Pat, I've decided that you need to keep blogging even after you return to the states. I've realized this burning need, inside myself, to know what you're up to each day, irrespective of your altitude. Its been, and remains, fun. Keep it up. Is there absolutely no motorized traffic where you are? How do they get supplies to Namche? You sound stronger than yesterday. How are you feeling about your accomplishment? David

Congrats on your further progress - obviously you have proven to all of us that you know how to push yourself and demonstrate that you are an overachiever! Guess Kiwi Mike must be in the same category (perhaps your push each other?!). Goings on here include high school graduation parties, planting patio pots and keeping an eye out for Indianapolis 500 results (sorry, no updates from my on hockey or basketball playoffs - haven't been paying much attention!)
Not sure when you will pick up messages, but thought I would go ahead and post so you will know I am following along. It seems like we need to keep the vigil up (in the spirit of nursing!) right up til the time you are back in SC (and even then - continue to focus on the Summit Scholarship). Can't wait til you are home and I can sit in on a few of your presentations and see some of your pictures. Hang in there - rest up - get home safely!
Bonnie

Hi Pat
Just listened to your Blog, but no mention of Anna or Rob ! Please..........where are they ? Camping en route to Namche Bazaar ? From a worried Aunt Jan in Perth, Australia.

Jill, Dallas, TX
Just as I said the other day when you were at Camp 3, you are a machine! Just point you in the right direction and turn on your "motor" and you go until you get to the destination - wherever it is! Pretty amazing! Tomorrow should be a piece of cake! How about propping your feet up for a couple of hours at the Rum Doodle, resting, and raising a toast to all your "helpers" out here in cyberspace?! Job well done, Pat!!!

pat&mike. welcome to lukla. guess you've had enough walking over the past couple of days to last you a life time!!thought you might like to know... dario franchetti won a rain shortened indy 500 from scott dixon . hope you can relax tonight and when you get to kathmandu ; i suppose you haven't had much 'downtime' to reflect on what you have achieved over the last few days!once again may i congratulate you and all the" amalgams" on a truly amazing and successful summit. cheers!! [ken.nz]

What an amazing walk, Pat! From EBC to Namche Bazaar in one day, you guys are animals! Rest those weary feet. I'm so glad all is going well for you. I'm sure coming down the valley gives you lots of time to think and process a bit the intense journey you've just experienced. Thank you for the audio and written blogs, taking us all along for the journey with you. It has been a great ride, and I concur with what others have written on here -- don't stop blogging here anytime soon, we want to see you safely back home to the Carolinas and beyond. I especially can't wait to see more of your photos from the past two months, bet they will be spectacular. That summit photo of you is tops on my list to see -- that Nascar flag fluttering at the top of the world, wow!
I'm happy to tell you that my co-worker Terry summited Everest two days before you. Perhaps you ran into him somewhere up high, probably not. I can't wait to hear the stories when he returns to Amish country here in Lancaster. Terry is just leaving Base Camp today, as one of their team members got very sick at Camp 2 and had to be slowly escorted to Base Camp and flown to Katmandu by Russian helicopter. Word is he'll be just fine in time.
And of course Paul Adler summited the day before you, in the dangerous winds forming up high that you had also. He and Fiona are in Katmandu as we speak, trying to make flight arrangements back home to Australia.
I have had an absolute blast following the exploits of you and Paul and Terry this climbing season. Successful and safe summits for all three of you just made my day, so happy and relieved. I prayed daily for all of you, and am so glad He had His hand on you all every step of the way.
Safe journeys from here, Pat, keep us updated!
Blessings and cheers,
Mark R in Pennsylvania USA
P.S. Don't forget to eat at the Rumdoodle in KTM, and sign the famous wall reserved only for Everest summiters. Take your place among the Everest legends, Pat, you deserve it. And I hear Everest summiters eat free at the Rumdoodle for life, so you got that going for you, pal. LOL!