May 22, 2008 - 8:01am — MountEverest2008
Today We Are Mountaineers
Camp IV baby!
I loved today. Unlike any day of any climb I have been on, today I felt like a real mountaineer. It was incredible. We looked the part: dressed in down suits, a couple oxygen tanks in our backpacks, a hose coming around the front feeding the gas of life to the mask we are now near constantly wearing. We were climbing at very high altitude- only on 8000 meter peaks in the Himalaya can you find such heights. Specifically, I think we started at about 23,500ft and finished the day at roughly 26,500ft, the elevation of Camp IV. We met some successful climbers on their way down from the summit (happy, but tired), and met some others that perhaps had reached as far as they were going to this year. The conditions were quite snowy and reasonably warm- no risk of frostbite today. Interestingly, some personalities become a bit more acute up high too. Some fuses are a bit short in some cases while elsewhere, the sense of achievement is leading to a strengthening of friendships.
Camp IV itself is strategically positioned on a saddle, right on border. Should I need to take a bathroom break, a right from my tent will have me peeing in China, a left in the country of Nepal. Directly above the tent lies the summit. I can see it well and, despite it being way up there, my feeling at the moment is that it is achievable. And that fact, perhaps, is why I am now very excited. I see the goal, am in position to strike, and believe I am up to the task. The feeling is a bit indescribable- I wish I could share it with everyone. To dream so long of a goal and to now be looking it in the face- and have a real crack at making it a reality- it is a very cool and powerful experience.
Perhaps it's the high altitude, but when I think how lucky I am to be able to pursue such an adventure, my mountaineer eyes get a little teary. Whereas I don't have much use for a mirror at the moment, it seems time for reflection. My buddy Dan advised me to look back once and awhile- something my normal go go lifestyle leaves little time for. I have time now- and would like to thank my mom and dad for giving me the world (I have taken this gift seriously and this is a force behind my adventurous nature I think). To my sisters, you know my strengths and weaknesses better than anyone... and thank you for keeping me in check by reminding me of my shortcomings as frequently as needed! I could not ask for better sisters. In regard to Hlee, you've heard a bit already. Simply put, we are meant to be together. I love her with all my heart. I already know I am luckiest guy in the world to be with her. With each passing day, I simply want more and more to be near her again. I miss Hlee a great deal.
And for all my extended family, my friends around the globe, the dozens of classrooms full of students, my sponsors, the nice people in my hometown of Dushore, PA, and everyone else who has supported my teammates and I over the past several weeks... on reflection, I am grateful. Everyone is busy with their own dreams, goals, and busy lifestyles. You've carved out a little time to virtually climb with us- I'd like to thank you for that.
(Jose Luis would also like to thank Juan and his family, Corina, and his children. Jose Luis will be going for his third Everest summit- the most for any Ecuadorian! Whereas the rest of team (and most of the support) is from the US, let's ensure we're rooting for Ecuador too!)
Now, let's complete the expedition and get our butts up on the summit... (and safely back down of course).
Next word will come as soon as safely possible. We will rest tonight, rest most of tomorrow, and plan to embark for the the world's highest peak sometime tomorrow evening. God willing, we should be on the summit the morning of May 24th.
Thanks again everyone.
To the summit...