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As already known, June 1, Valery Babanov returned safely from an unusual journey in the Himalayas, whose goal was to attempt to conquer the peak of Meru Central. This mountain is famous for the fact that many have tried to climb it, but none is so far failed. From our newsletter you know that and this time did not succumb to the mysterious summit onslaught climber. Prevented the deceptive nature. But Valery did not lose hope yet to overcome the peak of Meru in the near future. The intrigue of this ascent was that the applicants for the first climb was three. Our competition Valeria was an eminent American mountaineer Peter Takeda, nicknamed the Big Wall (Great Wall) and his partner Deyv Sheldon. At the time of departure from the Himalayas Valeria Americans still had several days to climb. However, no system of communication they have, so the result of their expedition is still unknown. Travel Valery Babanov interesting by the fact that communication with the outside world during the ascent Valery used PDA Cassiopeia E-115, provided by the Company MakTsentr, in conjunction with a satellite phone system Inmarsat. In the Russian practice of such precedents did not exist. With this communication system, we have received and published the tape with the latest news of the expedition. On his return, Valery has kindly agreed to be interviewed edition of our site. I am pleased to present to you the most interesting moments of conversation. hPCru: Remember the adage: "A friend is known in trouble? Tell us, in your opinion can be called handheld a true friend? Did he tell you?
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Valery Babanov: Pocket PC I really liked and wanted to even own such a have. Very handy. When we asked Americans ascent parallel to us, try it, they were very surprised that a Russian general, there are similar things. When they saw it in my hands, and cried only: "James Bond!" Twice they sent to him by letters, they really liked it. But, more importantly, thanks to a PDA and satellite phone we Olga did not feel alienated from the world of civilization. We knew that at any moment be able to send news to home. We often receive letters from our friends. And it is very cheer up and gives strength. Therefore, assistance from him was great. I think I answered your question? .. hPCru: We know that when you left the Tapovana, the Americans continued their ascent. They reached the summit or not? VB: About Americans today not say anything definite. When we left, they were at an altitude of 5,900 m. By the way, this is their sixth attempt to conquer the Meru Central hPCru: By the way, what is the height of the summit? 6500? VB: It is not known. Measure should be considered a mythical mountain, center of the universe, they say that the top of its endless and goes into space. Nobody knows exactly its height can range from 6500 to 8000 m. Although (laughs Valery), about 8000 m of course I'm kidding ... In general, hard to conquer it. Total has already been made unsuccessful attempts to 12-13. hPCru: But you'll still be trying? VB: In late August I'm going back to that peak. The decision I made even before the departure from New Delhi. But this time I already know exactly what it was a mistake. Importantly, it is possible. I was in possession of a month. A month is not enough. To make it enough, you must either be born lucky to get to the good weather, or as all ... I was like everyone else. When we arrived, the weather was good for two weeks. But as soon as I started to climb up, after four good days of sunshine it is completely deteriorated. Then followed eight days of heavy snow, five of which I sat in limbo (literally and figuratively at the same time) in the platform on the mountain.When I went, naturally, I had all the supplies to a minimum. Second time to decide on such a long climb, I could not. The only thing I could have done - it's fast climb in alpine style, the easier but more dangerous because of possible avalanches route. However, the weather and there are not very conducive to me: time to climb the 300-400m, and then decided to go down. I stopped in time. Counting the cost, I realized that they were greatly enhanced if I am late. In particular, the purchase of new tickets would have cost a round sum.