Camp 2-Lhotse Face

< Newer | Older > Sun, 04/22/2007 - 11:01 — Patrick

View of Lhotse face from Camp 2.Day #26

Location: Camp 2
Altitude: 6400m/21000ft.
Local Time: 4:30pm / April 22
Weather: Cool (30's) windy/snow

Today we went from Camp 2 towards the base of Lhotse but decided to return to camp after about an hour of hiking as the wind was blowing very strongly, drifts were covering the numerous crevasses, and there were no fixed safety lines to give us the added comfort of safety in a crevasse zone. We did get to see the looming mountain in front of us which is going to be our biggest challenge yet as we transition from Camp 2-Camp 3. Tomorrow we head back down to basecamp to rest for 2-3 days, then will return straight back up to Camp 2. Afer a few days here we will go for Camp 3, and then return all the way to basecamp (see earlier posted itinerary). At this time we will be ready for a weather window and a summit push!

I have asked my brother Danny and friend Liesl at The University of South Carolina College of Nursing to mark on a world map the locations of all those that have been involved in this blog. All of you have joined in for different reasons; some are family, some are friends, some read the USA Today article, while others have been referred by friends of friends. Whatever the case, you have visited the site, learned a little about me and my cause (the nursing shortage) and am hopeful that you will leave the site a little better off than you were when you entered as I am trying to show everyone that with goal setting the sky is the limit!

At present time (3:30pm) I am sitting in my tent with sleeping bag wrapped around me and listening to the calming sound of sleet/snow hitting the walls and roof of the tent. Every now and then huge drifts of snow slide down the walls of the tent and allow more light so I can type. It is very calming here in the Western Cwm. and where I am in life is very similar. I relish this opportunity to advocate for nursing and hope that all of you can take home the message of the looming shortage, and more importantly, the chance to make a difference in that shortage by contributing to the Summit Scholarship. Please refer more to the site and after all is said and done I would like to be able to show, that if nothing else, I was able to communicate to this growing international audience that we at the University of South Carolina, College of Nursing, have made a pledge to do something about the nursing shortage and that is to develop the Summit Scholarship which will help student nurses to make their dream of becoming a nurse a reality!

While home in Almonte, Ontario Canada in February 2007 a family friend, Helen Grace, stated she was very impressed with what I was doing for nursing as Helen was a nurse herself. However, she left me with a question that has since bothered me and that is, "What are you going to do for the nurses in Canada?" I remember that I danced around the question at the moment and responded that I was just a cog in a wheel trying to make a difference ... but why not think larger? My original nursing degree was through a Diploma program at St.Lawrence College in Brockville, Ontario and I have always felt indebted to the Canadian system as that is where I got my start, but then there is such a need for help with nursing programs all over the world! My advisor, Deborah, in my doctoral program used to try to reign me in when I would want to extend myself to help a lot of people. She would always say, "Patrick, you can't save the entire world, you need to do it one person at a time". She was relatively succesfull in helping me to focus, but I still can't help looking at the bigger picture and wanting to do something on a grander scale. My own Dean Hewlett in the College of Nursing at the University of South Carolina had suggested that we look beyond the targeted goal of $29,035 and really try to make a significant difference by raising even more money, and helping more students. After all, if you think of it, there are probably very few of us that have not been taken care of by a nurse at some point in our lives. Just imagine if that nurse was not there!

So, I guess what I am saying, in a long roundabout way, is that I would like to entertain the possibility of taking the Summit Scholarship to a higher level to help more students in need. As stated earlier "I am just a cog in a wheel wanting to make a difference" but to do so at a higher level I will need corporate involvement. Hopefully some of you have connections to people at those levels and could initiate discussions that may benefit the lives of all of us by increasing our nursing population. I would be very happy to entertain ideas, recommendations, and follow up on potential leads.

Sorry that I have rambled on and on about the nursing issue, but I decided to take advantage of a tent bound afternoon to reach out to my growing population of new friends.

Thanks so much,

Pat :>)

*Hey Carol ... great talking to you earlier. Will call again soon!

Love you,

Pat :>)

Messages

Blogger Locations (Almonte ON Canada)

Danno — Sun, 04/22/2007 - 11:55

Hey Pat, glad to hear everything is going well. In order to identify where everyone that visits this site is from, maybe we could encourage them to add their location to the blog title when they log on as I did in this message. For anyone who is interested in visiting the Summit Scholarship site the address is http://www.sc.edu/nursing/SummitScholarship.html .

Safe climbing,

Dan

Pat's blog location (Vanc., WA, USA)

Mary Clare Reinhardt — Sun, 04/22/2007 - 14:13

Hey Pat

I enjoy your positive attitude and your desire to give back to the world. You are to be commended. Great photo of the Lhotse face from Camp 2; absolutely stunning!

Continued success,
MC

"You can make a difference in the world not necessarily by your own success but by your willingness to help others succeed." mc

Celebrating Nurses (Seattle, WA, USA)

Andrea — Sun, 04/22/2007 - 15:00

Pat,

I've been following your blog since the start of your adventure but haven't written until now. Coming from a family of nurses (grandmother, mother, sister), I commend you on your fundraising goal and advocacy for nursing! The field of nursing certainly needs a spokesperson - I think you qualify. :)

I'd be interested, since you are a nurse, hearing about the physiological changes your body will be making as you head further up Everest...I'm sure you can provide a unique outlook given your expertise.

Every morning I check your blog as well as TA's and Paul's...it's amazing to be able to keep track of 3 people's quest for the summit.

Good luck,
Andrea

Good Morning (Thousand Oaks, CA)

Visitor — Sun, 04/22/2007 - 15:03

Hi Pat,
Your adventure and goal seem very close now. I'm tired just reading about it, but then again, I have not hiked/climbed in years. Your updates are so interesting and I can't help but brag on your efforts to friends.

We are getting rain for the first time in months here in sunny S. Cal., quite the change from Seattle. We were in Seattle last weekend to see family (my dad is doing great after scattering his knee cap into 8 pieces at Christmas time) and attended a party. The ski and tennis shop where Dale worked part time for over 8 years went out of business after 45 years. Working at the shop was more fun than work for Dale, a good family of friends hanging out, talking technical skiing stuff, and getting equipment. Plus, we went to a Mariner's game. Good times, but a busy 3 days.

Keep safe!
Kim

South Carolina Pride

Visitor — Sun, 04/22/2007 - 16:39

Pat,
I'm sorry I have not communicated with you sooner. You need to know that your endeavor is generating a lot of discussion at your old place of employment - Palmetto Health Richland. In almost every meeting I attend your name comes up and someone updates those in the room on your progress. I hope the attention you are getting locally, nationally and worldwide generates an equal amount of support for your cause. We're all very proud of you and admire greatly your drive and determination to do something positive for the profession of nursing.
Stay safe, be strong and remember all of us back here in Cola. SC who are thinking of you every day.
Mac Knight

Western Cwm(Richmond, KY.USA)

Ann — Sun, 04/22/2007 - 17:29

Hi Pat,
I have read a few descriptions of the Western Cwm as being as large as 3 to 4 football fields, it sounds so incredible. This place I would love to see myself just to photograph it in my own way, I'm not sure you can really comprehend the size of it unless you are there yourself. I have also read how hot it can be, did you get hot while moving towards camp?
Best, Ann and Graham

Go Pat!

epummer — Sun, 04/22/2007 - 18:47

Hi Pat!
I just learned of your climb and cause through an email alert I receive from Advisory.com- I think the original citation was the USA Today piece.
Thank you! Best of Luck!
A nurse of 22 years, working on a masters in nursing and I have never regretted this career choice.
Anything that can be done to increase awareness on the need for nurses is great and this is a really big/great thing!
I'll keep following your journey.
Prayers and thoughts will be with you from
Orinda, Ca.

Alma Paulson (Columbia, SC, USA)

Visitor — Sun, 04/22/2007 - 20:35

Pat,
Quit testing all that equipment's safety features! Will have to strengthen (if possible) the prayers sent for your safety. Beautiful weekend here in Columbia.
Scott is umpiring in Charlotte all weekend. I'm reporting on your progress each week to a radio call-in show in Watertown, SD. Carol is keeping me updated with all your blogs. Stay safe. Alma

Fantastic photo (Columbia, SC, USA)

Visitor — Sun, 04/22/2007 - 20:42

Pat,
Your latest picture is breath-taking (I guess literally, right?). I heard from Barber Bob today who called to check on your progress. He apparently is a caveman and doesn't have a computer. He wanted to wish you continued success and advise you to stay out of harm's way (as much as it is possible). Also spoke with Danny and he said there is a problem with AOL which is blocking your emails due to the large volume of spam??? Anyhow I set up a free hotmail account. Address is the same except @hotmail.com. Try to send all emails to work and hotmail address. Great talking to you this morning. Guess I leave you breathless these days?!
I'll send more by private email.
Love,
Carol

Mike's Wife ( Auckland NZ )

Visitor — Sun, 04/22/2007 - 21:17

Hi Pat,
I unfortunately I missed Mikes call yesterday, can you tell him all is well here I just had not charged my phone. I would of loved to have talked to him. It sounds like you guys are well and truly on track and I guess are feeling pretty excited about your mission ahead. Take care!! Tell Mike the kids send him loads of kisses and cuddles and we all miss him so much... Dylan is crawling and has one more tooth!!!

Wow and thanks

Paul — Sun, 04/22/2007 - 22:27

Wow Pat, this adventure really is amazing. To be able to follow along is great. Thanks so much for sharing the pics and the daily adventures... glad to see that at 6400m y'all still have the sense of mind to stay safe.
As for the Nursing contribution, don't forget the daily contributions you make as a Nurse Educator, Teacher, and role model. You may be doing it one person at a time, but you have touched so many. Don't forget also that you were an integral part in my becoming a Nurse. And with the changes you have made and the lives you have touched, I too hope that I have made a difference for a patient or a new Nurse. That makes 2 of us who are making a difference... one person at a time.

Climb safe and Climb On,
Paul

Good job Pat! (Coumbia, S.C.)

Sandra D — Mon, 04/23/2007 - 00:09

Pat, good job getting to Camp 2 and the Lhotse Face! I hope you are doing well with the altitude, and you haven't mentioned any health problems so that's great! Your photo of the Lhotse Face was outstanding! It's great to hear tha you're crossing the crevices with such ease now, but a little fear is a good thing. I continue to pray for your safety on the mountain. Hope you're not too cold with the snow and sleet falling:) We're finally warming up to the 80's here in Columbia. I hope the scholarship fund is going well at USC!

Here's another quote for you: "Man must rise above the Earth to the top of the atmosphere and beyond-for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives." Socrates

Stay safe up there Pat!
Sandra

Watching your progress

Visitor — Mon, 04/23/2007 - 09:02

Pat,

Just wanted you to know I'm watching your progress and will put a note in the April and May newsletter to let the readers know. Looks like you're doing great. I'll keep you in prayer.

Tim Graham

sounds like "no sweat"

drdavidmckee — Mon, 04/23/2007 - 11:00

you sound great, pat....you are physically fit for the challenge......how are the sherpas?....how about a sentence or two about them in a future blog?.....stay the course, friend.....

Nursing Shortage

Visitor — Mon, 04/23/2007 - 15:05

Hi Pat,
I have been following your blog since you started. As a nurse on the cusp of retirement (well, will probably work per diem then - it's hard to just let go), I also see the shortage looming. Who will take my place? And with more people living longer I really need to be replaced double. Perhaps I have missed it, but I haven't noticed a link or website to which I may send my donation. As nursing education, along with everything else, becomes more expensive it is very important to provide sources of tuition money for talented students who need assistance.

Keep up the good work. I send prayers to all who are on Mt. Everest every day. Good journey and safe return.

Jean Holt

Good wishes to you and your group!

karenrobertsnp@... — Mon, 04/23/2007 - 16:04

Hi, Pat! I am very proud of you, both as a colleague and as a fellow nurse! Keep up the great work on publicizing the nursing shortage and what we can do about it. I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and want you to return to us safely. I really enjoyed reading the account of the trek; I had no idea how you have to take (literally) one step forward and two steps back.

It must be really hard to spend 3 days RESTING--especially for you! Thought you could use some company while doing so, so I will tell you a little about my life right now. I now have my house on the market and had lots of "hits" over the weekend, hoping to sell it soon and move to Jacksonville, FL, to be near my two daughters and their families. They came up for a visit this past weekend and we had lots of fun playing in the woods and creek behind my house in Lexington. Recent heavy winds brought down a very large tree across the creek, and the kids were thrilled to have such a great bridge to walk across. I'll have to tell them about your ladder bridges you have to cross to get across the crevasses. Sounds as if you have truly conquered your fear of heights if you can do that with ease! Stay warm and safe! Karen Roberts

Urine

Demento — Mon, 04/23/2007 - 19:07

Pat, other than the terror of that avalanche, you're making this thing seem routine. What color is your urine? Are there altitude Docs hanging out at BC, for consultation? Has anyone evacuated because of problems? Stay vigilante-especially pay attention if you get a cold snap, as much for the associated barometric pressure changes, as for the stress a big temperature drop brings. You sound great. David

Private emails

Visitor — Tue, 04/24/2007 - 00:20

Pat,
Just wanted to let you know I got the email you sent to me via Danny. I still have not received emails from you at home or work. My new home account is the same address, just at hotmail instead of aol. Please try it as soon as you get a chance. Are you getting my SMS messages & emails?
Carol

Melbourne, Australia

Visitor — Wed, 04/25/2007 - 10:55

Hi there,
Just letting you know that I have been reading your blog frequently but have not entered a reply.

The my everest website was advertised in a Melbourne paper so I decided to look it up and have been hooked ever since. I love hearing about your adventures and you overcome the challenges.

Also I am a nurse in Melbourne, working at a large hospital here. Also I am undertaking the post graduate diploma in Midwifery out here - Midwives are in a critical shortage along with all the other specialist / general areas.

Good luck!

Nikki Coe.

My location

gidyup — Wed, 04/25/2007 - 12:30

Hey Buddy,
I have left a couple messages and forgot to tell you where I am.
Hitchcock, TX. it is near Galveston just 40 miles south of Houston.
Elevation: 2ft .