Mike did it!!!

< Newer | Older > Mon, 05/26/2008 - 02:26 — Mike Brennan

Great news, Mike reached the summit of Mount Everest at 7:22am on Sunday May 25, 2008.  Third time lucky!

Transcript from Mike's audio post on the South Col:

Well hello everybody.  I am sorry it must have seemed a bit chaotic the way the information is dribbling out but I am currently at the South Col.  There is some pressure to get going quite quickly to get down now and I summitted yesterday at 7:22 am (2:22 am BST on Sunday 25th). It was very windy and very cold quite suddenly and I couldn’t use the phone.  Got a little bit of frost damage to one of my ears in fact, but that’s all.  I kind of lost the plot after summitting really as I think I was very dehydrated from the previous two days of building up to the summit.    I haven’t got very many photos, which is pathetic.  It was a long old slog back, which I barely remember, which is scary.  I have had a good night’s sleep and I feel more my normal self now, and we have got to get ourselves down now, me and Nadir.  Greg didn’t set off with us in the end - yesterday (God it seems a long time ago) and I just kept on going.  Anyway I am fine.  I hope you can hear that I am fine (but) very weary as you might expect.  Christ I have been weary for almost every bit of the journey and this is no different!  So perhaps I’ll be in touch if the batteries are still with me later on when I have got down to Camp 2 but it is a long way and we have got to carry a big rucksack.  I woke up in the night and couldn’t work out what was a dream and what was real until I found my camera and in my pocket with some pictures on - bizarre.  Anyway, I will save the tears for when I get down.  OK I hope to speak later.  It’s going to be a long old time.  Cheers.  Bye then.   

Transcript added by Paul Adler from MyEverest.com.   If you can, it's worth listening to Mike yourself, because this text doesn't convey the emotion.

P.S.  Subsequently the summitting time was noted to be 9.22 a.m, based on camera recorded times and another group there at the same time..i.e. I was both confused and not really interested in the time simultaneously...I knew I was there WHATEVER the time was!!!!!

Messages

Congratulations!!

Tichick — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 02:40

Hi Mike - So glad to hear that you made the summit. I look forward to hearing that you are safely back in Base Camp. Take good care on the way.
Jean -

Amazing

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 02:51

Mike,

Congratulations! Please be very careful on the rest of your journey. Truly amazing. Thank you for sharing this adventure with us. We are excited to hear all the details SAFE from base camp. We will continue to send our thoughts and prayers for your safe trip home all the way to your family.

Cheers!!
The Redmond Family

you did it!!!!

lori48oak — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 02:57

this is a bit strange,--i have been following your climb --my husband is an old friend of angus who was climbiing with scott Kress--but i have been following you and am so happy thatyou made your summit and please have a safe descent--I actually was screaming when i saw that you made it--weird, eh? --I am so happy for you and your team. WIth l the best, from New York.

Lori

Wonderful news!

Mike Brennan — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 03:09

Dear Mike, We are so relieved to know that you are safe and truly delighted with your news. Safe journey down. Love from all of us. Harry.
PS to Paul - thanks for making the transcript (you beat me to it by about 15 seconds!)

No worries

Paul Adler — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 03:12

Hi Harry, No problem. I knew it wasn't a good time for you in the UK, so I thought I'd put a transcript up. You must have been awake? It's awesome to hear that Mike finally did it. Now he doesn't have to even consider going back there again.
Paul.

Thanks

hpspeel — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 03:17

I was woken by a text on my phone from Mike. We are so relieved that he is well. We were getting worried! As you say, he never has to contemplate it again (if he ever does - be sure that I will be first in the queue to administer a metaphorical slap!). Thanks again.
Harry

Wow!

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 04:07

Congratulations! Not only did you do it, but in very bad circumstances, with little or no rest. Amazing. Way to go! May you savor what you've accomplished for the rest of your life :)

Lexy von Peterffy

Congratulations Mike on getting to the summit

Paul Adler — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 04:29

Hi Mike, I want to add my voice to those congratulating you on a wonderful effort. Climbing Everest is difficult, but I think that doing it in less than perfect weather, with a sudden change of plans and having to carry a large load to the South Col makes it that much harder. On top of that, to have had the monkey on your back of your other two attempts also weighing your mind, is further testament to what you have had to overcome to get to the top. I can't wait to read about the climb.
A job very well done!!
Paul Adler.

Congratulations on a marvellous effort

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 04:40

Hi Mike,
Thrilled to hear that you have summitted Everest and are now safely down on at Camp 4. Looks like slow and dogged can succeed provided you are sufficiently determined! I hope you safely exist the mountain in the coming days and I look forward to reading your summit story once you regain your strength and find some spare time.

Looks like your next adventure should be somewhere warmer and at lower altitude! Perhaps you should consider Australia. There's lots of great walks particularly in Victoria and Tasmania I would recommend.

Keep safe and enjoy a celebratory ale or two! Heidi

Yeah Mike!!!!!

Mary Clare Reinhardt — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 04:42

I am so very happy for you, Mike. You've been in my thoughts these past few days and I let out a big whoo whoo when I clicked on MyEverest.com just now and saw that you had stood on top of the world! I am listening to your audio blog and I can hear your emotion. You have inspired me beyond words! I am so impressed! Echoing what Paul said, having had to rush up to the South Col with a heavy pack and then just go! Btw, did you get any rest at the Col before summit bid? You made a difficult but wise decision with the weather predicted to take a turn for the worse in the coming days. Look forward to hearing that you are down the mountain safely. Can't wait to see the few pix you took and hear your story.

Great job!!! Big time congrats, a dream come true for you.
MC

GREAT NEWS......I can sleep now.....!!!

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 05:11

HOORAY TO YOU.......WELL DONE YOUNG 'UN!! It's 6am and I'm sitting here in tears after listening to your audio....after quite a sleepless night!! You must be so proud......or you should be!! Stay safe for the rest of your journey and hope to eventually see you when you get home!!! Lots of love. JAcq.XXXX.

THANK GOD!!! you ARE the MAN!!!!

MIKESBRO — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 05:38

Mike we are speechless!! We are all SO thrilled to hear your voice with the BESTEST NEWS there could ever be!! Very very many congratulations and we look forward, in time, to hearing all about it.
In the meantime, stay safe as you start your journey home and God speed!!
With all our love,
Norman, Jane, Mark & Jonathan, Olive, Nicola, Megan, Andrew in Basingstoke!!
xx

Mike

fred roberts — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 05:50

Hiya Mike So glad to hear that you are safe and well, and congratulations on reaching the summit, We heard about it at teatime yesterday but spent most of the night worrying for safety of you and Nadir with there being no news after you summeted, we can all rest now. Fred and Joan Roberts, ( Gregs mum and dad).

Fantastic !!!!!!!

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 06:17

Congratulations ! What a fantastic news...
It's such a relief for me to read you're all ok.
Stay safe for the rest of the journey.
Happy and relieved hugs from Paris !!!
Sandrine. :-)
Ps : Grateful thanks to Paul Adler for yesterday 23h02 posting : your words and experience was good to read and reassuring at this time, without any other news...

(Mon Nadir... Courage pour la poursuite du voyage ! Tu as fait le plus dur. C'est tellement fantastique... Surtout après le départ précipité pour le sommet et les conditions de cette ascention. C'est difficile de trouver les mots tellement l'exploit est formidable ! J'ai pensé à toi tout le temps... Reviens vite ! Baisers @--------)

Well done Mike You gave us a

Cas — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 06:18

Well done Mike

You gave us a bit of a fright here, not posting this sooner. Nevermind...main thing is that you are safe , second that you did actually make it. After all the hectic to get up to the col without a rest and then setting off the same night...I was thinking that luck had dealt you another bad card. Thankfully it was not so
Gory details pls , as soon as you feel like it..And if you have a Party at home ...don't forget to invite me...I might be trying to go up there next
All the best on the way down
Cas

Yes!!!!

hughtooby — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 06:40

Fantastic news, Mike. We are so chuffed for you and glad you have got back to the South Col safely. Have a good, safe descent to BC and we look forward to more news when technology and energy levels allow :-)

Congratulations again!

Hugh and David

Stunning effort!

Simon E — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 06:47

Well done Mike!
So many factors went against you.... and you did it anyway!
A truly stunning effort mate.... SO chuffed for you.
Safe down.
Simon

Fantastic news!

Jenny Glover — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 07:02

Fantastic, fantastic, fantastic! What a star!
Absolutely in awe. Take care on the way down...
Jenny.

Summit success

jkremer — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 07:19

Heartiest congratulations! All the best for a safe return. A feather in the cap for Captain French!
John Kremer

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 07:23

Hi Mike!!!!
We are all so pleased for you, couldnt get on the PC until now and it has been amazing to listen to your voice after such a special event!! Safe journey back to base camp now and we cant wait to hear/read all about it!
love
Si, Vanessa and Brandon!

YOU DID IT!!

Kate Riley — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 07:27

Hello Dr. B. I am absolutely thrilled for you. Very well done. Take great care on the journey down. Keep us all posted!
Kate Riley. Kendal

sounding great!!!!

book — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 07:29

well done.have a safe descent.cheers [ken.nz]

Time to come home now!

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 07:31

Such a relief to hear you two are back at the col- just concentrate now on getting all the way down safely. I am also very proud, relieved and pleased to let Greg's supporters know that he made it down to base camp safely, as did Ray. What a Team! Thanks to our little online My Everest community for all the support- I know the lads have appreciated it and it has been great for us at home to know so many people have been thinking of them. Heather and I can't wait for you to come home Greg- I will start stocking the fridge! Love Elaine x

Congratulations Dr. Brennan,

wmpopper — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 08:21

for your extraordinary efforts and determination in reaching the summit of Mt. Everest. Hope that your return to BC is an most enjoyable and that there is some fresh Apple Pie for your consumption upon arrival. May the sun shine brightly on your path...
WP

Congratulations

Soosoo — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 08:25

Hi Mike,

So happy for you that your goal has been achieved and that you are well. You must feel elated, though tired I am sure. I would very much welcome news of my brother Ray - rather concerned how he is feeling at this time and hoping he is well also. I am so very proud of him and wishing him a safe return. Susan

hurray!!!!!!!!!!!!

Debs — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 08:25

Hope you got my text, knew you cud do it, oh my god so pleased for you, the audio message was so lovely, i was crying with you!! Take care nad hurry back, we have alot of partying to do. LOL and well done you. XXX Debs. XXX

CONGRATULATIONS MIKE

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 08:32

Oh mike you have fulfilled your dream I am delighted and relieved for you! Wishing you all a safe end to your journey and time to enjoy your achievements with your fellow climbers although I am sure the pull to get home is massive. I will miss logging on to follow your progress. Many thanks for allowing us all to be part of your dream and to have an insight into this incredible challenge. I feel quite overwhelmed.
Sue E

Fantastic news!

Alison.Bloxham — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 08:37

Hi Mike
Many many congratulations on third time lucky! Was thinking about you all day yesterday and getting anxious by the end of the day when there had been no news. Just goes to show what dogged determination and the power of the mind can achieve in such difficult circumstances and needless to say am SO pleased that the back held up ok! Even more pleased that you descended safely from the summit to the south col and look forward to hearing you are safely back in bc. Your daily reports have been an inspiration and a wonderful experience. Thank you for sharing this so vividly with all of us! Take care and safe journey home! Alison

Great news

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 08:49

Well done Mike on reaching the summit.Take care and have a safe journey home.Love Ken and Shirley.

Absolutely terrific - a

paul-janet — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 08:50

Absolutely terrific - a million congratulations. Just logged on at work - we are so thrilled you made it. Take good care now on your way down - can't wait to see you again and hear all about and see the slide show. Take care Love Janet

Come home safely!

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 08:54

Well done Mike but just get yourself down safely off the Col. back to BC. Looking forward to hearing all about it. We are coming to the Lakes on 7th June for a week. Hope to see you then in sunny England where the fields are green and warm! Take care on the way down my friend... Thinking of you - Lots of love from Tom and Di xxx

YES! Somehow, I had a

billrea — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 09:16

YES!
Somehow, I had a feeling that you'd do it this time. Cerainly you deserved to make it, with the effort [mental and physical] you've put into it.
Congratulations. Now jst get home safely.
Bill

Many congratulations to you.

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 09:20

Many congratulations to you. We are in the office on bank holiday Monday and just listened to your blog. Absolutely thrilled to bits for you. Wishing you a safe journey down. Jane (DNurse!)

Excellent news

the man in the ... — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 09:20

Given it didn't go quite to plan it was an even more fantastic achievement under those circumstances than it would have been anyway - take extra care on the way down, and to put it into perspective just keep thinking about how few people have EVER got to the summit of Everest (and don't be thinking of your next project such as going to the moon!).

cheers,
Ian Sager

Top of the world

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 09:21

Mike! What fantastic news hearing you summited yesterday. Have a safe descent. Again, just to say thanks for the regular updates in what I imagine to be difficult conditions to say the least.
Greg! Glad to hear you're back at base camp. Barbs and Myself spoke with Elaine who gave us the latest update. Have a good rest and feed. Look forward to hearing the finer details when we see you.
Take care mate, Bolton Si.

Congratulations

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 09:23

Congratulations on achieving your well deserved summit,and also to say Thank You for all the updates you have so kindly given to all who have been following your incredible journey,it is appreciated so much by so many people as you can tell by all the messages of support to all of you.Greg,we are sorry you didnt get to summit,but be very proud of all you have achieved,you have accomplished so much and I know Elaine,Heather,Mum and Dad will be beaming with pride and they cant wait for you to get safely home,what a story you will have with you for the rest of your life,very,very proud of you mate,well done,take care and safe journey home, All our Love, Ann and Uncle David xxx

Fantastic

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 09:23

Well done Mike! So, so pleased for you. Safe journey back down. MelG

Well Done Mike From Isle of Jura Base Camp!

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 09:30

Great news here in Jura base camp. We are all thinking of you and now just get back to your base camp. i'm sure going over the ladders will be a breaze this time. Look forward to getting back to kathmandhu and writing on 'that' wall that for the last many years you have only been dreaming of, and of course enjoy a beer or six. cant wait to hear all about it. well done. you really deserve it. lots of love. Fx

well done

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 09:31

Mike

Well done!!!! so pleased for you that you have achieved your dream, we all knew you could do it!!!!!!!!!!
Safe Journey home.

sarah (surgery)

well done dad

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 09:33

well done dad!!!
2 very proud sons and many more proud people back here too!!
get down safe and get in touch when you can
we love you

Jonny
xxxxx

CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE

JOHWIL — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 10:09

Congratulations to you all on this fantastic journey and for all of your achievements which has had us all on the edge of our comfortable seats. Get plenty of rest Greg – there is a lot of partying to do when you return – we’ve put in an order for chicken & chips on Moel Famau for you. Well done – we are very proud of you.

John

MANY CONGRATULATIONS

cster52822 — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 10:16

Only got your news today, but thrilled to hear you did it. I can see how you thought it was a dream-but the photos prove it all. Safe journey down. Caroline

Well Done!!

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 10:23

Well done Michael!! What tremendous news!!
So pleased you have achieved your dream
All best wishes
Nicola, Andrew, Olive and Megan

Hi Ray, so happy to hear

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 10:30

Hi Ray, so happy to hear from you yesterday after quite a few sleepless nights! I was so relieved to hear that you and Greg were back safe at base camp. Everyone is so proud of you and the team. Cant wait for you to come home so that we can all spoil you! I wonder what adventure you will have planned next, hopefully it involves a holiday! Hope to speak to you in the next few days as its so much better to hear your voice. Lots of love Jan and PipXXX

Congratulations Mike and

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 10:40

Congratulations Mike and Nadir on reaching the summit. Safe journey back down to base camp. Take care of yourselves Jan and Pip (Smith)

CONGRATULATIONS!

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 10:52

Well congratulations to you Mike, third time really was lucky for you. Now that you have done it what to do next?!?!?! Take care of yourself and come home safely. Take care love and best wishes Kevin, Barbara, Grant, Tegan and Bronwyn xxx (Simon's in-laws)

Well done Ray you should be

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 11:00

Well done Ray you should be so proud of yourself! We cant wait to see you back home so that we can have a special slice of rice Ha Ha! Jan like a different woman this morning, you can hear the relief in her voice. We wonder what your next quest will be? We are going to have a few drinks for you tonight. Get plenty of rest for your journey home, cant wait to hear all about your adventure over a good curry, HOT plates and that world famous slice of rice! Take care and see you soon, lots of love Wendy, John and Jonny XXX

What a star

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 11:05

Full of admiration for your massive acheivement.Truly an awesome story. Enjoy the descent and then the homecoming and celebrations you deserve so much. Love Liz W

Hallelujah

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 12:02

Mike, you don't know me, but I have been following your Everest journey. Your picture is next to Scot Kress on the My Everest site and I know you and he had been in touch with each other. I'm Susan's mother and Scott's m-i-l. I am very happy for you. Congratulations and best wishes to you. A well deserved victory over a difficult set of circumstances. I send all good thoughts for your safe and sound return to BC. Catherine

Congratulations

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 12:23

We've listened to your ascent with great interest - thrilled you have achieved your dream! Safe journey home. Hope you still have the strength to get the top off the champagne.

Well done.

Alma S. & Elaine D. Kendal

Congratulations Mike!

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 13:03

Congratulations Mike, well done what a fantastic effort. Hope to get to meet you for a beer or two on your return. Ian and Linda Lambert (Heather's Mum and dad)

Well Done

Visitor — Tue, 05/27/2008 - 07:35

Hi Ray WELL DONE .....We admire you for the decision you and Greg made, we know you'll be disapointed but YOU are more important to us than any mountain.This has been a brilliant experiance for us at home following you all the way.Now the bests to come for Jan Pip and all us folk in South Shields,Looking foward so much to seeing you and hearing all about the many experiances you have had over these past weeks.We are so proud of you and wish you all a safe return."Congratulations to Mike and Nadir."
Love and hugs Gill,Colin and all who have missed you XX Hurry Home

WELL DONE!

Visitor — Tue, 05/27/2008 - 18:45

Hi Mike,

Just wanted to congratulate you on fulfilling your hopes and dreams!

Congratulatuions on your fabulous achievement, safe journey home.

Love and best wishes,

Michelle

xxxxxx

M Brennan/everest

Visitor — Wed, 05/28/2008 - 08:37

Well done - we have been watching you progress - from Ruth Shepherd, Beamsmoor Care at Home in Kendal.