Great Sail Peak explorers have returned to Toronto

On the fifth of June two last groups of ‘BASK – Great Sail Peak’ expedition reached Toronto. On Sunday they will fly to Moscow.

The members were getting to the Continent separately. Firstly, an advance team of Alexander Odintsov, Valery Rozov and Ivan Samoilenko flew to Toronto. They spent there two days, arranged everything for their triumphal press-conference, took two cars and went to an airport to meat their friends.

All climbers were deeply impressed with green grass, which made a harsh contrast with snow-white solitudes of Baffin Island. The athletes are save and sound. First flush of victory helped them to withstand extreme fatigue after climbing the Face of Great Peak.

Alexander Klenov was laconic during his phone call:
‘The route turned to be very handsome; coherent and extremely difficult. We got exhausted and prostrated with fatigue. Though we were impressed with the beautiful nature, with such views –
Bolts were used only for fixing a portaledge and once for a pendulum. We worked in one shift as Arctic day enabled us to work till 3am.
We send our greetings to all who was with us during these days, who helped us. The best regards to our sponsors, who were permanently supporting us’.

06.06.2002