Here’s the second journal entry from the Everest Trek. This entry is the first from the trail, and I found it interesting that I was concerned about how I’d handle the trekking the further in we got. The reality for me was, the higher we got the better I felt, the opposite of many others. … [Read more…]
I’m finally getting around to typing up and posting my paper journals from the Everest Trek 2009, and this is the first of many. I’ve decided to keep them intact and do only a minimal amount of editing, mostly to fix minor things like grammar or sentence structure. It got worse and worse the higher … [Read more…]
With the first half of the year having now passed by, I’ve found myself feeling a bit reflective today. Looking back on how the first six months of 2009 have gone, and wondering what the next six might hold for me. While I expected a lot of change this year, I still find myself in … [Read more…]
I’m home now, have had a night sleeping in my own bed, showered in my own shower, had to make my own tea in the morning, and generally begun to shift my brain back into the western world. I’ve had a little time now to reflect back on the trip, and wanted to share a … [Read more…]
Things have just about come together for the Everest Trek 2009. My duffel is packed with 5 pounds to spare, and I have everything I need. Busy topping off all my batteries today, then I just need to get my hair cut later tonight, do some laundry, and then get my daypack loaded for the … [Read more…]
As I wind down to the final three weeks before I leave for Nepal and begin my Trek to Everest, I’m also trying to wind down my preparations for the trek. Both my “to-do” and “to-buy” lists have grown very short, and are nearing completion. My training is finally getting close to hitting full stride. … [Read more…]
I was very happy to find my shiny, new passport waiting for me in my mail last night when I got home from my weekly grocery shopping. (It was a nice change of pace from an otherwise pretty shitty week!) This was the one, last major hurdle between me and my Everest Trek in May. … [Read more…]
I’ve hinted at it a bit in some previous posts, but I’ve had a big announcement I’ve been saving up for a while and I figure it’s past time to make it public now. I am going to Everest! I will be spending 3 weeks hiking from Kathmandu, Nepal to base camp at Everest. But, … [Read more…]
For the first time in, well… forever, I’ve got a bunch of travel (does three count as a “bunch?”) planned over the next year or so. While all purely recreational, they all involve a lot of work and effort, so no rest and relaxation for me! Totally worth it though, they should all be very … [Read more…]
I'm back from my second annual trip to do a bit of climbing on Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. If I had to lay bets right now, I'd wager that there will be a third annual trip next year. Between the climb yesterday and the 13-hour drive home today, I'm pretty tired right now. So … [Read more…]
I could try and explain the allure I’ve found in climbing, but I’d ultimately fall short of expressing it as well as this photo does. Setting aside all the unquantifiables that come from the experience, there it is in vivid color. Just glance at it and appreciate it on the surface, or dig deeper into … [Read more…]
Back in Cleveland. Not sure how I feel about that. Good to be home, I guess. But another couple days away would have been nice. Amazingly, the drive home managed to be worse than the drive out. First, I apparently missed a turn somewhere in New Hampshire and ended up off course. I found my … [Read more…]
Time for the pictures, as promised! Again, it's easier to see what's going on if you click them and view the full size versions. The first photo is of me practicing self-arrest by sliding down one of the ski trails. Self-arrest is basically learning how to stop yourself from sliding with the ice axe, should … [Read more…]
Well, let's get the bad news out of the way right off the bat. I didn't make the summit. No summit for me. Frankly, I'm okay with it. I know my limits, I know what I need to work on from here before I come back, and I learned a lot. So why didn't I … [Read more…]
Okay, these first two are of the lower incline ice we started off on. Went up and down this one several times. The pictures aren't the clearest, but it should give you an idea. Keep in mind that I was standing at the base of it looking up, so it's a sharper incline than it … [Read more…]