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Partially disabled since 1998 from Guillain-Barre Syndrome, David's passion for high places remains unquenched. Keep track of his adventures through this site.
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PAST ADVENTURES!
Welcome to David Lim's website on Singapore mountaineering expeditions to Everest, Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Elbrus, Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, The Tien Shan and the greater Himalayas. Scroll down for information , dispatches and pictures. |
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Alpinism in the land of the Ayatollahs. Join David and Grant in a Jun06alpine climbing buffet in the Alborz mountains in Iran, followed by an ascent the long northeast ridge of Damavand ( 5671m), Asia's highest volcano. The climbs were featured in the June07 edition of Action Asia magazine | |||||
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First Southeast-Asian team to summit virgin peaks. Follow the MacCoffee Tien Shan Expedition 2005 to Kazakhstan for historic adventures on 3 summits | |||||
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The 3rd solo ever on the world's highest volcano, Ojos Del Salado 6893m via Argentina.David's record-setting climb in 2005 included an ascent of Cerro Medusa. | |||||
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Nike Timing's Fuji Climb, Winter 2004. David, Ting Sern and Masaharu give a shot at climbing Mt Fuji in the depths of winter | |||||
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Voltaren Kilimanjaro Challenge 2004. Four disabled mountaineers tackle the Western Breach route in heavy snow conditions. Meet Jamie, a quadruple amputee! | |||||
 See the photo gallery! |
Mt Elbrus, Europe's Summit (5642m). Read about this windy climb in Russia, led by Dave for South Col Adventures in July 2003. | |||||
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Mountain of the Star Expedition 2003: An all disabled mountaineers' climb of Mexico's volcanoes by Wong Ting Sern and David Lim. L: Luis, high on the Espinosa Route on Orizaba (5700m); Mexico's highest peak. | |||||
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ASCENT 8000: Climbs in Spring 2002 on Shishapangma (8046m) and Cho Oyu (8201m) by disabled climber David Lim.
A two-man attempt to climb, back-to-back, two 8000m peaks without the use of bottled oxygen. |
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Summit climb of Mera Central Peak 6461m, March 2002. Warming up for two 8000m peaks on on of Nepal's most popular 6000m peaks in the quiet Hinku Valley | |||||
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Climbing Mt Ararat, 5165m in Turkey, August 2001 - a rare and special climb up the biblical legend Join the South Col Adventures team and David Lim on this journey to Eastern Anatolia L: Faye Lee triumphant on the top |
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The Singapore-Latin American Everest Expedition in 2001 to the north ridge, Tibet. Join David and friends on a day to day account of an international expedition, and its dramatic conclusion. The expedition set new altitude records by climbers from Singapore as well as changing mindsets as to the limitations of disabled people. | |||||
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Chile, Atacama Desert. and the High Andes, Jan 2001. Gil, David, Jorge and TingSern worked out on Cerro Plomo and Ojos Del Salado. | |||||
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Tien Shan, Jul 2000. David, Wilfred and Roz with the CLIMB 2000 team training on Bayankol and Karly Tau peaks in Kazakstan | |||||
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Feb 2000. David and Wilfred make the first all-Singapore ascent of Aconcagua (6962m) via the Polish Traverse and in alpine-style. READ: The 28pp excerpt on the Aconcagua expedition; taken from David Lim's new book AGAINST GIANTS. |
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Welcome to David Lim's website on mountaineering expeditions to Everest, Shishapangma, Elbrus, Kilimanajaro, Aconcagua, The Tien Shan and the greater Himalayas.Visit for information , dispatches and pictures. |
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David Lim, Dec 2004 ( Banner above: Ojos Del Salado in deep snow, Jan 2001)
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How Do We Know You Got Up There?* * Commonly asked question of solo mountaineers
ACROSS THE ATACAMA: An illustrated presentation of two expeditions ( via Chile in 2001, and Argentinain 2005 ) to climb Ojos del Salado. Time: 730pm Reflections from Summit Day: Snatching victory from the jaws of defeat - that's what it felt like on Jan 20th. After an exhausting climb and turnaround in strong winds at 6500m on Jan 18th, thoughts were already on wrapping up the trip, and maybe salvaging a climb by doing a more modest climb up to one of the Portazuela peaks near the mule rendezvous point. But you know how it is -after a good night's sleep, some food in the stomach, and the little inner voice is letting you know that you've managed to salvage the climb in a similar situation before. In 2000, my partner Wilfred and I were also turned back at 6500m on the Polish side of Aconcagua. We presevered, egged on by not accepting defeat after having travelled 11,000 km to climb that pile off rocks. We summitted on Feb 19th, 2000, the first all-Singapore team to do it and the only SE-Asian team ever to do it in alpine-style. My website http://www.everest.org.sg already reflected that I was returning home. But with two days left, the game was still on. I reassessed the route, even took a walk to view it from afar. The next morning, my motivation levels were elevated, waking up 10 minutes before my alarm at 1am went off. Some food, a gear check and I was off once more. I retraced the east face route, climbing in a slight zig--zag fashion, following stretches of hard windslab that allowed for efficient cramponing. Routefinding once on the face was far easier than in the pre-dawn darkness, picking one's way across the boulders, streams and penitentes fields. I avoided the rocks this time until near the top of the 40 degree ice face, then made the traverse around two old craters. This time, dawn broke with a benign bank of clouds far below in the valleys.I was praying hard for strength in my legs and good weather. I reached my previous turnaround point at about 0930hrs, but not before stopping at the Shark's Tooth rock for a snack and a drink. Kept offering a non-existent partner a piece of my cereal bar. Been walking in the desert alone for too long, I mused. I opted for the 45degree climb straight up the large ,very fore-shortened summit pyramid and reached the ridge.Slightly convex, I had to don crampons again as the windslab was icy and there were many bulges of 50 degrees or more.One mis-step and it would be quite a slide to the bottom.Cresting the Ramp, as I dubbed it, about 3- 4 hours later, I was really tried and doubly disappointed to see two more headwalls of chossy scree before the easy slopes to the top. In front of me was flat section on which there were a couple pieces of helicopter debris from the well-known 1985 crash. A tedious scramble, with the odd stumble or two as loose rock gave way, I reached the final snow slopes to greet the top. The Cesar Tejos metal pyramid was there, as was a clear view across Chile and the impossibly blue Laguna Verde. Memories of the 2001 climb came back as I struggled to stand and take some snapshots including some of myself; and Bear, my stuffed bear companion. The wind was about 70km/h and hard to stand in. I talked through the day to God and Bear, and through the dusk as we came down, overwhelmed by emotion that the job had been done. The last hour was the longest as I raced ( read: shuffled slowly ) the setting sun. The yellow and blue tent, my sole shelter in 400 square kilometres. 2100hrs. 18 hours of climbing, 1.5 litres of water to drink. Had to lie down in the tent for 20 minutes before I realised someone had to fix a drink and a meal for me. Right, Dave's dehydrated - get moving - and so it was. The next day was a shuffle with the 20 kgs of gear over 6 km of desert to my rendezvous point. A day later, I crossed the Laguna Negra pass I looked back for a final view at Ojos - a dream since 1997 had finally been realised. The only thing left to pull off were the tabs on some cold beers and grilled steaks off the fire in Catamarca.
Jan 24 (Singapore), 2005 Have left basecamp. It will take 2 days to reach the village. I had a chance to sit on the donkey for 4 hours. It's fun (for me), it's like riding a small horse. After the village, I will take a 4-wheel drive down to Fiambala where I will take the overnite bus back to Catamarca, probably on the 24th nite. I look forward to some good food and a good wash! : ) dave 0949 hrs Jan 21 (Singapore), 2005 SUMMITTED OJOS!! : ) Just reached my tent after summitting Ojos. It was very tough and I feel exhausted. Bone tired!! But it was a great climb. First thing I did, had a few glups of water and took the satellite phone out to call Maureen. Then, boil water and cooked some food. Started the climb at 3am as planned. It was quiet. Solitude. This is what climbing is about, me and the mountain. Reached the summit at about 3pm, twelve hours after I started. The going was tough and slow. I was physically challenged. Had just about enough time to turn around and descent safely. Standing on a summit is always a special moment. The descent was very difficult. I was tired, as expected, and as the sun goes down the going gets tougher. I had to keep my balance as I climb down. Not something very easy to do, for me. The snow and ice made it even more difficult. Towards the end, I had to keep my headlamp on as I descent in the dark. Focusing on one step at a time. This has been one of the toughest climbs that I have ever made. I think my limits have been pushed to the max. Tomorrow, I will be packing up and going down to the lower basecamp. I think the mule and the driver will be there by then. It will be good to see another human being again. But for now, the water is boiling. Time to dump the mushy stuff in and have a celebratory makan (meal). Wished it was mutton curry and rice.... :) David 0645hrs Jan 20 (Singapore), 2005 Sitting around alone does strange things to a person. I think I am the only living human being sitting on a rock on this side of the mountain. The silence is deafening. Last nite, I contemplated trying for the summit again. Slept on the idea. The sun came up this morning. Weather looks better, and although it snowed lightly, it's sunny so I guess it'll be sunny tomorrow too. I have rested well and feel fit. I will to try for the summit again, starting off early at 3am (3pm SIngapore time today). It is a much better option than sitting around waiting for my mule. :) Dave 0625hrs Jan 19 (Singapore), 2005 Started climbing at about 4am in the dark alone. There was a lot of soft snow that fell during the night. The conditions were not good for a long day of climbing. The trail was barely visible in the soft light of my headlamp. As I was the only person on the mountain, I had to break a trail through the soft snow. It was hard work. I went up till about 6500m, just a under 300m away from the summit. Howling winds and even more soft snow made it very difficult to move ahead. It was a hard climb. I turned back, with the summit just round the corner. I will not attempt to summit again. Ojos proved to be a difficult climb but good climb. It has been very challenging and it has pushed me to my limits. The physical challenge was tough and the task of climbing alpine style alone requires a lot of mental discipline. Right now, I am alone on the mountain. Coming from Singapore where noise is all around, the "vast quietness" can be overwhelming. I definitely miss talking. Even the mule is somewhere down the mountain. I will be packing up after a nite's sleep and move down to the lower camp. The mule and the driver will only be coming back in 2 days time to pick my stuff. This gives me time to climb a small peak. :) Dave Jan 18 (Singapore), 2005 Basecamp Ojos looks much like a transit site. Climbers hang out, waiting for the right time to climb. But of course, your guess is as good as mine. Weather patterns on any big mountain is at best unpredictable. It kinda creates its own weather. Right now, we are getting blue skies and great climbing weather. I am planning to make a summit attempt tomorrow. Eating well and will begin ascent at night. I will climb alpine style, with everything I need on my back. To keep the load to a reasonable level, everything I carry is absolutely necessary. Am checking my equipment and rations again. It pays to be careful and discipline on any mountain. :) Dave Jan 17 (Singapore), 2005 Summitted Volcan del Viento, 6120m, yesterday. Started the climb in the dark of the night. The weather was great. Blue skies that you can almost touch. I took loads of snaps, almost like a regular tourist! Got back to basecamp, drank liters of water, ate some mush and promptly overslept this morning by an hour. (slept like a baby!!) Am packing right now. I will move off from this site and setup tent at basecamp Ojos. Hope to climb Ojos on 19 Jan. For now, a breakfast of oatmeal awaits and if I imagine hard enough it might actually be Singapore's carrot cake... (fried with lots of oil and black with soya sauce). :) dave Jan 15 (Singapore), 2005 Basecamp is nice, did my chores... put up tent, boiled water, cooked food, eat, drink and now I am preparing to climb up Volcan del Viento on Sunday (local time). This gives me some time to rest and acclimatise at 5500m. Healthwise, am holding up and feeling good. The Sure Step Ankle-Foot Orthotics is a great help. Keeps me walking tall! Have been drinking loads of water to rehydrate. The weather right now is good. Blue skies and not much wind. At 6120m, Volcan del Viento offers a gradual but very long climb up to it's peak. This climb will give me an additional acclimatisation exercise that I hope will prepare my body for Ojos. :) Dave 22:30 Jan 14 (Singapore), 2005 ... in the desert, you can't remember your name... after two days in the desert sun, my skin begins to turn red... hrrumph. I'm alive, barely. The last two days has been a bit slow. Spent a day waiting... it was cold and I felt like a frozen chicken (minus feathers). The desert is dry but not warm. At this altitude, it is actually very cold, especially when a person is not moving about. Had some miscommunication with the mule driver and he turned up a day late. I sat under a rock and waited and waited, with 2 liters of water for the last 2 days, no tent or sleeping bag or warm clothing or food (except for a handful of peanuts). It was a miserable time. I stuffed what little emergency clothes I had in my day pack under my clothes to keep warm thru the long freezing night under the rock. Right now, I am about to move on to basecamp at 5,500m, El Arenal. It's early afternoon right now. A couple more hours of walking and climbing over some rough terrain will get me to basecamp. Then it is setting up a more permanent camp before I begin preparing for the climb up the big hill. About 16 Argentina climbers have went ahead to basecamp. It will not be quiet there....... :) Dave 23:00 Jan 10 (Singapore), 2005 Reached Aquas Callientas 4,200m, which means "hot water". I have been following the river as I make my way up to the mountains. It stormed last night for about 6 hours. The winds were strong as I tried to sleep in my tent. The mule stays outside!! The storm has dumped loads of snow on the mountains but now that the sun's out, I think a lot of it is drying up. The river that I am following has it's source below ground. Even at this altitude, the water is warm and is crystal clear. All around, next to the river, I see lots of life. Wild animals (guanacos), birds chirping and green plants grow profusely. Just 200m away is dry arid desert. The mountains here are beautiful and needs further exploration. Climbing solo is a challenge. It requires a lot more mental discipline. Pitching the tent, boiling water and cooking a meal adds to a deep sense of self-sufficiency. Tomorrow, I will make my way to Aquas Vicunas 4,900m where I understand, is bone dry! Healthwise, I feel OK. Acclimatising well at this gradual pace of climbing. For now, the warm waters of the river is calling. Time for a good soak.... Dave 21:30 Jan 9 (Singapore), 2005 Plodding behind a mule is not much fun. Am on the way to basecamp. Left Gran Cazadero (3600m) just a while ago. The mule comes with a driver! He and his brown dog will be with me for the day before they turn back to return to their village. Earlier, the nice doggie caught a small guanaco (small illama like creature). The driver and the dog ate it. No meat for me... sniff. The next two days, will just be me and the mule, with loads on our backs. Not much of a difference between us there. Weather looks great, blue skies today after yesterday's rain. There is a lot of motivation to keep moving, the minute I stop, hordes of blood sucking flies descent on me. Ouch!!@#!! I estimate that at the rate I am moving, I should reach basecamp by Wednesday. Dave Jan 8 (Singapore), 2005 Starting my trek... just got me my mule and it rained!! Understood from the locals that it rains about 3 times in a year. Just my lucky day. Walking to basecamp with a damp mule is an adventure. Smells! Am in a valley right now and communications is a bit unreliable. For now... Dave 07:24 (Singapore) Jan 7, 2005 Reached Fiambala, a small village at the foothills of the mountains, after hours of sitting in various modes of transport. A bit dusty from the travel. Tomorrow, I will be moving off by a pickup to the trailhead at 3,600m. If all goes well, I will be starting my trek to basecamp Ojos Del Salado on Saturday morning (Singapore time). For now, there's time for one last shower! Dave. Jan 6, 2005 All well here. At the Aventura Inn, a hostel place in Buenos Aires. Good flight ' had a nice seat down from Capetown since plane only half full. Of note, is the sweltering weather 36 deg C and high humidity. Am off at the dawn flight to Catamarca tomorrow. Meeting old pal Tommy Heinrioch tonite for dinner downtown Dave |
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In an age of adventure and climbing where seemingly tough objectives have been partly tamed by the use of air drops, support vessels, extensive porter and/or mountain guides in support, large teams, fixed rope, etc., the idea of a disabled mountaineer tackling the highest volcano in the world, solo, climbing in alpine-style, sans guides, sans external support, is an antithesis to the current vogue of trophy-bagging with lots of help. But surely this kind of harder challenge is what mountaineers and adventurers are supposed to embrace (and not neutralise) in their expeditions - risk, uncertain outcomes, accountability, self-sufficiency, decision-making and route-finding. This will surely be a journey into self as well as a journey into adventure. THE DREAM AND BACKGROUND OF PROJECT Dec 16: Training in progress. Successful media conference at the conference room of the Society for the Physically Disabled (thank you SPD!) on the expedition, with coverage by TV channels CNA (Asia), Channels U, I and 5. Newspaper reports in The Straits Times, Streats and Lianhe Zaobao. PDFs downloadable from links above. Below is a great photo of the approach by Rafael Curial c. 1997. |
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