On The Trail Again

< Newer | Older > Mon, 05/07/2007 - 16:14 — Patrick

Anna, Mike (GB), Mike and Pat at Himalayan Lodge in Pheriche. Taken on May 7, 2007.Day #41

Location: Pheriche
Altitude: 4200m
Local Time: 8:00pm / May 7
Weather: Cool (40's) cloudy/windy

Today a group of us headed "down valley" to breathe in some thicker air and stretch our legs a little! Mike (NZ), Anna (GB), Mike (GB) and myself took a 5 1/2 hr. stroll which ended in the small town of Pheriche (4200m). During this stroll we dropped about 900m from basecamp. The guest lodge that we are staying in is called Himalayan Lodge and a double room costs 200 rupees (about $3.00 US). Most of the lodges have the same setup where the dining area is fringed with cushioned benches with large windows, and in the center of the room is usually a large pot bellied stove that normally burns yak dung for fuel. As we checked in to this lodge the clouds were rolling in, it was getting windy and cool, and that central stove sure was inviting!
As I look, and listen, around the room there is quite an eclectic mix of people. Some are climbers like ourselves and are here for thick air and a break from a sleeping bag (hooray, I get to sleep in a bed tonight ... first time in ??? days!). While others are trekkers from all over the world as I can hear people speaking Italian, German, Australian, Korean, British and many more! Many of the trekkers are coming/going from Mt. Everest basecamp and are part of guided tours.

Tomorrow our plans are to head to another town and guest house and at this time will decide how long we will stay "down valley". There are many opinions on the efficacy of leaving basecamp as we are and breathing thicker air, eating more food, and how this helps to re-energize for the summit push. Oh well, we will try it out for a few days and see what happens!

In the meantime, other members of our team have remained at basecamp in anticipation of an opportunity for a summit bid! Again, no dates are evident as there are too many variables! I have given Ward and Bo access to my audioblog service so don't be surprised if you check in for updates and see an audio message ... and it's not my voice! In looking to the near future as our team prepares for summit day I will probably use the audioblog service to give updates from Camp 3 onwards! More information on that process later!

Your Messages:

Carol:
Hi sweetheart. Wish I could have joined you at Myrtle Beach ... and hope the weather improves! It was great talking to you this morning and sorry that you will be out of contaact for the next few days ... but glad that you are having quality time with your famly. I look forward to quality time together with you very soon ... and can't wait! In the dining area of the lodge they are playing music and at present it is a Norah Jones album. Makes me wish we were cuddled up in a ski lodge with a glass of wine ... very relaxing!

Look forward to talking to you Wednesday night!

I love you and miss you terribly :>)

Pat :>)

AORN Friends:

Paula ... Thanks for spreading the word about the Summit Scholarship and hope that during National Nurses Week (this week) people will feel inclined to donate to the cause!
My friend Sean Egan would always tell me "Festina Lente" ... take it slow and easy, both physically and mentally! That is my mantra!
Thanks for the NASCAR updates .... can't wait to join you for a race!

Kay ... thanks for all that you have done for me ... it's overwhelming! Appreciate the attention to the Summit Scholarship ... especially during National Nurses Week.
Yes, it does get quite cold in my tent at night and do look forward to not being cold all the time! Once I hit SC the heat and humidity will feel very comforting!
I relayed your message to Bo ... from the Great Statee of Michigan!
Look forward to sharing all with you on my return!

Canadian Friends:

Tony ... glad that you sent your travel plans to Carol. Our dates for visiting Almonte are June 28-July 8. We are resting and eating well and also getting lots of exercise ... hope it all helps!

Columbia Friends:

Cathy ... great to hear from you and glad that you enjoy the postings of fellow team-mates! Also great to heaar that your niece is planning to be a nurse ... we need her!
Appreciate you sharing the thought for the day ... very moving!
Say hi to Kev ... and Cocky will be going to the top with me soon!

Susan ... thanks for the National Nurses Week greetings! I have relayed your kind word to Bo regarding his posting! I like your comparison of what we do to a shift at work as I have drawn that parallel in presentations that I have done!
Glad that you have got in touch with Carol and am sure she will be a great help specific to information on Mt. Kiliminjaro!
Many thanks for the best wishes and look forward to getting together on my return!

Ed ... great to hear from you and glad that the kids are getting an education! More adventures to follow!

Rahn ... great to hear from you and I appreciate the support of the tennis community! I asked Carol a few days ago to look into tickets for the US Open in New York as I have never been there and thought it would be fun! Thanks for including me in your fit and cool list ... I will try to act the part!

Deb ... yes, the waiting game is hard, but this is a part of the process. We know we have to wait for good weather and have done everything else needed to position ourselves for a summit bid!
My team members are great and we all get along very well!
I don't know if I have any pull at USC ... but do hope to help you with a position on my return!
Say hi to the girls ... and best of luck to Kristen tomorrow night in her game against Lexington?

DLP ... appreciate the brain twisters ... but too late to figure them out at present! Plan to challenge my group at breakfast!

Palmetto Health Friends:

Monya ... great to hear from you and thanks for the contribution to the Summit Scholarship! It's always great to discover another NASCAR fan ... no matter what age!
Appreciate the prayers very much ... very needed!
Say hi to all at PHR!

Mary Sue ... so glad to hear from you and the students and appreciate very much the offering of prayers. In the next few weeks I will be facing the biggest challenge of my life and need all the help I can get!
Say hi to the students, and all at PHR!

Sandra ... I bet that you can google the paper and find the article on line! Thanks for contacting CNN ... I have had a student attempt contact with a lot of national agencies, and USC media is working on that also! Hopefully Carolyn and John have plans for the Summit Scholarship ... especially during National Nurses Week! As always, appreciate the quote!

USC Friends:

Mary ... thanks for contributing to the Summit Scholarship and also for verifying how easy it was to use the system ... and how easy it was to spend your money! Thanks for challenging friends and colleagues ... hope they take advantage of National Nurses Week to meet the challenge! You hit the nail on the head when you mentioned that a lot of nurses are nearing retirement, slowing down, and moving on to less stressful environments. We have to do a better job of introducing new nurses into our profession and put to rest the adage that "we eat our young". We need more passionate nurses as yourself to help us educate our future nurses!
Look forward to many lunches with you and Minnie!

All The Others:

Bill and Michele ... when I start making the plans for visiting Corpus will have to keep you in the loop as perhaps you may want to join the reunion! I am hopeful that some of these NASCAR connections will come through for me as would love to take their flag to the top of the world!
Thanks for sharing your horse story ... and understanding of why we climb!

Evie ... great to hear from University of South Carolina Alumni and hope you enjoyed the article. Diane did a GREAT job on the initial article prior to my departure so it was fun to give her an update from Mt. Everest basecamp! Congrats on your accomplishment of climbing Mt. Kiliminjaro as it is more than a "walk-up" at nearly 20,000 ft!
If I can be of any help to your daughter as she starts school in the fall please feel free to have her contact me in the College of Nursing. My contact information is on the university website!
Thanks for the prayers!

Ann & Graham ... I have relayed your kind words to Mike and also to Bo! It is interesting isn't it getiing this deep perspective of why we do the things we do! I have heard of some folks doing a flight over Mt. Everest but have not seen that team yet ... will keep my head up when climbing and listen for the faint sound of an engine!

WP ... I relayed to the group your ladder story and all were impressed that I was able to help you through my example. I also conveyed to Mike and Bo your kind words!
We appreciate the well-wishes and look forward to those favorable weather patterns!
We too enjoyed Bo's and Mike's dialogue and suspect that the thin air brings out some creativity that we did not know existed!

MC ... thanks for the kind words specific to Mike's and Bo's blogs. There is a monument here in Pheriche to those that have died on Mt. Everest and we found Rob's name imprinted as well as my friend Sean Egan's name.
I enjoyed posting Carol's remarks as she echoed my sentiments of how appreciative I am for the wonderful support that I receive from all of you!
Bo's blog was very insightful ... and made us all wonder, "Who Am I"?

Gina ... thanks so much for your posting and the offerings of best wishes! Best of luck in school ... we need you!

David (aka Demento) ... refer to Rob's blog from about a week ago as he detailed the tentative plans! Basically it's about a 7 day roundtrip as follows:
Day 1 - Basecamp-Camp 2
Day 2 - Rest day at Camp 2
Day 3 - Camp 2-Camp 3
Day 4 - Camp 3-Camp 4
Day 5 - Camp 4-Summit-Camp 4
Day 6 - Camp 4-Camp 2
Day 7 - Camp 2-Basecamp
Hope this helps! Keep in touch :>)

Mel ... Mike says your a great sister-in-law and appreciates the help with the kids! Soon he will be home to take care of the kids as he misses them very much!

Liz ... Bo read your message this morning and was very appreciative of your posting!

Ron ... appreciate you looking into the possibility of making this work for NASCAR! Thanks also for the potential collaboration with Liz!

Herwin ... Mike has read your blog posting and is very appreciative that you are checking in on his progress!

Liz ... I have shared your comments with Bo. He really blew us away with his introspective look at what we do! He is indeed a very unique person ... worthy of all your comments!
Thanks for ther potential help with the NASCAR flag and potential collaboration with Dr. Ron Schlimmer in Corpus Christi, Texas!

Angel ... Bo has challenged all of us to look deep inside to see who we are! It's quite the challenge! Thanks for your posting!

Messages

AORN Bonnie D

Visitor — Mon, 05/07/2007 - 17:20

Hey Pat - glad to visualize you sleeping in the comforts of a lodge. I would think that would help to get some solid rest and bulk up on nutrition to get ready for the big day. Thanks for the recap of the 7 day round trip to the summit. Wow - how exciting to have that yet before you.

Weather has been soggy in Denver with 40F degree temps- we have had lots of rain so it is really greening up, but that means snow in the mountains. On the news today, there is a 38 year old climber to be rescued on Humbolt Peak, down in the Sangre De Christo mountain range. Apparently he broke his shoulder and has a hip injury, so his female climbing partner came down to get help. I hope he was prepared to spend the night - there were no other details that I heard. The rescue workers were glad the weather was breaking so hopefully it will be a smooth rescue and there will be good news later today. The white capped peaks are hidden today in the clouds, but the foothills have a nice blue cast to them. Did you hear about the devastating tornado in Kansas over the weekend? I think it was Friday, it was a class V and 95% of the town is wiped out. It was near Witchita. Lots of turbulent spring weather lately (the town of Holly, Colorado was hit and devastated in April) - but that is what is happening on the plains. I can imagine what you are dealing with at the extreme elevations!

Tell your colleagues thanks for their honest accounts of the journey. I am following along faithfully! We have your poster hanging for our open house today (Nursing Practice and Education are hosting it for all the other AORN HQ employees) and we will be talking about your Summit Scholarship all during nurses week. Stay safe!
Bonnie

High Boss- Happy Nurses Week

Rporter — Mon, 05/07/2007 - 18:11

Hi Pat! I got your poster up at the front desk and we're all cheering! Enjoy your time 'down valley' and thanks for the new picture. Your looking happy and healthy, take very good care to stay that way & what a way to Celebrate Nursing!! Go Pat, Goo Pat, ggooooooo PAT! Luv ya! rose :)

Nice to know you are

Bill and Michele — Mon, 05/07/2007 - 18:23

Nice to know you are surrounded by such good people. Bill sent an email to his boss regarding NASCAR, it's such a good idea, so like you said with all these connections, something could happen. Bo can probably figure out what kind of person I am, definitely spiritual with respect to nature, very proud of the people my children are becoming, when you are a friend of mine, you are a friend for life. Good corresponder too, always have been when you and Carol go off on your long vacations. Good thoughts, prayers and good weather. Michele

Hi

Visitor — Mon, 05/07/2007 - 19:00

Hi pat, You all look so happy, Mike looks like he has lost a bit of weight, but he looks really good. Tell him the kids liked talking to him last night, and can't wait to see him. Enjoy your few days down the valley. My love to Mike....Wendy

Breathe deep(ly)

kwsallenger — Mon, 05/07/2007 - 19:58

Pat, glad to hear your have gone down for some good air. As you probably know, many high-altitude climbers recommend that. Just don't "do a Toli" and try a speed ascent of Lhotse after you summit. :-) Come on home, instead.

And you already know the part about the summit being optional... You'll be in our thoughts and prayers.
- Ken
Ken Sallenger, USC, Columbia SC 34 0.5' N / 80 58.9' W

Nascar Update

efkh — Mon, 05/07/2007 - 21:02

Hi Pat,

I have been in touch with my friend Kristy at Nascar and she has a "golf pin sized" flag ready for you--should be small and light. She will be able to ship it tomorrow. Now if we can only get it to you in time! I've done the research, and shockingly, the US Postal Service is our best bet. They say they can deliver it in 1-3 days (that's 4 days faster than Fedex, UPS and DHL). If sent off tomorrow, it can be in Kathmandu by Saturday at the latest by Global Express Guarantee. However--it is not guaranteed if sent to the PO Box you gave me. If you can get me a name, address and contact number to have it delivered in Kathmandu we'll be in better shape. You can email me directly at ehenry2007@kellogg.northwestern.edu
Try to do so tonight (or today for you), so I can pass that address to Kristy to ship tomorrow...

I gave a call to Corpus Christi today :) Ron and I are in touch about this. It sounds like he has also done some wonderful charitable fundraising with the Ronald McDonald House and seems like he's a wonderful friend! I have also sent on your blog and the USC scholarship link to Kristy who will forward on to Nascar's PR team....

I hope it all falls into place! I'll keep you posted.
Enjoy your break down valley...
Liz (aka "grapefruit guru")

Hi Michael ,just got Pats

Visitor — Mon, 05/07/2007 - 21:36

Hi Michael ,just got Pats blog to say your all down in Pheriche for a break .Enjoy the food and the beds !! I've just collected Maya for kindy [I take her and pick her up on Tuesday and Friday] and saw Dylan crawlling about 2metres .He was so pleased with himself .Ethan was helping Wendy with the car seat and happy as larry going off to his kindy with Wendy .Love you,Blessings to all Mum

R & R

Ann — Mon, 05/07/2007 - 23:24

Hi Pat and Team,
Sounds like a good idea to refuel and power up for a summit bid. I have read opposing views about going down as well, but many of the worlds best climbers use this technique and feel it is valuable. I hope that everyone really enjoys the time to see how spectacular a spot you are all in!
The parajet team is GKN Mission Everest and should be arriving in the next few days, hopefully they will have as much success with the weather as all of you have so far.
Take care,
Ann and Graham

Thick air:)

Sandra D — Tue, 05/08/2007 - 00:06

Hi Pat, I sent a message to Carolyn but have not heard back yet. I also asked our PR Dept. if perhaps they could put something in the hospital newpaper so that nurses would see it and be inspired to give. You were right, I found the article (googled) in the Charleston Post and Courier! It was very good and mentioned the scholarship.

Happy Nurses Week Pat! OK Pat, I had to dig up a Florence quote for you in honor of Nurses Week! This is sooooo true! "The most important practical lesson that can be given to nurses is to teach them what to observe." Florence Nightengale

Have a good rest!
Sandra

NASCAR

Rob Britt — Tue, 05/08/2007 - 00:38

Pat,
I had no idea that you were a NASCAR fan, no wonder I liked ya! I'm born and raised in Darlington, though I'm more of an "old school" nascar fan (David Pearson, Richard Petty, Cale Yarborough) I still catch a race every now an then. In honor of the NASCAR connection, I'm donating another $100 to the Summit Scholarship! I hope you have enjoyed your R&R in Pheriche. I look forward to following your progress to the summit.
Rob

High, Boss & BO!

Rporter — Tue, 05/08/2007 - 03:38

WOW! What great commentary! I appologize for taking up space but U guys never fail to intrigue. Pat, I sent an earlier message [from work, ssshhh-don't tell anyone]. But I had not had the chance to review the last couple days or Bo's Blog and I just had to say 'WOW'. WHO AM I?? WE often ask - WHAT ARE THESE FOLKS THINKING!?! WHO in their RIGHT mind would want to risk their LIFE climbing a freakin' MOUNTAIN. [Seven TIMES in your case!]. But what a terrific insight! Thx Bo for the enlightenment & thank you Pat for letting us share and grow through U...! I have not let anyone draw horns on your poster [yet :0] and I will be sure that Bonnie gets the other one! Since you mentioned it; We will BE EXSPECTING these to be 'autographed' by you when you come to Denver. Actually, I REALLY WANT CAROL'S autograph!! Luv U Carol... and of course, Go Pat, Go Pat [& TEAM], ggooooo Pat! Luv rose :)

Happy Nurses Week

Visitor — Tue, 05/08/2007 - 03:59

Hi Dr Hickey!

Today I ran in to the doctor (whose name i can't remember) that we spoke at length with at the Health Department. It was the day the lady blacked out in the lunch room. I'm sure you can remember how we ran down the hall and tended to the lady that gave plasma and didn't hydrate well. . . . he and I had a great conversation and I thought I would share the memory lane stroll with you. :) Take care and soak up the all the wonderful, natural beauty that surrounds you!!

-nita

Clarification on the reason

Visitor — Tue, 05/08/2007 - 04:00

Clarification on the reason I was at the health department was the day that I spent with the occupational nurse and you came to check on me. Have a great day!

Flag

Harley — Tue, 05/08/2007 - 05:06

Pat,
Give total credit to Liz on this one. Talked to her today, and she found the flag and it hopefully can get to you before you leave for the summit. (Liz, if you can make it down to Corpus Christi when Pat comes down, we'll take you to eat at Kiko's too!----assuming Pat leaves some food for the rest of us! Many thanks!

Ron

Anna, Mike (GB), Mike and Pat

Mary Clare Reinhardt — Tue, 05/08/2007 - 06:55

Hey Anna, Mike (GB), Mike and Pat

It is very interesting that some climbers stay at BC and await a summit bid while others like yourselves go down to "thicker air", eat more and get healthier. Both options have their advantages. It must be nice to get away from BC for a bit and enjoy the different scenery and small villages. And of course...nice to sleep in a bed!!!

Enjoy and thanks for the all the updates!
MC

Mike (NZ)

jessnbob — Tue, 05/08/2007 - 08:03

Gday you look very well, me and Benny and Ethan went walking up one tree hill a couple of days ago, the boys had a great time we pretended we were trekking like you guys across the grass (not snow) , we all held hands, the boys loved it!, lots of peolple are asking about you at work, "...are you mikes brother....hows he doing...." l give them my standard answer of "hes my uncle...just kidding" and then tell them about this webpage and how they can support it. a couple of C33 postions are advertised in july! See you soon, miss you heaps Love Bob

My Nephew Mike

Visitor — Tue, 05/08/2007 - 09:42

Well done Mike, Dee and I are so proud of what you have achieved. Sadie sends her love,keep safe,yours,Peter.

Good luck

Visitor — Tue, 05/08/2007 - 11:33

Dear Mike, hope you're looking after yourself, watch out for those Russian Warlords.
Keep safe and hope to see you next year Im going to come over in March.
Best of luck for the summit.

See you soon

Wistie

Spelling

Visitor — Tue, 05/08/2007 - 11:35

You might notice the "your" should be a you're, forgive my spelling you know it's not my strong point.

See you soon

Wistie

Hi Pat!

matts1mom — Tue, 05/08/2007 - 13:08

Hi Pat! I have been keeping up with your daily reports and continue to pray that you and your fellow climbers are kept safe. It has been chilly here the past few days (this coming from an Ohio native) but hopefully it will warm up this weekend for Darlington. I had no idea that you were a NASCAR fan. We head to Darlington Friday for the Bush race then will stay for the Nextel race. This is a first for me so I am really excited about it. Who is your driver? If I have been reading correctly it is Jeff Gordon right? Dale Jr has finally said something about the Car of Tomorrow. He is not happy about the set up. It will be interesting to see them run it at Darlington. I am taking my cameras so I will be sure to share the details with you when you return. Is there anything that you would like for me to pick up for you while I am there? Maybe the five of us (you, Carol, me, Jim, & Matt) could go to Lowe's in Charlotte for a race. Or to Atlanta, or Bristol, or Michigan, or......The more the merrier! I am keeping an eye on the scholarship and your window of opportunity to summit. We are here for you and think of you every day! As a fellow NASCAR fanatic (and that is putting it lightly) I too will donate $100 to the scholarship. ~ Judy

just a note to say hi

jmbrown — Tue, 05/08/2007 - 13:39

Hey Pat -
I just got the link to follow up to the top. I am so excited for you. Can't wait to hear all about it.

JulieMarie

Hi Pat from an AORN friend

Visitor — Tue, 05/08/2007 - 13:45

Hi Pat!
Its Jackie, from Canada (aka J.R ;) Just got the email from Kay Ball yesterday with the news of your adventure. Just wanted to say 'hi!' and give you the very best wishes for a successful and safe climb. Best of luck to you all and take care.

Hi Pat, It's Jen (Bo's friend here)

jfayne1 — Tue, 05/08/2007 - 13:45

I, like MC (above), agree that its very interesting that some of the team stays at BC while others head downwards for the luxuries of thicker air, a bed with pillows, and possibly some tastier foods. Why is that? So would Bo and Ward head up together for the summit, if the weather permits? Would you guys be radioed in and hurry up there so you can all summit together? Just wonderin... It's lookin good regarding that NASCAR flag getting to you. How great! I did not know that you guys could receive mail. ;)
Also, I got your note about Bo and his stories. Quite a remarkable guy huh? I can only imagine what an addition he adds to your already solid crew.
Anyway back to work...
Always looking forward to your updates...

Be well, live large, and be safe! You are almost at the Head of the Sky!

Jen
Chicago, IL
USA

Greetings from Liverpool

Visitor — Tue, 05/08/2007 - 20:30

Dear Mike (NZ)
So glad to hear that you are all well and the trip is going OK. Keep safe. You are very special to all your family in NZ and also to us in UK.
Lots of love Gill

Descent

Demento — Wed, 05/09/2007 - 05:26

Pat, I'll be curious to know the effect of your dropping down to Pheriche. I have seen a little bit of a trend with people up in Breck, who go back to Denver for a day or two after a week in Breck. Its a real treat following your progress. You look good in the pic. David

Radio interview

Richard L. — Thu, 05/10/2007 - 13:25

Hi Pat,
This is my first comment, but I've followed your climb regularly and have spoken to Carol a couple of times. Your radio interview (93.5) this morning was terrific; you may have had a strained voice, but you seemed at ease and, with the help of the satellite phone technology you described, you were easy to understand. Your timing was excellent, and your appeal for the Summit Campaign sounded as good as if a professional announcer had made it. Sometime after you get home, maybe I'll be able to talk you into visiting my speech class so you can tell the students how to sound persuasive--even when you're halfway around the world away from your audience! Well done.
Keep up your strength and your enthusiasm; we're all proud of you, and we'll keep an eye on the lake for you until you get home.
Richard

Hey dude!

gregd — Thu, 05/10/2007 - 13:50

Am so sorry i missed your interview this morning. Had to run out first thing this morning, and when i got back into my truck, i heard them ending the interview, so i must have just missed hearing you. That would have been very cool. So i am very sorry that i missed that! Hope everything is going good during this lil down time while you are waiting to go! Still sounds like you are having the time of your life and can't wait to hear everything in person when you get home! Priscilla said hello, she has tried to write, but for some reason, she has not been able to get hers to post. That was cool about getting the nascar flag sent over to your basecamp too! Sounds awesome. Stay warm and stay safe. See you when you get home!!
Greg D.

News in NASCAR

matts1mom — Thu, 05/10/2007 - 15:18

Hi Pat! Although to some this is not a big deal but to us NASCAR nuts it is something. Dale Jr. announced this morning at 11 AM in a news conference that he is leaving DEI. I am sure this is not a surprise to most in the NASCAR community. It would be sweet to see him go with Gibbs racing although I am sure that will not happen. I think he and Tony make a good team. You had asked who Matt likes, he likes them all. To a 7 year old that means he likes Matt Kenseth because they have the same first name, we like Tony Stewart because what you see is what you get (although he can be a hot head). We like Jr because he is down to earth. I like Bobby Labonte, Jeff Burton, Dale Jarrett, Mark Martin, Sterling Marlin the list goes on. If I run into Jeff at the race (yeah right), I will tell him you said hello. Stay safe! ~ Judy (USC - CON)

radio interview

Deb — Thu, 05/10/2007 - 16:09

Pat,
heard you on the radio this morning. Good to hear your voice again. I have to ask you about the commercial that I heard after your interview. You know the Bud commercial where the guy talks about the "arm chair quarterback", well this one they did with the mountain climber with his goats & sherpas - sitting at the top looking home at Canada, etc. etc. Was this done locally or did you manage to get a national Bud sponsor that I didn't know about?

Kristen & Danielle will be updating you tonight.

Take care.

Deb

Take it Easy

des hickey — Thu, 05/10/2007 - 16:48

Pat

We have been following along daily, nice to see you and some team members enjoying the different setting and accomodation for a few days before the final push. We are thinking of you and keeping the family and friends updated on your progress.
The kids are beginning soccer and the weather is warming up nicely.
The Senators begin the conference final tonight vs Buffalo, it should be a fast paced and exciting series. We heard your name mentioned on the local news last weekend wrt your Everest adventure.
Take it easy and enjoy.
Des, Colleen, Jenna and Matt