May 16, off to the summit

< Newer | Older > Fri, 05/16/2008 - 14:17 — Angus Murray

May 16
Everest BC

I had a good chat with Katie McLean this morning. She was one of the Kilimanjaro team that raised $80,000 for the Amani Children's Home in Moshi, Tanzania. She then volunteered to raise money for my Everest Climb through the Everest Quest Club, thanks Katie and all my friends and family who have helped me get this far. To repeat what I said to Katie, I feel good and am more than ready to head up. I have been at altitude for over 6 weeks. I will climb above C3 for the first time and look forward to seeing the south Col and other places I have only read about for the first time.
So, this is it, show time. Tomorrow we start our summit bid. Below is an itinerary, lets hope the weather holds.

May 17, BC to C2
May 18, C2, rest day
May 19, C3
May 20, C4 (South Col), we start for the summit at 10 PM
May 21, Summit, camp at C4
May 22, C2
May 23, BC

So, if all goes according to plan, this is how it will play out. I don't relish the prospect of a second attempt.
Anyway, I have been stocking up on the mountaineer's 4 food groups, fat, sugar, salt and carbohydrates and drinking lots of water. I even ate at the Everest BC bakery today, I had a $5 piece of apple pie that was awesome!
Time to watch my last episode of Lost and get to bed, we wake up at 3:30 am to beat the heat through the icefall and the western Cwm. The irony is that when its hot it can be boiling and when its cold it is really cold. Part of the challenge of climbing this huge mountain.
Take care,
Angus

Messages

Wishing I was there

Visitor — Fri, 05/16/2008 - 14:48

Angus I am so excited to hear you are about to start your climb. As anything in life we need to do it one step at a time an dmake sure you stop along the way to enjoy the view. I look forward to watching your progress and my thoughts and prayers will be with you each step of the way.

Daniel Hall

Good Luck Angus - from Lori at STS-Okotoks

Visitor — Fri, 05/16/2008 - 15:09

Hey Angus - Your my hero! I've never known anyone personally who has climbed Mt. Everest! Good Luck God Speed! Stay warm! We miss you and Sarah at the school!
Lori Stach (stachl@sts.ab.ca)May 16 9:12am

WOW!

Visitor — Fri, 05/16/2008 - 15:22

Hey Angus I am sending you Many, Many well wishes for your climb. What a thrill to see someone I know go after and reach their dream. You are very inspirational to all of us. Enjoy the Moment!! - Gwen Nowosad

And you thought technology was a challenge!

Visitor — Fri, 05/16/2008 - 16:17

Dearest Angus,
My, haven't you come a long way--in many respects! I am so proud of you! You are an inspiration to us all. Our current unit focuses on the central idea that "through the struggles and accomplishments of others, lives are altered." You are a living embodiment of that! Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you--yes, 'every step of the way!" Be sure to let out a little yodle when you get to the top!
Carrie Duncan-Moore

Hi Angus, We love you a lot.

Visitor — Fri, 05/16/2008 - 16:22

Hi Angus,

We love you a lot.

sumner girls

CMC Valley Was Tougher!

Visitor — Fri, 05/16/2008 - 16:31

Angus,

Best wishes to you as you head to the top of the world. I recall with great fondness our trips into the back country and know that you approach this great adventure with the same spirit. Enjoy this rare moment!

Steven Mercer

It Takes A Team

Visitor — Fri, 05/16/2008 - 17:12

Angus

I still shiver every time I remember Sharon Woods presentation of her trip to the summit with the howling winds and the swirling emotions. What came through to me was the importance of the team and having followed the comments on both websites it seems like you have a very special group up there with you.

Best of Luck and savor the moment. There is nothing else like it.

George Fowlie

Good Luck and Good Weather

Visitor — Fri, 05/16/2008 - 17:14

Angus,
I just read the great news that you are about to begin your summit bid. I'm sure it will be worth the wait. I'm so excited for you. Be careful and we'll be thinking of you every day. No crying at the top!!

Martha Reeve

All the Best, Angus!

Visitor — Fri, 05/16/2008 - 17:17

We'll all be following your trek to the top, Angus! What a great painting you will find there - I'll be a tad jealous! Savour the moment and best of luck.

Joan Sveen

Put the GUS in Gusto!

lmurray — Fri, 05/16/2008 - 18:04

Hi Angus,
Well it's go time, and you know what you have to do to get up the mountain, and back down again. All of your life experiences have led you to this point, and now it's time for the Olympic Dickie-bird to get to the top!

Good luck, take care, and we'll see you on the other side,
Love Loll

Good luck!

Visitor — Fri, 05/16/2008 - 18:16

Best, best of luck! We're all pulling for you.

Lexy von Peterffy

Great news!

geoffshaw — Fri, 05/16/2008 - 21:14

Best of luck Angus, we'll be thinking of you! Geoff and Kiyomi

Wishing you a GREAT Trip to the Top !

Visitor — Sat, 05/17/2008 - 01:05

From all of us .... stay strong .... stay focused .... know we are thinking of you and your team as you embark on the final challenge. Lots of Love ... Ian, Linda, Garth, Jake and Tess

Luddite no more!

lmurray — Sat, 05/17/2008 - 14:37

Hi Angus,
I am impressed you are blogging now- a Luddite no longer! I'll look forward to the updates. Mum and Dad send their love and support- she loved the flowers for Mum's Day. It must be something to comtemplate all the folks who have gone before you - Standing on the Shoulders of Giants, as it were, as well as all of those who make the climb possible in the here and now. Trust your instincts, and pack your own 'Chute as you move ahead,
Stay safe,
love Loll

Time to Kiss the Sky

jnopryor — Sat, 05/17/2008 - 15:10

Climb well. Eat well. Sleep well. You can do it Big Mon!
I hear that climbing the Hillary Step is just like climbing the TV antenna into your bedroom window.

Pucker up!

Jeremy, Sarah, Matthew, and Natalie xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo