30/06/2021
Sajid Sadpara on his way to K2 basecamp.
It’s hard to believe that we’re back in Pakistan. And it’s even harder to believe that not only are we here, we managed to put the team back together as it was last winter. Fazal, Mosin, myself, Pasang Kaji, the cooking staff - we’re back together. It was important to me that those that experienced all of this first-hand on the ground in winter be there to support Sajid and his quest to find his father.
The last time I saw Sajid, he flew out of basecamp after the disappearance of his father Ali Sadpara, John Snorri and Juan Pablo Mohr. We interviewed him just outside of Skardu before he was whisked away for formalities.
It was an emotional interview fresh off of K2 and I had no idea when I would see him again.
What this young man has been through in the past 4 months is unimaginable and yet his strength and determination shines through in every action he takes.
The moment I landed in Pakistan, the camera started rolling and I was right back in the thick of the emotion. Sajid handled the press conference like a seasoned veteran. He then took me to visit his mother, followed by a very special tour of the village of Sadpara where he showed me (and where we filmed) where his father was born. It’s been non stop ever since, departing Skardu to begin the five day trek to K2 basecamp.
The weight of what’s ahead can be felt by all, but there seems to be a collective unspoken awareness that that time will come - and that for now - we’re all carrying one another with smiles and levity.
We just got online so expect regular updates and plenty of images to help you experience this journey with us.
We can feel the love and support through all of the messages and comments. Thank you from all of us.
Onwards and upwards.
