Yesterday, during the Opteon Expedition 2011, Wim Smets reached the summit of Broad Peak (8051m) as second Belgian ever. Although we have not many details available, we already know that there were some challenges. During the climb to Camp 3, more than half the team had to return due to a disease. Wim, who had to overcome a lung infection during the preceding period of altitude acclimatization, was fortunately spared this time and made it to the summit.

Two days ago, the remaining climbers left Camp 3 in the late evening. The climb to the top took 13 hours so that they reached the summit yesterday around 11 am local time (9 hours in Belgium). The descent was very harsh due to circumstances like deepsnow, letting the team return at Camp 3 at 2 o'clock in the morning local time (23 hours in Belgium). After five hours of rest, the further descent is deployed.

The purpose of this Opteon Expedition 2011 is also, in addition to Broad Peak, to climb the Gasherbrum II (8034m). If Wim has enough strength left, he will move to the base of this mountain after a recovery period. As soon as the weather permits, there will be a summit attempt. It would be the first Belgian ever that succeeds in climbing two 8000m peaks during the same expedition.

You can follow the Opteon Expedition 2011 day-by-day on www.eerstebelgopk2.be.