Friday, March 16, 2018

"Roof of Indochine"



My 27-inch suitcase was almost full, loaded with numerous cold weather shields ready for the worst scenario our Mt. Fansipan climb has to offer. Surely, I have prepared for this one.

A week prior, there were frosts along the summit trails.  We had a consistent negative 8 degrees centigrade temperature reading up there, while negative 3 centigrade around Sapa area.  I was anxious then my colleagues would not bear such kind of freezing condition.  But all our airline tickets were bought, early hotel buffet breakfast already reserved, 6 hours land transfers arranged, hotel accommodation booked and so there was really no turning back!



I have prepared several safety contingency measures to constantly recheck my colleagues' insights on the challenges they have to face if they persisted pushing for the climb despite the conditions.



1.       Upon reaching Sapa, with showers or not, re-asses your resiliency to cold temperature and weather.  Make use of the prepared gears while we walk around the town square. Rain? If you can bear with it along Sapa, can you still possibly hold up at 2,800-3,000 masl?  Be honest…I will understand if someone will be true to himself and back out.
2.       On our Climb Day 1, after breakfast, make your rain wears handy.  If by the start of our climb and weather is not cooperating….I will ask you again if you could not resist getting wet from the 1st hour with expected 7-hours hike? …….anybody is free to change his mind.
3.       At a hike speed of 3km/hour, about 3-5 meters distance between colleagues, the group has to move at the same pace.  Anyone slower should be passed through.  It should be understood that the group’s speed is the slowest possible speed we could sacrifice to tolerate the weakest hiker. Slugger should be asked to abort.
4.       If there’s no rain, then we push all the way to camp 1, at 2,200 masl where we planned to have our lunch.  The question of everyone’s fitness has to be reiterated upon reaching camp 1.  If someone changes his mind, then I have to go down with him.  Camp 1 is the last and final re-assessment of one’s level of fitness where we can still have ample time to hike back and catch a ride to Sapa.  Pushing further after Camp 1 is a “No holds barred, come hell or high waters” bid to reach Camp 2 at 2,800 masl and stay for the night.
5.       Weather permitting, but if by any struck of luck that anyone persisted and defy all anticipated eventualities and reached Camp 2 but can no longer push for the next day’s summit assault, then I have to call a rescue to get someone down. Expense wise, this will cost the climber a lot and he should be shouldering all of it.
6.       On Assault day, upon reaching the last ridge, halfway to the summit, where one can clearly sight Cable cars to and pro it’s mountain station, I have to check the time and estimate the group’s arrival.  By 1100 hours, Mt. Fansipan climb is expected to be successfully concluded.
7.       If by any chance, anyone fails to beat the 1100 hours target time, no more summit bid but proceed instead to Fansipan Hai Cang entrance by 1200 hours.  Or later at 1300 hours by the cable car entrance going down to Sapa.


Sweeping is not as exciting as leading where you have to watch everybody's back to ensure safety at all times

Great weather at around 5-7 degrees centigrade with sunshine all throughout the day. Miracles do happen!
1500 hours of Day 1 and about 200 mts near Camp 2. It's  getting extra cold.



All aboard for a hefty dinner by 1900 hours Day 1 at Camp 2. With 3 degrees centigrade temperature, no one ever tried staying outside the cabin.

Day 2 still at Camp 2. All packs on backs, ready for the summit bid.

And ohhh.....Did I mention last time that this leg is more challenging than the first two yesterday?

Fast forward....the group's bid to reach the "Roof of Indochine" was an unprecedented success!  Discharging all dreadful possibilities we have foreseen though uncertain if preparation made were adequate to challenge every unseen consequence.  we were just so lucky then we all made it to the top, that was it!

All wrapped-up with cold weather shields

Toucheddown by 900 hours at the last ridge where I have to call our climb support monitoring our climb's progress. We have to be on the next mountain top by 1100 hours Day 2  
Steady struggle into a 60 ft, 60 degrees rock face

That extensive last leg to reach the stairways peak

A gift given to us enthusiastic overseas visitors on the first day of Vietnam's brand New Year.  Hurray, Vietnam Tet Holiday!!!


posers!