 2004 - 05
BOLIVIA. JUNGLE IN RURRENABAQUE AND CLIMBING CONDORIRI (Sept - Nov
2004)
photos
When I returned to La Paz I had a fake police incident. First a guy
claiming to be a tourist from Ecuador came up to me asking for
directions, then another guy showed his officially looking card. I was
so stupid, I gave him my passport and got into a taxi with them. They
stopped in a quiet street and the other "tourist" was searched, I guess
showing me how to behave when my turn comes. By then I knew something
was wrong (why did it take me so long?) So I had my pepper spray ready
and refused to give anything. They probably decided I was too much
trouble so he said I could go. Lucky again! Just a warning this time.
I
went climbing (with a guide for a change) 2 mountains in 3 days,
Pequeño Alpamayo 5,370m and Condoriri 5,648m. Alpamayo was steep but
OK. Condoriri a different story, the most difficult climb I have ever
done. From 2am at night long and steep walk to reach the glacier, then
many dangerous crevasses. From there ice and rocks, 60-70 degrees, and
long traverse at the top. But we made it to the top, very lucky with
the weather, great views. I was not acclimatized well for this climb
and I suffered like never before. I was just so tired for no reason,
all I could do was move my legs. I pushed myself to the limit. It was
possible because I had a guide with me, otherwise I wouldn't have
risked like that.