Becks Ferry – K2 Updates
Becks Ferry continued her epic climbing year by attempting K2 this summer.
She reached the summit of Everest and Lhotse in May and went for K2 with Jon Gupta and the Madison Mountaineering team.
We followed her progress here with these updates…
30th July
“It’s been a good few days now since we returned from the summit of K2. I’m still not entirely sure where and how to start this post or to articulate just how I feel right now. Perhaps though the most fitting start is to pay tribute and respect to the British women who have gone before me and summited this monumental mountain. Although both Julie Tullis and Alison Hargreaves were leagues ahead of me in climbing capability and experience , I’d like to think and hope that we share the same passions , convictions and spirit.
“I also acknowledge that this particular endeavour and those prior, are not without people who collectively want nothing more than to see you safe and successful. I’d like to thank a plethora of people who made this summit possible. Garrett Madison @Madison mountaineering for having the courage , conviction and belief to run this trip when many decided not to come. Consequently, we have been blessed with a beautifully quiet mountain. However , none of this would be possible without the brilliance of the Sherpa team. Their resilience , resourcefulness, work ethic and pride in their work is an example to us all. Thank you for keeping me safe at all times on the mountain. Then there’s a certain fella called ‘John’. Without you, I would still be in the tent, probably consuming chocolate and complaining about being cold and crying that I can’t get my boots on. You have seen the best and worst of me and yet never judged me ( publicly anyway , privately you probably roll your eyes with despair ) Your attention to detail, and crossing of t’s and dotting of ‘I’s’ is exemplary. It says something when you trust someone fully with your life on such a perilous mountain. I couldn’t think of anyone else I’d rather stand on a summit with ( well, except Liam Hemsworth but he didn’t fancy climbing K2 …..)
“So, for now , I say thank you again. Try to digest and look forward to some much needed sun and time at home with my children and Betty The Wonder Dog. To some this might seem mundane after something so big but I’m just as happy at home , as I am adventuring. After all , home is where the heart is.”
28th July
Becks has today reached the K2 Summit!
23rd July
“The saying goes that the best things come to those who wait. Well , wait we have ( and some ). We’ve patiently whittled away time here at base camp, sorting , planning, resting, eating. Now, the time has come to make our summit attempt. To say I’m excited is an understatement but I’m also mindful , and humbled by these austere slopes and think of those who have climbed before me. Similarly , there is no ‘I’ in team and I’m eternally grateful to everyone who has helped to facilitate this attempt. I don’t know what will happen but I go with heart and soul – pockets full of chocolate ( obvs) and laxatives because you never know what life will throw at you. Dum Spiro Spero. Grateful.”
14th July
“K2.
“First rotation. Thoughts on this mountain ? Well….. indomitable , indefatigable spirit required. This mountain is steep. Very steep. It’s also beyond beautiful in ways I’ve never experienced. There’s a celestial feel which brings a certain tranquility and calm. It feels remote but in a positive way. It’s ineffable I suppose to explain exactly what this mountain is. There’s a certain sonder to the people that pass me by. Now , we wait at base camp watching the weather, whittling time away with books , banter and solitude.”
3rd July
“K2.
“Never in a million years did I ever dare dream that I’d be contemplating attempting to climb one of the world’s most beautiful , iconic and infamous mountains. It’s apparent that this is going to be one of the most physically and mentally challenging things I’ve taken on. The mountains and terrain here are spellbindingly beautiful but at the same time seem to demand an extra layer of endurance capabilities. The trek in is very different to the Himalayas. It’s stunning , all consuming , long and committing. The weather is also very different. Coupled with this is an extra layer of camping en route. I’m not going to pretend I’m finding it easy, I’m not. Yet, I’m grateful for the opportunity to be in this incredible place. I’m humbled , truly , to be setting foot on this mountain. I’m equally humbled to be surrounded by a great time of Sherpas, local and western guides who look out for each other daily. To me , this selflessness epitomises high mountain adventures. We have each other’s backs. So , for now , some rest , some reflection , and some more chocolate.”
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