Hey Pat - just happened to be online when your audio blog came in! Glad to hear you are back at BC and enjoying beer and chicken! Don't worry about answering my blogs (from my perspective anyway) - hopefully you and Carol ans I will catch up at some point when you visit Colorado (this summer?). It is just great to get your updates and hear about your plans. Here is a song that may not be relevant til you get back to the states - but thought the tune might be fun and give you a chuckle on your final treks through Nepal (of course we need to tweak the lyrics from sailing to mountain climbing - but you are the best one to do that!). I have fun memories of singing the chorus with my sister and her kids as we drive back from the beach in California!

Jimmy Buffett - Cheeseburger In Paradise Lyrics
Tried to amend my carnivorous habits.
Made it nearly seventy days,
Losin' weight without speed, eatin' sunflower seeds,
Drinkin' lots of carrot juice and soakin' up rays.

But at night I'd have these wonderful dreams
Some kind of sensuous treat.
Not zucchini, fettuccini, or bulgur wheat,
But a big warm bun and a huge hunk of meat.

Cheeseburger is paradise.
Heaven on earth with an onion slice.
Not too particular, not too precise.
I'm just a cheeseburger in paradise.

I like mine with lettuce and tomato,
Heinz Fifty-seven and French fried potatoes.
Big kosher pickle and a cold draft beer.
Well, good God Almighty, which way do I steer
For my cheeseburger in paradise.

Heard about the old time sailor men,
They eat the same thing again and again;
Warm beer and bread they say could raise the dead.
Well, it reminds me of the menu at a Holiday Inn.

But times have changed for sailors these days.
When I'm in port I get what I need;
Not just Havanas or banana or daiquiris,
But that American creation on which I feed!

Cheeseburger is paradise medium rare with mustard'd be nice
Not too particular, not too precise
I'm just a cheeseburger in paradise.

I like mine with lettuce and tomato
Heinz 57 and french fried potatoes
Big kosher pickle and a cold draught beer
Well, good god Almighty which way do I steer

For a cheeseburger in paradise
Makin' the best of every virtue and vice.
Worth every damn bit of sacrifice
To get a cheeseburger in paradise;
To be a cheeseburger in paradise.
I'm just a cheeseburger in paradise.
http://www.seeklyrics.com/lyrics/Jimmy-Buffett/Cheeseburger-In-Paradise....

Congrats, Pat. The news of your safe trip thru the Khumbu and return to base was almost (almost) better than the news of your summit. What an amazing trip.

Although I'm sure you're aware, you got yet more good press today - this time on the front page of ABCnews.com
http://abcnews.go.com/WN/ESPNSports/story?id=3215842&page=1

Enjoy the rest of your trip. I'll look forward to seeing you soon.

-Eric
USC, 6th floor

"Absolutely Fabulous Pat" You must feel fantastic..a great accomplishment! We hope the balance of your excursion, right to getting back to Almonte is safe and wonderful and you carry your great feelings with you always. We look forward to seeing and talking with you.
Grace,Sean and Dave
Seandave

Hey Pat and co.

So glad everyone is back to BC and safely down the Khumbu Glacier and the infamous Icefall. I can imagine the Icefall has changed a lot. Enjoy the trek back to Lukla...the flowers should be in bloom.

You guys are almost home!
MC

pat&team. '' welcome back down.''great effort by everyone [leaders,sherpas and team' amalgam'.] the best of luck to you all as you head off to your various ''final destinations''. kind regards.......[ken.nz]

You have all made it the complete journey (well almost) l am over the moon that you have all made it down, l feel like a bloody great big weight is off my shoulders now, safe trip home to every one, thank you so much Pat for this blog its made the trip alot easier for us, see you soon Mike, l feel like crying right now, l am so happy you have made it down safely and can return to all of us and your family, we you get back l thought we should have your party as a theme night, fancy dress, "everest" being the theme, l'm trying to work out how to come as a yak, tell me what you think and l will organise it, Love Bob

CONGRATAMZALATIONS. You did it.
Fantastic stuff, we've been watching everyday (sometimes four times a day).
The audio blogs are great, they add so much to the reality of it all. Gives us a true feeling of the struggle and reward of it all. No fudging how hard it was three weeks later when the pain is gone.
Your endevours are inspirational. Can't wait to see you Mike when you get back and pour a pint your way.
Thank you Pat for the generous use of your blog.
Mike if you still wanted to get hold of the contact at the Nepalese Education Department (984 172 7235 / 984 172 7229 Mike and Manu) They know your up there and might call.
All our thoughts and best wishes,
Herwin, Gill, Luke and Sam

Hi everyone in NZ, we would like to have a party for Mike, when he gets back, details yet to be finalised but could everyone please email me (Bob) and l will reply with the details once sorted, it will be a great night for kids and adults.
Cheers
Bob,,,,,,,,email me at.....jessnbob@orcon.net.nz

It's been great to be able to follow your trek and to know that you are now safely back at base camp, having accomplished your goal! Thanks again for your commitment to the nursing profession and for setting up the Summit Scholarship. We know that goal will be reached, too. Wells Family (Ashley USC Nursing Class of 2007)

What do you do for an encore? You said coming down was more difficult than going up. I've experienced that before-wierd. Glad you made it, Pal. When do you go back to work? Do you have a speaking tour planned? Might be a good way to draw attention and funds to the scholarship. Let me know; I'll inquire about setting something up here in Breck. David

Hi ken you will definitely have to come we would love to meet you. Wendy

Have thoroughly enjoyed the ride the past weeks, glad you are all safely back at BC. We had a beautiful half moon in Melbourne Aust last night! Best of wishes for your future life with your wife back home.Great achievement.
Donna Thomas

Pat,

Glad to know you are through the icefalls and safely back to basecamp. Rest up and enjoy the final part of your journey. You have touched many of us and honestly have all of perioperative nursing (as well as many more) waiting to have you tell your story. I am sure this will be the longest stretch of days for Carol waiting to get you home. ...She is a trooper and a hero in her own right for all the support she gives you. Take care my friend and look forward to seeing you soon in SC.

Paula

Pat and friends - So glad to hear you are safely back at basecamp. I know you and everyone else is looking forward to going home to your loved ones. Gina Griffin, Hartford, CT

Hello Superman. I am SO proud of you. SO proud to know you. You DID IT man!
I am thrilled for you, as is Bob. Perhaps by now you are back with Carol, being loved up, fed well, and sharing stories. Please know that we have held you in our hearts as you climbed. Again, I'm proud to know you Pat. Take care of yourself and recuperate. Love, Lyn Phillips