Patagonia, a range of the world's most magnificent granite spires, is surrounded by earth's most ferosious storms. Therefore, climbing the central pillar of the Torres del Paine is not just a 1200 metre climb up. It is an incredible alpine challenge.
In Januari and Februari 2005, me and my three fellow Dutch team members have tried to link all of 36 pitches to the top of the east face of the Central tower in the route 'Riders in the Storm'. Technical difficulties up to UIAA IX and A3 were tackled, until finally the weather forced us to retreat halfway up. Read the full inside story about this great challange by clicking on the links below.
report 09-jan-2005: Shopping in Chili
report 13-jan-2005: ferrying loads to Base Camp
report 17-jan-2005: installing Advanced Base Camp
report 21-jan-2005: 3rd climbing day
report 24-jan-2005: bad weather
report 27-jan-2005: very important progress
report 29-jan-2005: reaching port-a-ledge ridge
report 01-feb-2005: the top is getting nearer
report 04-feb-2005: facing the facts
report 07-feb-2005: battered but safe
Torres del Paine - Riders in the Storm