Home is where your heart is...

As I stated in my last blog I finally arrived back in the U.S.A. The flight home, 14 hrs., was quite grueling. Sitting that long is not my thing! On the way home a man collapsed and the stewards and stewardesses had to go to his assistance. Everyone was screaming for a doctor (I though, omg, what if they think Im an MD?) Well, he ended up alright and the flight went on without interruption.

On final approach to LAX the strangest emotions came over me. I was sad the adventure was winding up and very proud to be back in the U.S. A strange sense of patriotism came over me as we landed. Once on the ground I couldnt help but feel so happy to live in a land like ours. We take so much for granted, expect so much of ourselves, and many times forget the importance of being happy and at peace with who you are. As I worked my way through Customs and lined up for the final check the gentleman at the counter said "Welcome home son!" It may sound strange but a tear came to my eye as i walked on through.

At the final check point they asked me to open my bag and the inspector noticed that my hiking shoes were quite dirty. They sent me over to the agricultural screening area and ran my belongings through a big scanner and then informed me they needed to sanitize my shoes and trekking poles. One hour later, after a good nap in Customs, I was able to head outside, back in the USA! Found my brother and headed home!

Once home I started to unpack and sort a few things out. That night I found myself wide awake and unable to sleep, my brain was still on Nepal time, haha! Not funny, I haven't been able to sleep all week. I keep waking up in the evenings and throughout the early morning. Went to the doctor for a post trip check up and he gave me some tips to reset my internal clock! Its a little better today, however, not back to normal yet.

Its been nice seeing my friends and sharing my trip with them. In all honesty, there is only one person who really understands how I am feeling, Dan. He understands because he was there as well, on a separate trip, but impacted by all we saw, felt and experienced to the same degree I have been. Upon my return Dan called and told me that no matter who I talk to, no one will really get what I feel. He's absolutely right! That place does strange things to you. Strange because it opens your eyes to the world around you. I do feel like I have a different perspective now, now that I'm home. I keep looking at my pictures and re-living the adventure. I keep reflecting on the people, the land, the poverty and the sense of peace that seems to fill the air in the Himalaya's. You see, everywhere you go you are greeted by the Eyes of Wisdom.

This symbol in Nepal is one that has a simple philosophy, a powerful one, that despite your religion, has deep meaning (at least to me). On virtually every stupa (Buddhist shrine) in Nepal, there are giant pairs of eyes staring out from the four sides of the main tower. These are Buddha Eyes (also known as Wisdom Eyes), and they look out in the four directions to symbolize the omniscience (all-seeing) of a Buddha. The Buddha eyes are so prevalent throughout the country that they have become a symbol of Nepal itself. Between the Buddha's eyes where the nose would be is a curly symbol that looks like question mark. This is the Nepali character for the number 1, which symbolizes unity of all the things as well as the one way to reach enlightenment—through the Buddha's teachings. Above this is a third eye, symbolizing the all-seeing wisdom of the Buddha.

Unity, Peace, understanding and becoming one with the world around you, that is what this country portrays. The city of Khathmandu, althouhgh rifled with poverty stands out in my mind, beyond the city and into the Himalayan mountains a different and more peaceful world exists. It honestly does feel like you become one with the world around you. That's the feeling I will remember, the rest certainly opened my eyes and has hopefully made me a more caring, wise, and aware person.  Something happened to me on this trip.  I dont yet understand it all but a feeling is dwelling in me that is stronger than an=ything I've ever experienced.  As the next days and months go forward I want this feeling to grow so that I understand it and where its taking me.  So confused, so happy, and so curious!  Where did this all take me?

Lots of things happened since I returned home, I was in a car accident (can you believe it?) Osama Bin Ladin was eliminated and the story goes on and on! The one thing I do know is that I am proud to be an American and live in a country as great as ours!

For now...NAMASTE...and God Bless America! Despite it all, we are the luckiest people in the world!

Kathmandu to Hong Kong - ON MY WAY HOME!

It was an interesting day yesterday. We arrived at the Shanker Hotel, Kathmando, and went right to our rooms (air conditioning, t.v., hot showers and flushing toilets)!

I dont know what you think but these are real luxuries my friends! The day was full of shopping for things for friends,so, a few of us walked down to Thamel, kind of a bazzarr area for shopping. Lots of poverty everywhere you look, but only poverty to us, they dont see it that way. Shops full of counterfeit videos, phony brand names such as Mountain Hardwear, and lots of local souvenirs. We found a GREAT place to eat and enjoyed a real hamburger with real cheese (not YAK cheese) for the first time in weeks. Then it started to rain, not just a simple rain but a friggin MONSOON! Sat it out, power failures, lightning, winds, and bugs that seemed to be born from the rain appeared. Once it cleared we went shopping again walking under trees full of fox bats just waiting for night to fall. We found the Anapurna Hotel and had a GREAT dinner there for our last night together.

Next adventure, onto the International Airport (ha!).

The guides could only take me to the entrance then I was on my own! Armed guards looking for something and looking at everyone. We complain about pat downs in L.A.? Wow, I got patted down at least four times in one hour! Lots of political unrest starting up in Nepal so it felt like nerves were on edge. Waited in the boarding area then moved to a pre-boarding area for, you guessed it, another pat down!

Finally on the plane, waiting for take off and ta da! We rolled out, taxied down the runway, full power and LIFT OFF! On our way to Hong Kong!

Here I am in Hong Kong, got through customs and I am now walking around the city. Found a STARBUCKS and I am enjoying a cup of coffee as I wait for the STAR FERRY to take me on another tour of the HONG KONG port! Next step, back on the train to the airport, through Departure and onto LAX! Back home soon. I leave HONG KONG at 4:45pm and arrive in LAX at 2:45pm, 14 hour plane ride. Finally got smart and I changed my seat to an aisle seat! You cant see anything from the windows while flying over the China Sea and the Pacific Ocean anyway! Looking forward to getting home, getting back to work and back to the "normal" as I know it!

The last day in Kathmandu I lost a patch that I purchased and a very poor man picked it up and ran toward me to hand it back. This man was so poor and so needy my first thought was to hand him some cash, Rupees, to help him out as a reward for helping me. I tried but he refused. His friend said, in broken English, "he is good man with much pride he helps you and needs nothing in return". Yes, even in an impoverished nation good will and human kindness exists! This small act of kindness, of generousity, of selflessness made this entire trip worthwhile. Life is good my friends and I will see you soon1

NAMASTE!

Namche Bazzar to Lukla and back to Kathmandu (almost home)

Yesterday was a very interesting and long day. We left Namche Bazzar at about 6:30am and headed back to Lukla. The trail itself descended very steeply for a long time and, for those of us who like downhill treks, was a perfect start of the day. The trail is not at all smooth but covered with thousands of rocks brought one by one by someone a long time ago to create the trail and the MANY steps that lead both up and down the mountain. Our legs were all but solid as we started off with some of us very shaky after the long and hard trek. We crossed numerous suspension bridges, including the Hillary Suspension bridge as we headed down the mountain. We finally stopped for lunch and were able to visit one of the highest Buddhist Monestaries in the world. Unfortunately, to enter, you have to take your shoes off! I think we scared the monks as they giggled when we removed our shoes! We started down the trail once again only to finally have to go UPHILL, and I do mean uphill. It seemed like miles as we each tried to get in our ZONE to keep somewhat of a pace as we climbed the mountain to reach Lukla. Some were fast, some were slow, but remember, its the journey that's important. Those who finished early waited at the entrance to Lukla and cheered the rest of the team, and other trekkers, as they completed their journey! It was a very joyous time as we were all focused on stopping that only Starbucks in Nepal that just happens to be in Lukla!!!! We stopped in and saw they were the REAL THING! We decicided to check into our rooms first and come back for a drink!

We checked into our rooms and found that the Lukla folks were getting ready for a big tourism celebration. They flew in local talent, set up a large tent, lights and then....ACTION, a giant Nepalese party! Our guides encouraged us to go with them to dance, however, we were all absolutely exhausted after our trek and dinner (I got very brave and had Buffalo MoMo for dinner). We immediately went to our rooms and then, suddenly, the party started and the sound from down the hill echoed up the hill to our rooms. The party went on until about 4:30a.m. and none of us slept very well, however, we did get to hear the entertainment! Each time one said "thankyou" we each thought "thank God, its over" and then...another singer! We could hear the prancing of little claws on our roofs (probably mountain rats, I thought they were snow leopards though!) Finally the music stopped and we closed our eyes only to hear the Norweigan Youth grouop upstairs get up to get ready to head out for the day!

Next step was to head to the airport, the Lukla Airport to be exact, one of the most dangerous in the world! We checked our bags, waited...waited...waited for the clouds to clear and then heard the first shuttle planes of the day approach and land! About an hour later we boarded our flight back to Kathmandu. Once we arrived we boarded a shuttle buds and headed back to the baggage claim area, got our luggage, found our driver and headed through the streets of Kathmandu back to the Shaker Hotel. After being in the pristine and quiet mountains it was quite a jolt to return to the noise, pollution and crowded streets (that remind me of scenes from the video game CALL OF DUTY) of the city. We arrived, got our rooms and here we are. Lunch is coming up, then onto the office to complete our visit and trek to Mt. Everest!

This experience, not vacation, was ultimately the most interesting and emotional thing I have ever done. I cant wait to see where my next journey takes me as this one comes to a close. I will never forget our team, porters, Asst. Guides and Lead Guide from Himalayan Glacier Trekking, who helped make this possible and safe. Tonights a celebration party and a time to remember our trip together. Tomorrow's a new day, new adventures and the start of my trek back home!

The following are pictures of my fellow trekkers, GREAT people, GREAT companions and I hope, FRIENDS FOREVER!

Pheriche to Pangboche to Tengboche to Namche Bazzare

In case your just checking the blog I just posted three blogs to catch up to date as I finally found some OUTSTANDING internet here at Namche Bazzar, so, if your interested in us reaching the Base Camp and/or summiting Kala Pathar, 18,192 ft, you might want to check back at the older posts...

Today was an extra long trek down the mountain as we headed back to Namche Bazzar for a well deserved rest, shower, and meal! We trekked, once again, through beautiful hillsides blanketed with rhododendron and juniper trees. It was about a 6-7 hour trek today with very steep up and down hills all the way. We eventually reached Sansa which is the major trail junction in the region. The trail to Namche Bazzar clings to the steep wooded slopes beyond Kyangjuma winding through several bends. We were able to catch quick glimpses of wild goats, colorful pheasants, and musk dear as we continued our trek.

After passing a Chorten, we reached the army camp at Namche Bazaar and the soldiers were out in full force lining the trail with automatic weapons at their sides. Still, as is heard from time to time, and day to day, they each greeted us with the familiar phrase, NAMASTE, except for one who looked at me and said, with a Nepalese accent, "What up Dude!" I loved it! As we continued down into Namche Bazzar our knees were ready to buckle and our quads ready to burst, but, we made it. The friends we made on our first visit welcomed us back and the newbies, on the start of their treks, asked us how it was and what they needed to know. What can you say after an experience like this. I'll never forget the three little girls I met at one of the local schools. Once they found out I was a Principal, they treated me like a king!

OOPS! I almost forgot to tell you that in one of the Monastery's along the way we were able to see an supposed actual scalp of a YETI! Take a look!

All the way down the mountain, as I trekked alone at times, I finally realized that this trip was not about the destination but about the journey itself, after all, there is no end to our journey on this earth. I personally have focused way to much on getting someplace rather than enjoying the journey. The journey brings with it experiences that can richen our lives, help others, expand our horizons and, hopefully, become a better person! Well, as this journey comes to what I would have once said was the end, I now say the end of this journey is just the beginning of another, linked together as the journey continues...

As always, NAMASTE!

Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar Summit - Pheriche

Today was the most awesome day of the trip. Three of us agreed to get up early and face the challenge of climbing to the summit of Kala Patthar (18,192 ft.) We left before sunrise and the temperatures were well below -10c. The winds were blowing like mad and the climb up the mountain the steepest I have ever experienced. With the altitude being so high we felt like we could hardly breathe but the higher we went the more determined we were to summit! As we made the climb and the sun started to peak over the Himalayas we were able to se peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, Chagtse tower and Everest itself close to another peak called Nuptsej. It took us over 2 hours to make the summit and a whole bunch of stops along the way to catch our breath. Once we reached the top we each scrambled to climb the rocky outcrop at the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags.

We sat on the Kala Patthar summit rocks with our eyes taking in the unbelievable Himalayan Panorama. This, a once in a lifetime opportunity was one that will always live in my memory! We scrambled down the mountain to catch a quick breakfast, pack our bags and head off as we begin our next part of this amazing trek.


The rest of this journey is one that I will not be able to blog, no batteries for this computer.  Three more camps to go then the summit.  What a dream.  Next step is the Khumbu Ice Fallls to Camp 1, then over a glacier to Cap 3 at about 20,000 ft.  Camp 3 takes you to Lohtse at 24,000 ft and the to Camp 4 final step to the summit.  It takes 15-20 hours from Camp 4 to the summit at the top of the world.  Hopefully all goes well.  This trip is one that really brought me to my knees, understanding myself,  my shortcomings and how amazing life really is when you set yourself free to see it.  I'll post some pictures when I get a chance later on in this journey.

As you can see the journey was a success, exhausted beyond belief,  moved beyond words,  too tired to think.   An exhausting and emotional journey to say the least.  This world is amzaing, the sites, the sounds, the people, the diversity,  it overcomes you.  Its hard to put into words so I won't. I will share my feelings with others when I see them,  I cannot put it in words at this time.  Tomorrow we start our journey home.  back through the Himalayas and on to whatever comes next in this life.

We walked for over six hours in intense snow and wind as we made the descent to Pheriche. As we walked I think we all began to feel like Nomads as the snow caked itself on our clothes and froze any liquid it came in touch with.

My Camel Bak froze solid leaving me no water for the voyage to Pheriche. We passed many Yaks taking supplies up to Everest.

People carrying literally hundreds of pounds from a strap over their foreheads and, of course, others like us on their way up the mountain for the experience of their lifetime. Again, tears kept coming to my eyes as I thought of all the experiences and images I have witnessed on this trip. The simplicity of life, the kind hearted nature of the Himalayan people, their respect for nature and their focus on heart instead of physical belongings. As I type this I am watching three young women pick through the snow as they prepare it for future crops to sustain their families, its snowing like mad outside and well below zero!


Well, enough for now! Tomorrow we head to Namche Bazzar once again and prepare for our final descent to Lukla and that heart pounding flight out of one of the most deadly airports in the world.

NAMASTE!

Duglha to Everest Base Camp

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

After a long hike from Duglha where we hiked through Lobuche and got our first glimpse of Kala Patthar, we hit 17,594 ft! Beautiful sites and what a GREAT experience. We walked and walked and walked until we reached Gorak Shep. We have great rooms, in comparison to where we have been. The toilets are something to see and impossible to describe. Last night, just before going to bed my head lamp fell off my head and fell into the toilet!!! I spent most of the night disinfecting it. The only good thing was the toilet had its own glacier in it as it had frozen over, however, it still hit the ice. Rescue it or let it drown! Well, I need it so I rescued it (ooooooo!). After a brief lunch today we hit the trail to Base Camp. Over two hours later, walking over lots of ice, in the snow, mainly uphill on icy trails we finally reached our goal BASE CAMP. Wow was it cold, we all bundled up in our parkas and everything else we could put our hands on as it was probably below zero as we started the trek today!

We saw massive glaciers, deep crevices, many memorials to climbers who died either on the trail or on the way back from Everest, the start of the Kumbu Ice Falls and many expeditioners either finishing their summit attempt or just getting ready for the month long journey to the highs point on the earth, the top of Mt. Everest. At the Base Camp we all literally cried as we realized our goal. We met a wonderful 70 year old lady, Jan Croft, cancer survivor who also made the trek! What an inspiration.

The entire team made it today. We hugged, cried, rested, took many pictures and then headed back to Gorak Shep for dinner and a good nights rest. Tomorrow we wake early and head to Kala Patthar to watch the sun rise over this blessed land!

I tell you, God truly created a beautiful and inspiring place that we call Mt. Everest. I am the luckiest man on earth to be able to be here today!

As always, NAMASTE!

Dingboche to Dughla (15,090 ft) to Base Camp

Its next to impossible to get a good internet connection up here and you have to use their computers so, I am not able to post pictures until we return to Namche Bazzar!

The climb to Dughla took us up to well over 15000 ft. At that altitute we were breathing about 10 % oxygen. some of the team members experienced lack of sleep due to the altitude. Everyone finally started taking Diamox to assist with dealing with the altitude. The area was very arid looking and totally surrounded by magnificent mountains. We walked through Yak ranches and past Phulung Karpo, the campsite used during the first successful Mt. Everest summit in 1953. As we continued the trek through the arid mountains, surrounded by peaks exceeding 23000 ft, we started a gradual descent that took us over a raging stream with water so cold it would freeze your skin. Once across the bridge we found our lodge that sits in the shadow of absolutely gigantic and awe inspiring mountains.

Im cutting this short due to the high cost of internet so pardon any typos...

After a long hike from Duglha where we hiked through Lobuche and got our first glimpse of Kala Patthar, we hit 17,594 ft. Beautiful sites and what GREAT experience. We walked and walked until we reached Gorak Shep. We have great rooms, in comparison to where we have been. the toilets are something to see and impossible to describe. Last night, just before going to bed my head lamp fell into the toilet!! I spent most of the night disinfecting it. The only good thing was the toilet had its own glacier in it and teh lamp bounced off the ice but still got wet. I had to make a choice to rescue it or let it go, I needed it so, you guessed it, I rescued it! After a brief lunch today we hit the trail to Base Camp. Over two hours later, walking over lots of ice, in the snow, mainly uphill on icy trails we finally reached our goal BASE CAMP. Wow was it cold. We all bundled up in our parkas and everything else we could put our hands on as it was probably below zero as we started the trek today.We saw massive glaciers, deep crevices, many memorials to climbers who died either on the trail or on the way back form Everest, the start of the Kumbu ice Falls and many expeditioners either finishing their sumit attempt of just getting ready for the month long journey to the highest point on the earth, the top of Mt; Everest. At the Base Camp we all literally cried as we realized our goal. We met a wonderful 70 year old lady, cancer survivor, who also mad the trek. What an inspiration. the entire team made it today. We hugged, cried, rested, took many pictures and then headed back to Gorak Shep for dinner and a good nights rest. Tomorrow we wake early and head to Kala Patthar to watch the sun rise over this blessed land. I tell you, God truly created a beautiful and inspiring place that we call Mt. Everest. I am the luckiest man on earth to be able to be here today!

As always, NAMASTE!