On The Trail Again - Day 2

< Newer | Older > Tue, 05/08/2007 - 15:23 — Patrick

HRA Clinic ... Pheriche.Day #42

Location: Pheriche
Altitude: 4200m
Local Time: 9:00pm / May 8
Weather: Cool (40's) cloudy/windy

Today we decided to be lazy and stayed again in Pheriche. The cozy atmosphere last night (and that warm central stove) helped to make up our minds to stay an extra night. There are other climbers here who have made this their destination as it is very hospitable. Last night was the first night in a bed in one month and it was so comfortable ... forgot how good it felt, and look forward to a few more nights in bed before our return to basecamp!

We did visit the Himalayan Rescue Association Clinic (HRA), here in Pheriche, which has been set up to assist trekkers that get ill! According to the physician on duty he does get a fair share of trekkers suffering from a variety of complaints to include those associated with the altitude, and those associated with being "way out of shape" for attempting to trek in to Mt. Everest basecamp! There is a similar clinic set up at Mt. Everest basecamp but it deals specifically with climber medical issues. Just outside the HRA here is a conical shaped monument dedicated to those that have lost their lives on Mt. Everest. It was very sobering to see the long list of names and included my good friend Sean Egan from Almonte, Ontario Canada who died here in 2005.

I am actually quite impressed with the amount of medical personnel enroute to basecamp, and of course at basecamp! On my own team of 8 there are two physicians and myself, a nurse! Within almost every climbing group are physicians, and if not, there is an HRA clinic to assist with problems. I have not visited the HRA clinic at basecamp but intend to do so on my return!

Additionally today we hiked to a nearby town (Dingboche) and drank milk tea (a popular drink) as we admired the view of the mountains. Drinking fluids at every opportunity is a way to condition ourselves to keep hyrdating as we attempt to maintain a minimum of 2 litres daily!

Tomorrow we do plan to head further down valley and will next report from there!

This pat of the climb is most anxiety producing as we are all in a "hurry up and wait" mode! Everyone has speculations about the weather, and when we will depart ... but the best thing to do is to just relax, enjoy the scenery, eat and drink well, and know that when the call comes you are ready! My wife Carol advised me to follow my friend Sean Egan's advice to "Festina Lente" and that indeed is my mantra ... take it slow and easy!

Your Messages:

Carol:
Hi sweetheart. Hope that you are enjoying Myrtle Beach! Wish that I was with you!!!! At present am still in Pheriche but heading to another town tomorrow! Look forward to talking to you on Wednesday night!

I love you and miss you terribly :>)

Pat :>)

AORN Friends:

Nathalie ... glad to hear that you are properly acclimatized for the New Orleans climate! Wish it were that easy here! At present still enjoying thick air and back to basecamp in about 4 days ... and then will find out more about climbing schedule!
Happy National Nurses Week!

Bonnie ... great to hear from you and thanks for the news on the fallen climber! Hope that all goes well! The bed last night was truly enjoyable ... we take so much for granted don't we! Have not heard about the Kansas tornado ... hope that there was not loss of life!
Many thanks for displaying the poster and plugging the Summit Scholarship!
Look forward to signing a copy for you in July!
Happy National Nurses Week!

Rose ... thanks for dispalying the poster ... protect it from those that want to make me look worse than I am!
Glad that you liked Bo's blog ... very thought provoking!
Carol and I will both visit AORN HQ ... maybe a quick lunch with you and Bonnie at the place next door and a few Fat Tire's?
Happy National Nurses Week!

Canadian Friends:

Danny ... thanks for the info on the interviews. Will reply by private email!

Columbia Friends:

Greg ... great to hear from you! Carol has kept me up to date on seeing you off/on and glad that you are there should she need any help!
Hope that all is going well with the wedding plans! Plesae remind me of the date ... just in case we are delayed here by weather!

Lyn ... thanks for sharing that you read the story in the Charleston Post & Courier. It was fun doing the interview as Diane did a great article on me before I left for Mt. Everest! Please save the article for me if you can!
Appreciate the wishes of good health and weather ... well needed!

Palmetto Health Friends:

Sandra ... thanks for checking in with Carolyn and the PR Dept. Glad that you got to read the article in the Charleston Post & Courier ... it was a fun interview!
Thanks so much for the Florence Nightengale quote ... truly applicable!
Happy National Nurses Week!

Rob ... you are too much! Thanks so much for another donation to the Summit Scholarship! I started to enjoy NASCAR as I studied on weekends for school and it was on every weekend and did not take a lot of concentration! I have only been to one race at Darlington and LOVED it! I can't wait to attend more events on my return home! It looks like one of the bloggers (Liz) has made a contact at NASCAR and a flag will be sent to me! Can't wait to fly it on top of the world! Sure wish I had Jeff Gordon's flag too ... but the NASCAR flag will be GREAT!
A few more days of R&R before we return to basecamp ... where the adventure will continue!

USC Friends:

Ken ... appreciate the post and no worries, after summit day I am out of here! Nothing else to prove!
Appreciate the thoughts and prayers ... greatly needed in the next few weeks!

Lydia ... great to hear from you! Thanks for the positive vibes and the force of nursing pushing me up the hill!
Look forward to doing leadership talks for you and can include teamwork, communications, leadership, etc!

Anita ... thanks for the stroll down memory lane! You did a good job that day with the lady that passed out!
Always taking time to enjoy the nature around me!
Happy National Nurses Week!

All The Others:

Jen ... as always, great to hear from you. Unfortunately Bo is at basecamp and I am down valley for a few days so will save your message for him. I hope to be back to basecamp within 3 days!
In response to your questions:
1. I try to post a picture each day
2. I have updated daily what we are doing ... but at present are separated from basecamp for about 4-5 days
3. Last post was late last night ... hope you are receiving all info!
Thanks, as always, for your best wishes!

Mike Casserly ... thanks for your posting and glad to hear from you! Anna is here with me as a few of our team members have gone down valley for rest and relaxation ... while Rob remains at basecamp. Anna and Mike have reviewed your message and we will relay this to Rob tomorrow night when we next speak to him!

Bill & Michele ... thanks to Bill for making the contact! Looks like Liz has come through with a NASCAR flag!
Bo has made us all look inward ... and have to agree with your evaluation of yourself with what I have seen!
Thanks for the best wishes!

Ward's Mom ... great to hear from you and sorry to say that I am down valley with part of our team while Ward is still at basecamp awaiting word on a date/time for summit day!
I should be back in basecamp within three days and will share with Ward at that time your message.
Thanks for logging on to the site and hope you can continue to follow our adventures!

Liz ... thanks so much for arranging to obtain and send the NASCAR flag! The information you requested is as follows:
Name: Iswari Paudel/Himalayan Guides
Address: PO Box #20654
Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
Contact #: 4260205, 4268211
Mobile #: 98510-22235
Attention: Pat Hickey
Everest Basecamp
**Sorry, could not get another address other than the PO Box. Hopefully the name and contact numbers will help!

Thanks so much for doing this and glad that you got in contact with Dr. Schlimmer. I am confident that the package will get here in time.
Appreciate also that you have forwarded the USC scholarship link to Kristy and potentially Nascar's PR team.

Ann & Graham ... great to hear from you, as always! Thanks for the information on the parajet team ... will look and listen for them!
Continuing to enjoy the refueling!

Ron ... appreciate the collaboration and of course Liz is invited to Corpus ... but not sure if there would be much food left as I have been looking forward to Kiko's for years, and am losiing weight now so I can add it back on at Kiko's!

MC ... yes, it is nice to get away and meet other people! Here at the lodge we have met many and has been great! Of course the opportunity to sleep in a bed again has been the highlight of the experience ... going back to the sleeping bag will be a challenge!

Bob & Jess ... thanks for sharing home news with Mike as it makes his day! Mike constantly talks to us about family and we feel that we know all of you already!

Peter ... Mike is appreciative of your posting! Hope you can continue to check in!

Al & Michelle ... thanks for the posting and brought a smile to Mike's face! After a month in basecamp the beer did taste good! Tonight he is experimenting with Bagpiper Whiskey ... quite good also!
Appreciate the well wishes!

Mike's Mum ... Mike has reviewed your message and sends his appreciation for your comments! Many thanks for the messages from home!

Wendy ... great to hear from you! Mike is looking slim and trim and doing very well. I believe that all of us have lost a few pounds ... but are attempting to replace now that we are down valley!

Messages

AORN Bonnie D

Visitor — Tue, 05/08/2007 - 16:34

Hey Pat,
Glad to hear you enjoyed the comforts of a fire and cozy bed the past few nights. The climber down in southwest Colorado was rescued successfully and I haven't read any other details yet. But there was a "hiker" who fell around the Flat Irons in Boulder yesterday and that was not good news. Apparently he was not wearing a helmet and did not survive the fall. They did not call him a mountain climber, so I am not picturing that he was officially climbing the face of the mountain. At any rate, its a reminder that accidents happen at these lower levels and gives you and your team full credit for smart climbing and the skills you have acquired to be where you are.

Here is some other news items I will throw in (since I don't follow NASCAR figure I have to include a few other interesting updates that will not seem at all significant by the time you return - and to some may not be significant now either!). Unfortunately, the tornado did cause 10 fatalities so far. They are still tallying as they search through the rubble. Kentucky Derby was last weekend. Street Sense won - becoming the first to win Breeders' Cup Juvenile in the fall and the Kentucky Derby in the spring. The Queen is visiting - so she made it to the Kentucky Derby and then went on to Jamestown for the historic anniversary celebrations. On the radio today they said she had to sit through a re-enactment of the Revolutionary War - I think that is a bit odd (and I would think somewhat insulting to her? Seems a little bit "in your face"). Shrek3 is opening in theatres this weekend. Spiderman3 broke the records when it opened last weekend. Hopefully you will be back for the Harry Potter movie as it is supposed to open in June. (okay, I realize those may fall in the "who cares" category - but...)

Those are small tidbits from today's local paper. I will keep looking for other items as you are in your rest/relaxation mode (will try to find more humor!) Maybe I need to go back to song lyrics in my attempt to keep you entertained in your "waiting"mode.
bye for now - enjoy the think air. I am enjoying beautiful clear skies and snow capped peaks from my weather window today
Bonnie

Hurry up and wait mode

Mary Clare Reinhardt — Tue, 05/08/2007 - 22:11

Hi Pat and co.

I like that mind set, "hurry up and wait"! That describes your situation perfectly so why not stop and "sip the tea"! Enjoy these moments, folks....soon you will be on the climb of your life. Sending you all positive thoughts.

Stay healthy,
MC

"Patience is seeing the big picture and knowing it is worth it." mc

Enjoy the scenery!

Sandra D — Tue, 05/08/2007 - 23:24

Hi Pat, it sounds like you are catching up on rest and enjoying the scenery. Well deserved! Hope you are able to pack in a few calories as well. I'm curious, if you go too far down (I don't know what's too far), won't that make you even more tired when you get the call to head to the summit? It seems that you would have a long way to hike to basecamp before you start up the mountain:)
I can't wait to hear about the high altitude clinic. That sounds interesting!

Carolyn responded to me today and asked me to contact Levi Campbell (coordinator of the activities for nurses week). I called him and he was enthusiastic and said he was meeting with PR later today. I contacted Kate so she would be in the loop. We'll keep trying!

Have fun!
Sandra

Back from the beach

Visitor — Wed, 05/09/2007 - 00:13

Hey Pat,
I'm back from Myrtle Beach and will send you a text and email shortly. Glad that you are enjoying a bed, better food, and the company of your fellow hikers. Take care of that sunburnt face! I love it.
Carol

Greetings from USC

Visitor — Wed, 05/09/2007 - 01:04

Hi Professor Hickey!

I don't know if you remember me, but you wrote a teacher recomendation right before you left. I just wanted to tell you how much of an inspiration you have been to me and others this past semester! I really enjoyed your class this semester and talking to you outside of class. I've definitly been keeping up with your blog, and I can' t wait to read about the treck up to the summit! Oh by the way thank you so much for the teacher recomendations, and I was able to get a job with Palmetto and Providence. See you around when you get back!

Kelsey Skillas

Dear Patrick, Hope all is

Visitor — Wed, 05/09/2007 - 01:37

Dear Patrick, Hope all is well- We are finishing up the semester- research camp is next week. It is cool today- Praying- Deb

amalgams

book — Wed, 05/09/2007 - 03:02

pat.good to hear the r&r is going well. you should be in ' fine fettle'by the time you return to b.c. keep well. all the best. [ken.nz]

High Boss- It's a DATE!

Rporter — Wed, 05/09/2007 - 03:35

Thx for your encouraging reply! Planning a lunch [& a few Fat Tires] with U & Miss Carol in Denver this summer is almost as exciting to me as you climbing this mountain! OK, so I don't get out much.:)..but since you have all of our support, it's nice to see your optimism while we're 'watching & waiting'! Those of us 'out here' that truly care about you NEED YOUR support now too. Hmmm, there's a thought!?! [yes, u r scaring the heebee geemee's out of ME]. I have one more for you: I'm surprised to hear you say "I am actually quite impressed with the amount of medical personnel enroute to basecamp, and of course at basecamp!". WHY?, you dare to ask? Although I'm not a nurse or medical professional, [just a mother of 5 working the last 25yrs in the Admin field of the USA], I would NOT want to live in a world without Nuses. Why would one wonder why there are so many nurses/doctors/medic's there? Maybe they like the view; they want to 'summit everst'; they like to hike on their time off; they feel it's their calling/duty; they can make alot of money from dumbies that fall down the mountain? I DOUBT IT! I bet they are there because they care and they know there is a NEED for them with their knowledge to be there..be able to help & assist. BECAUSE NURSES CAN DO ANYTHING! This is just what I THINK/BELIEVE & YOU are living proof. Please wish them ALL [HRA Staff & basecamp] "Happy National Nurse's Week" for me too! ps. don't worry, your poster/picture is in good hands! GO PAT, Gooooo Pat [& Team], goooo PAT!!!We Luv u guys, rose :)

Nascar En Route to Nepal

efkh — Wed, 05/09/2007 - 04:00

Hi Pat,

Wanted to quickly update you that Kristy sent the flag today by Global Express Guarantee to the PO Box you gave us. I hope it will make it in time...I may be able to track it, so we will see!
Enjoy your rest.
all my best,
Liz

Hi Mike

Alastair — Wed, 05/09/2007 - 05:50

Worked with Bob recently (wasn't he loading bags for GBA last time I saw him??) and he put me onto this website. Dianne Dumbledon showed me the ice8000 site also. Go for it - all the best to you and your team members. I have just finished reading a book celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first ascent and it looks like a herculean task. All the best.

Cheers
Al

breakfast brainteaser

DLP — Wed, 05/09/2007 - 09:14

Good Morning Professor! Sounds like your bones are enjoying the bed - now for some brain work - the answers to 1 and 2: The 2 five letter words are gorge and leash. And the speed? Can't do it - at 25 mph for half the distance you already spent your hour. Your new assignment: 3. What 3 letter word completes all the following words? H---ER, TR---S, REP---ED, CH---ING. 2. At 18 years old, Mallory is three times as old as his brother. How old will Mallory be when he is twice as old as his brother? 20? 21? 24? 26? or 28? Regarding altitude sickness - which sounds like the worse case ever of third spacing - wondered if reducing venous return, not unlike the old rotating tourniquets, would help? Also wondered if they have CPAP at the clinics. Enjoy your pre-push rest! Orem's Theory

Howdy!

Visitor — Wed, 05/09/2007 - 13:00

Hey Professor Hickey-
Just wanted to give you a shout out and tell you that we're proud of you here at USC-CON. Tomorrow is convocation and although we are sad you aren't here, we are very thankful that we did have you as a professor and a chaperone in Baltimore! Thanks for all the memories and God bless. Can't wait to see you at the top!

Sincerely,

Your USC SNA girls....Nikki Huch, Claire Crawford, April Knox, Nicole Santavicca, Diana Torres, Christy Russell

Hi Pat ...

johnhickey — Wed, 05/09/2007 - 15:50

We are really enjoying your blogs ... so glad everything is going well! Nice to hear you enjoyed the comforts of an actual bed .. something we take for granted everyday! Everyone here is doing well ... boys have started their summer jobs, Julia is keeping busy with school and work ... I start my new job on Monday ...looking forward to the change. Jane is enjoying her work and keeping busy. Mom and Dad are both feeling good .. they are always anxious to hear your messages. Take care and stay safe!!

John, Jane, Donny, David & Julia

Hey!

Lisa W. — Wed, 05/09/2007 - 21:11

Pat:

It is so exciting hearing what you are going through. I don't think any of us had a clue about what the preparation was before the actual climb. I am so thankful that there are people like you that we can live through. This allows us the warmth and comfort of our own homes but the thrill of getting to live this through your stories. Thanks for sharing. Anyway, I wish you continued success. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Lisa W.

PHRM

Visitor — Thu, 05/10/2007 - 19:59

Pat it is great to hear and see how your adventure is unfolding. We are so proud of you. Your courage and strenght are an inspiration to us all. Please take care of yourself and keep us up to date on your expedition. Laura Brooks