Now that they are safe back at lower altitude, some K2 quotes will tell us how they feel. First from 1953, then 1978
We felt like swimmers from a capsized boat who had just completed the long swim ashore. Merely being there was unspeakable luxury.
Robert Bates, in Houston and Bates
K2 the Savage Mountain, p 253
Other than rest, and a fuzzy hope to be soon off then mountain --to be safe in Base Camp with this ordeal behind me --hot liquid was the only desire left in me.
Rick Ridgeway, The Last Step, p 274
