Getting Charged Up

< Newer | Older > Sun, 04/15/2007 - 15:37 — Patrick

Day #19

Location: Mt. Everest Basecamp
Altitude: 5364m
Local Time: 6:00pm / April 15
Weather: Cool (40's) windy/snow

Today was a rest day and we will be having many of these as they are strategically placed in our schedule to allow us to recover from the previous day's event and also to prepare us for what lies ahead. On leisurely days like this we get chores done such as washing clothes, washing selves, and moving about the camp and exploring our surroundings.
Today I attended a puja for the Canadian team (www.findinglife.ca) as they are continuing to film the documentary of Sean Egan's life and his impact on those around him. I met with Elia and Gabriel and they are posting updates on their site daily so check it out! Elia had sent me a 3 minute trailer of his documentary/production prior to my departure from the USA and was very powerful.
Additionally I also met with Paul Adler today (creator of blog site) and continue to refine the www.myeverest.com process of keeping in touch with family and friends.
The final highlight of the day was visiting a bakery that has just been established here at basecamp. Our food in camp has been great, but this service attempts to attract day hikers in to basecamp as well as those that want to add a little extra treat into their daily existence.
I still remain challenged with access to power as my solar panel is now non-functional. We do have resources here in camp for power so hope to have pictures in tomorrow's blog.
Tomorrow we may tentatively go into the Khumbu to go higher than yesterday and gain more experience.

Your Messages:

Carol:
Hi sweetheart. As always I love your personal emails and text messsages. These make me feel so connected to you. Thoughts of you and home keep me warm at night and your pictures adorn my daily diary. Gumby and pokey keep me company too and you are here with me every day ... in heart and soul.
Love you and miss you terribly :>)

AORN Friends:

Paula ... as always great to hear from you. Hope that you can spread the word about the Summit Scholarship. Say hi to Jessy.

Bonnie ... wow, great email! I will challenge my brother Danny to follow up on acquiring these lyrics as I had intended to put lyrics into the powerpoint presentation, book, and blog! Danny has inserted lyrics like these in the past into presentations and am confident that he can get these for me for post production.
Thanks as always for the vibes from Colorado as I am definitely connected to the mountains and your state. Carol and I are heading to Durango area in July and look forward to dropping by AORN HQ. Please say hi to all and continue to keep in touch.

Columbia Friends:

Burt ... great to hear from you and to answer your questions; the food is great, we have individualized tents and all this is included in the overall price!
I may put on weight!

Lyn ... thanks for keeping up with the blog. Sean was a great friend and was definitely a part of my life. I do feel the energy that comes from the prayers and well-wishes and look forward each day to reading the messages.

Brent ... great to hear from you and is my pleasure to advocate for our profession. I appreciate the support and hope that you can influence others to support the Summit Scholarship!

Debbie ... thanks for the support and am hopeful that I can influence many folks to contribute to the Summit Scholarship. I am happy that Carol is able to keep everyone up-to-date as she is my lifeline to home! I did not bring a tennis ball along, but did bring Gumby & Pokey (ask Carol about these two!)

Greg ... as always, great to hear from you! Yes, crossing the ladders was a definite adrenaline rush! We will try to minimize our time in the Khumbu as their is inherent danger. I miss chatting with Priscilla and yourself and am sure that after your wedding we will become much closer as I will have to have frequent "married man talks" with you to explain to you how things work! Say hi to Priscilla and drop in on Carol.

Palmetto Health Friends:

Mary ... great to hear from you. Everything here is fantastic and hope that on my return I can do a presentation at a fall AORN meeting. Say hi to all!

Kate ... thanks for your continued support! I wish we could summit on your birthday as that would be early! Glad that baby is well and hope you can make the sponsorship support connection!

Jim & Marvin ... great to hear from you guys! Glad to share the adventure and hope that you guys can spread the word about the Summit Scholarship. Say hi to all in PACU.

Sandra ... I plan to keep safe and will use all protection available enroute. I plan to hike slowly and take all precautions. Thanks as always for the quote and really enjoy reading them! Say hi to all at PHR and spread the word about the Summit Scholarship!

Hey John ... great to hear from you and glad that you are following the adventure! Ask Gordon if he has contributed to the Summit Scholarship, on behalf of the practice, as I wrote a letter seeking support prior to departure.

USC Friends:

Bev ... wow, to be held in the same level of respect as Spiderman and the Hulk! Spiderman was always my hero (despite my fear of heights) and let Justin know that I don't have any superpowers ... but will do my best to get to the top!

Mary ... thanks for the kind words and is my privilege to advocate for nursing. I do feel the prayers and well wishes being sent this way and look forward to sharing the photos on return. I appreciate the offer of flowers and look forward to seeing you on my return.

Ashley ... please contact me to reassure that all is going well with the test process for my students in NURS 231.

Canadian Friends:

John, Jane & Family ... great to hear from you guys and thanks for keeping Mom up-to-date. I hope that Julia has a great vacation!

Krista ... glad that you were able to send me a message during your break from studies! Glad to hear also that you are doing so well in school. Mt. Kiliminjaro was a fun trip and Carol joined me on the climb to the top! Best of luck with the rest of the semester. See you in July.

Gord ... great seeing you in Almonte and glad to hear that Sean was a good friend also. I'm home in July so may see you then!

Sue ... thanks for continuing to log on. I appreciate the support and look forward to reading all the emails.

Crystal ... thanks for the kind words and support. All of us have the ability to inspire, it's just a matter of taking the challenge to do so! Perhaps when home in July I can share photos and stories.

Lisa ... great to hear that Mr. Geuer has shared my adventure with his class. I am looking forward to climbing this mountain and maybe someday sharing my stories with your class. Thanks for the good luck wishes and never feel that you are not able to do anything as I have proved that if you set goals you can achieve them! Say hi to Mr. Geuer.

All The Others:

Joan ... thanks for forwarding the article in your company ... perhaps they may be interested in contributing to the Summit Scholarship? I appreciate the continued support and will send prayers Amber's way as she deals with her own "Everest".

Alan ... great to be here in basecamp. No plans yet for Camp 1 as we are trying to pace ourselves. Perhaps a trip up through the Khumbu again tomorrow.

WP ... gear is standard for climbing as far as harness, mountain boots, crampons, ice axe, etc. Clothing is light and breathable and never have enough socks! We do wash clothes often ... and try to wash selves whenever possible! Hiking boots enroute to camp are changed to plastic boots from basecamp to Camp 2, and afterwards high altitude boots are used! Solar panel was not able to be repaired, but am using fellow climbers gear so all is okay!

Mat ... great to hear from you and shared your message with Mike. He is a great guy and doing very well! Small world eh! regarding the Canadian/nursing connection. Yes, I too believe that people meet for a reason! Appreciate the well wishes.
Go Sens!!!!!

MC ... as always, thanks for the support. I look forward to the priceless view from the top ... but all views here are priceless!

David ... Camp 1 is above the Khumbu icefall and can be a spot where we rest for a night. Log on to Paul Adler's site to download the google earth and then open the accompanying file so you can follow the climb! Sleeping fairly well ... but do look forward to home and bed!

Messages

Alma & Corky

Visitor — Sun, 04/15/2007 - 15:58

Hi, Pat. Sorry I haven't contacted you earlier but you are daily in my thoughts and prayers. Each Saturday I'm calling a radio stn in Watertown, SD, and reporting your progress/temps/etc. Carol will keep me updated and I'll continue reporting to them until your safe return. Love & prayers. Alma (aka the church lady). Corky says "hi and be careful" -there may still be a dowry in it for you!!

Alright!

USCh2oSkier — Sun, 04/15/2007 - 16:44

It sounds like you are really enjoying yourself which is great! Glad to know that you can "rest" up there, because i know i wouldn't be able to actually rest with everything that is going on around you. Your test are still going well in nurs 231 so dont worry about that. Continue to be safe and keep moving forward!
-Alan Baker

Thank You for your reply regarding the gear...

Visitor — Sun, 04/15/2007 - 18:59

I had a Dana designs solar panel sewn into the cordura type fabric (Zap pocket,something like that) which could be attached to the outside of the pack which I used to recharge the flashlight AA batterys. And it was the wire lead into the rechargeable battery holder, which broke within a very short time after purchase. Was able to get a refund from the shop and that Dana discontinued the item. All the near constant movement a panel would be subjected to is apparently too much for that electrical conductive wire gauge to remain intact within the basic recharging battery circuitry design. Great concept but apparently materials and design are still not adequate for field conditions.

Hope that you're getting plenty of rest and good food, sounds like it, and that the views and sights continue to inspire as your narrative aptly informs.

wp

Nsg 431

Visitor — Sun, 04/15/2007 - 21:55

Pat,
Things are going well. Test # 1 and 2 are history. No problems with the proctor or the scanner etc. I have been able to post the grades with no problems. A majority of the studenst are doing well ( A and B).
The talent show went well. The video was enjoyed by all and Megan was in the auidence. I just got back from CA with the studnet nurses. The convention went well and eveyone had the required lack of sleep that goes along with the experience! We held the SC caucus 10pm to midnight!!
Things are fine at school. We miss you.
It seems from your blog that the saying that the journey is as important as the destination is true . My thoughts are with you.
Jane

Hi

Deb — Sun, 04/15/2007 - 22:23

Sounds like you are having a lot of fun. My springbreak is over :( I guess i have to go back to school tommorow. We went to the beach on Friday and danielle got burned. haha. We play dutch fork on wed I cant wait. Have fun and be safe.
Kristen

hi mom's boss

Rporter — Sun, 04/15/2007 - 22:34

Hi mom's boss where are you now!

EBC

Paul — Sun, 04/15/2007 - 22:34

Hi Pat:
Great to see that you have made it to EBC. Everything sounds astounishing and really makes me want to visit that area... maybe next year.
I will be checking out the website: finding life. Thanks for sharing all your experiences and travels.
On the RN side: thanks again for being a part of my decision to go into Nursing, I would not have done it differently. I just finished (literally 30min prior) a transport class (TNATC) in Salt Lake City. What a great course and good people. I even was able to discuss your involvement in my RN decision.
Take care and be safe. Paul

Greetings Pat!

Sandra D — Sun, 04/15/2007 - 23:21

Hi Pat, I most definitely am spreading the word re your website and the Summit Scholarship. I have told many of our patients about you! That's an interesting website on "finding life". Your description of a bakery at basecamp sounds wonderful. Imagine a bakery at such an outpost!! I'm sure the extra calories won't hurt anyone there:) Sounds like you are having a great time. I know Carol must miss you terribly. Have fun and stay safe!

Sandra

Hey Pat

des hickey — Mon, 04/16/2007 - 01:17

Pat glad to hear you are doing well. Take it easy and be safe. We are keeping up to date and thinking of you. We had a family gathering today for Matthew's first communion and Tristan's 5th birthday. The Senators just beat the Penguins to take a 2-1 lead in the series.
We are forecasted to receive 4-5 inches of snow in the next day or two, our weather has been cold and wet as of late.

Best wishes and go slow.
Des, Colleen, Jenna and Matt

Hey Pat, I just finished

Deb — Mon, 04/16/2007 - 01:56

Hey Pat, I just finished getting caught up with reading all your updates. It really sounds beautiful & you do such a good job of explaining & detailing everything. You really do need to write a book!
Good for you on looking down when standing on the ladders over the crevice. I am glad that your confidence has been bolstered! Carol & I had been talking about you having to do that & I said I just couldn't believe that you could do that with your fear of heights!(I remember you at the ledge in Yosemite) I had commented how I even get a liitle nervous when we do that hike to behind Raven Cliff Falls when we have to walk on a cable & hold onto a shoulder high rope to cross over the river. THe girls always bounce on the cable when I am crossing to get a stir out of me. I just can't image doing that over thin air!
Carol & I played some tennis over the week-end & went to dinner with friends on Friday night. Danielle was playing in a soccer tournament in Summerville this week-end, so I went down there to watch her play on Sat. I will let her update you on their results.
Take care & my thoughts & prayers are with you.

Deb

NSNA Convention

Visitor — Mon, 04/16/2007 - 03:14

Prof Hickey,

I hope you're as warm as we the SNA students were in Anaheim for convention! It was a blast, my mind was overwhelmed with all the things to do and things that had to be done while we were there. About 4000 people were in attendance. The exhibit hall was massive and we all went on a "grab all the free junk you can" spree. Most of the focus groups were interesting and motivational, but I did have to walk out of one, but I'll save that story for when you get back. My favorite part of convention besides hanging out with over 3000 girls haha, was a plenary session on nursing disaster preparedness and the nurse's role during Hurricane Katrina. My birthday is on Tuesday the 17th so, bring me back a rock or something from the mountain haha. Chelsea and I still haven't made up test #2 because the breeze lecture for it was taken down too early but we'll figure something out. Best wishes!

-Nathan Aranas
SNA Secretary

Keep it up!

Allison — Mon, 04/16/2007 - 03:53

Hi Pat!

It sounds like things are going so well for you so far! My prayers are that the trend will continue to summit AND back! I was a couple of days behind reading your blog, but enjoyed catching up. I especially enjoyed reading about your first day on the icefall. What a beautiful description! I felt like I was there! I've been spreading the word about your adventure, always getting a plug in for the Summit Scholarship at the end...I hope it helps. People I talk to seem very interested in supporting.
Thanks so much for being so faithful with updates - I read your blog almost every day, but don't always write because I feel like I'm giving you extra work to do! Just know I pray for you (and Carol) daily, even if I don't write.

Keep it up!
Allison Turnley

Snowbike

Demento — Mon, 04/16/2007 - 04:42

Pat, I spent the last three days snowbiking at Copper, with three guys who were as good, or better than me. After working my ass off for the last four months, I had three straight days with no calls. We tore the tree-runs up. We've had fabulous spring snow, so the slopes remain winter-like. Look forward to you and Carol coming out here this summer. When do you plan it? Great to hear of your progress. You're building great strength and stamina for the assault. Its gonna be a triumph! David

mikes mum

Visitor — Mon, 04/16/2007 - 05:09

Hi Pat ,thanks so much for your site ,it's really helped our family keep up with the expedition .Your descriptions of scenery ,feelings ,comradeship are awesome .Thankyou .Please give our love to Michael many regards and Blessings Joan .Bobby and Jess Allsop

Hi to my favourite son in

Visitor — Mon, 04/16/2007 - 09:23

Hi to my favourite son in law
I have been following your very interesting experience what a
wonderful adventure. May good karma be with you and I pray the
weather be kind. keep warm buddy. Kiwis may be blind but they are
strong.

Love Lorraine

p.s. imposible is nothing.

Went to the findlinglife

Bill and Michele — Mon, 04/16/2007 - 11:58

Went to the findlinglife website and there were many photos, including meetings with Buddhist monks, head butts and ladders just as you described it. From your description I can imagine the view through the crevasse, kind of gave me that funny feeling I get when I look over the edge of the little mountains in this area. On google earth I can see little blue rectangular images when I get close enough to basecamp. Are these tents or something else? Take care, Michele

heading to New Orleans FASA conference

BDenholm — Mon, 04/16/2007 - 23:29

Hey Pat
Glad to hear you are outrunning avalanches - good grief, what an adventure you are on! yikes! I reflect on my routine commute and the daily scene at work (eg, interesting calls coming in on the Consult Line here today, meetings with updates on Studer model and association goals and metrics, planning committee meetings) and then I think of what your daily routine is! WOW, quite the comparison but I am not sure I envy what you are doing (I could not ever consider doing it!). I do admire your passion and your competive nature to take on the "face to face dialogue" with the mountain. Interesting that you can still catch "Bradjolina" movies - you might be better off watching Brad in 7 days in Tibet (or whatever the name of that one was - ha!).

I won't be able to touch back in until this weekend - but I will be thinking of you and sending continual prayers for safety. I will be in New Orleans for the FASA conference and trying to help support their community with some tourist dollars. Perhaps I can come back with more song lyrics from the Neville brothers or Harry Conick JR (although that is out of my league a bit). There is a new song out by John Mayer that is called "Gravity" - I may need to look up some of the words on that one. U2 also has a song called "Elevation" that seems appropriate in the title at least, but will have to check the rest of the lyrics!
Take care in the meantime!
Bonnie D - (in Denver, since there is another Bonnie in Kentucky!)

You Go Guy!

Linda Harlin — Tue, 04/17/2007 - 17:14

Hey Pat, I love reading your stories... no old avalanche can get you down! Take special care - you are so valuable to us back at Richland. Have a wonderful next few days until you can get back to us. Kind Regards, Linda

Way to go!

gradesix — Tue, 04/17/2007 - 19:00

Hey Pat! This is from Holy Name of Mary (St. Mary’s) School, Almonte, Mr. Geuer’s grade 6 class! We would like to congratulate you on your successful arrival at Everest base camp. Even though most of us didn’t know Sean Egan personally we are glad to see another Almontonian follow in his footsteps. We are following your progress. It is really great to see a former student from this school going out there to achieve such lofty goals! Stay safe, we are praying for you. GOOD LUCK!!!