VENEZUELA
GASHERBRUM I&II EXPEDITION LEADER JOSE ANTONIO DELGADO
Venezuelan climbers climb G-II
AUGUST9-2000
By
Asem Mustafa Awan
ISLAMABAD
— Six member team from Venezuela returned from Skardu after putting two
climbers on the summit of Gasherbrum II 8035 metres.
The
team visited Pakistan for the first time and after spending one whole
month on Gasherbrum I which remained elusive decided to attempt Gasherbrum
II.
Thirty
five year old Jose Antonio Delgado leader of the expedition along with
Carlos Castillo (33) made the first ascent for Venezuela on July 28 at
12:00 noon.
Jose
raised his number to two 8000ers as he also climbed the first 8000er for
Venezuela, Shishapangma few years ago.
Marcos
Caguso (35) speaking on behalf of the expedition said," We tried G-I
8068 metres first but constant bad weather never allowed us to go beyond
6900 metres."
"We
decided to quit the G-I on July 24 and we switched on G-II and in couple
of days we found the good weather window that we were waiting for and we
were on the summit."
The
expedition strongest outfit from Venezuela earned the second 8000er for
the country.
The
team's successful summit in the 8000ers is only Shishapangma added with an
unsuccessful bid on Dhaulagiri.
The
expedition made the summit with out using oxygen.
Other
members of the expedition included climbing leader Martin Echevarrea (39),
Dr Carlos Calderas (36) and Marcus Dobias (35).
The
team made base camp at 5150 metres, Camp 1 at 5950 metres, Camp 2 at 6950
metres. Summit Gasherbrum II on July 28. Highest point on Gasherbrum I
6900 metres on July 24.