Greetings from 37,000 Feet,

I’m three hours out of Toronto, bound for Hong Kong, and luxuriating in what is pure leisure for me.  Do I choose between a movie, Nintendo DS, or reading a book or newspaper?  So far, all of the above.  After a hurried last week of lists and good-byes, it good to catch my breath and focus on the adventure ahead.

I know from experience that my emotions run on overdrive before a climb.  I look at my life with intense poignancy imagining the possibility of not coming back.  I often wish I could maintain that level of awareness of impermanency in every day life but mostly it only comes before big trips.  I dance with the irony of conversation and court the line between denial and reality.

On a lighter note, my bags are packed and in the belly of the bird.  Two times fifty pounds.  I had hoped for less so I’d have capacity to bring a few things back from Nepal but only my snacks are staying behind.  I went over and over the gear list but couldn’t come up with much to leave behind.  So I’ll have a bit of a challenge getting it all paired down for the flight to Lukla on October 4th.

Most of the WOKies stopped by to wish me well and send me off with a collection of notes, cards, and jokes.  I’ve already peeked at a few that were for the plane and feel like I’m taking the Kili team with me on Pumori.  I’ve appreciated all the training support the WOKies gave me over the past three months and I will hear their voices pushing me on.

Thanks to all who sent wishes for a great climb and safe return.  I appreciate having you along on the climb.  I’ll be posting daily audio updates to myeverest.com.  My communications king, Earl, will transcribe these and post them to myeverest, my website, and to the Pumori facebook group.  Every four or five days or so, Earl will send out an update to keep everyone posted.  You can also follow the expedition on the Peak Freaks blog. (http://www.peakfreaks.com/pumorinews20081.htm)

More from Kathmandu,

TA