Snowy Day at Basecamp

< Newer | Older > Fri, 05/04/2007 - 11:21 — Patrick

My neighbor Mike seeking refuge in his tent from sleet & snow. Photo taken by Pat Hickey on May 4, 2007.Day #37

Location: Basecamp
Altitude: 5364m
Local Time: 5:00pm / May 4
Weather: Cold (40's) sleet/snow

Today was our first full rest day at basecamp and we have had sleet/storms/snow all day long! So much for laundry and personal hygiene!

I want to share with all of you a website that a good friend, Bonnie Denholm of the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), recently found and gives good views of all the camps:
www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/everest/climb
*See Bonnie's post from yesterday for more info on this site, and to make sure that I copied it properly!

I am having a few interviews by phone today as updates to articles written before I started this adventure. I hope to do as many more as possible to get out the word about the Summit Scholarship. If interested, contact my brother Danny (site moderator) and he can set it up! All I ask is that my sat phone time is covered and I believe it costs a little over $1.00 US per minute! Also, try to remember that I am 10 hrs. ahead of the US East Coast!
*I hope also to do a few calls to schools and radio stations!

I will update you tomorrow as per plans for the team to head down valley for rest, relaxation, and thicker air ... or whether we will stick it out here at basecamp!

**There will be two more personal blogs coming from Mike and Bob within the next few days! We are looking forward to their commentary, as I'm sure that you are too!

**Family and friends feel free to post notes on the blog for your climbers if you should so choose.

Enjoy your weekend!

Your Messages:

Carol:
Hi sweetheart. Great talking to you yesterday! Can't wait until Sunday. I wish I could be laying on the beach with you! Today it has been sleeting/snowing all day long! The initial calming sound of occasional sleet has been replaced by the "machine gun" repetitive sound that penetrates through the thin walls of the tents! Ear plugs won't help with this sound!
I am unsure what everyone will be doing over the next week as we await word on summit plans! I am content here at basecamp, while others may want to head lower for other towns/guesthouses! There is good/bad in both. I will check out the options and let you know what I will do! Glad I was not out walking for 8 hrs. in this weather!
Enjoy your time at Myrtle Beach, and I will talk to you Sunday evening!

I love you and miss you terribly :>)

Pat :>)

AORN Friends:

Kay ... great to hear from you and thanks so much for establishing the challenge to AORN members! I would be more than happy to do chapter visits and do a presentation on my climb if the chapters were able to donate the guest speaker honorarium to the Summit Scholarship. I promise, it would be a unique presentation involving teamwork, leadership, and of course ... lots of great pictures!
Thanks for being such a great leader for AORN ... it is my privilege to call you my friend!
*I believe that my brother Danny has established a link to the Summit Scholarship on the menu bar!

Kate ... great to hear from you, and hope that "bean town" can deal with you! Thanks for the words of encouragement and for taking up the challenge to donate to the Summit Scholarship! I hope that you are doing well! As I offered to Kay, I would love to do Chapter visits and talk of the climb, if speaker honorariums could go to the Summit Scholarship! I miss the chapter visits, and being involved at the national level!
*I believe that my brother Danny has established a link to the Summit Scholarship on the menu bar!

Bonnie ... thanks so much for sharing this site that you have found! As you can see I have shared it with all ... with credits to you!
It's hard to imagine that we are now ready, how long will we have to wait, when will we get the call? Lots of questions!
It is an honor and privilege to have made it this far ... and it will be the collective prayers and thoughts of all that will get me to the top!
Thanks, as always for your support!
*Have you seen Kay's challenge?

Canadian Friends:

Danny ... thanks for setting up the interviews and topping off the account!

Mr. Geuer's Class ... I have not heard back from you regarding my challenge to report the blogger map locations?

Columbia Friends:

Alma ... check to see if the radio station that you are dealing with in South Dakota would like for me to call in to the station for a "live interview".
All I request is that sat phone time is covered (a little over US $1.00 minute) and remember the time difference!

Susan ... no worries, thanks for throwing out the challenge! I know of at least 4 nurses that have taken your challenge to heart! I have an interview with the Charleston Post & Courier today and plan to talk of your challenge!
I do look forward to motivational talks after my return and expect will be able to do a better job in person ... than from halfway around the world!
Again, I appreciate your support!

Larry ... sorry to hear that you may not make it to Myrtle Beach as I am sure that your family will miss you!
Thanks so much for the sports updates as we rarely receive news here! Congrats on Miami's choice selections in the drafts ... no wonder you follow them!
And of course, the best news yet ... Jeff is on fire!

Kristen & Danielle ... are you falling behind on your deliveries? Is your Mom having to make deliveries for you? Have you forgotten our deal? Don't let me down!

Palmetto Health Friends:

Sandra ... yes, the yellow band is that color! It is an easy to see landmark. Basecamp so far has been relaxing ... despite sleet/snow all day today! I have an interview with the Charleston Post & Courier today as an update to their article before I left! Will let you know when it will be published!

Allison ... we hope that it won't be as crowded when we head for the summit and realize that there a lot of logistics involved in that process! We put our faith in out leader to make those decisions as needed!
I hope to post all pictures on my website www.Amercan.us after the trip!

USC Friends:

Jessica ... great to hear from you! You should get in the habit of checking out all full moons as they are so beautiful! Do you remember where you were or what you were doing for the last full moon? Thanks for the continued prayers! Say hi to all!

Liesl ... any word on 93.5? Please make sure that there is ease of donations as there was a question in yesterday's blog of where/how to donate! I referred them to the link on the menu bar that Danny created! Hope I did right!
Thanks for all your help :>)

All The Others:

Gomez Sisters ... any luck on contacting Danny Rajoppi? Any way of contacting Robert Zapata and/or Oscar? Would love to hear from them! Thanks Dorothy for contacting Debi in WI.

Ken ... I think I might have already partially answered your question as the Lhotse Face was very, very icy! We had to use every bit of our crampons to get up/down ... made more difficult when having to pass people enroute! Not sure how this compares to previous years?

Bill & Michele ... great to hear from you guys on a daily basis! All of my teamates are in great shape and the past 4 weeks has tightened us up further!
Review the blogs from a few weeks ago (if you can) as George and I had a running dialogue for awhile! Additionally, have had dialogues with Dr. Ron Schlimmer in Corpus, and on my return will be making plans to visit George in Galveston, rent a Harley so I can keep up with his, meet Ron enroute on his Harley, and then spend a weekend in Corpus ... eating at Kiko's on Everhart and visiting with old friends!
That's the plan! More later ...

Jen ... Bo has read your message and was noticeably pleased! Thanks for your warm words!

MC ... today was our first rest day and not able to do too much as it has sleeted/snowed almost all day! Card games and board games have kept people busy! We are unsure of plans for next few days as some may go to lower altitudes to rest further!
Many thanks for the quote!

Ann & Graham ... the photo collection after this trip will be my pride and joy as everything is so beautiful! I expect that I will publish them on my website (www.Amercan.us) as I did with my Mt. Vinson pictures!

Angel ... Bo has read your message and appreciates the post! Appreciate the prayers for health and safety!

Jean ... great to hear from you! Thanks for the thoughts and prayers ... greatly appreciated! Glad you were able to check out the moon ... same view here, but breathless!

David (aka Demento) ... it does take a lot of time and effort for the blog ... but look at how many people know now of the trials and tribulations of climbing Mt. Everest ... as well as the looming nursing shortage and the Summit Scholarship!
Keep in touch!

Messages

GOLF

Linda Harlin — Fri, 05/04/2007 - 13:45

Pat, The annual AORN golf tourniment kicked off yesterday at Northwoods. There was almost 70 players out to raise money for the local chaper. The weather was wonderful - quite warm - but a nice little breeze was almost constant. We had a few vendors actually display their goods and Dr Locke was our featured speaker on Bone Graft Material. He was really funny. A good time was had by all (some more than others you know!) Missed you!
Hang in there - for real! Linda

Thx Pat for the chance...

jfayne1 — Fri, 05/04/2007 - 14:02

Hi there Pat, Bo and crew!!
Thank you so much for the blogs and giving us, family and friends, the chance and ability to keep in touch. I think your wife Carol had mentioned that you guys were a little skeptical of doing this, but look what it has done! It has brought such a variety of people together, on the same page for the same reason- support and care. Your team is truly loved and thought of each and every day...

Bo, not sure if you got the message (similar to below) from ice8000, but I have got to tell you, you simply amaze me! I am so proud to tell all of my friends and family that I have a great friend who is climbing Mt. Everest! (btw, I always plug in myeverest and ice8000 so they can check it out). Sorry for the personal note on Pat's blog page, but I just had to...
So, I spoke to your sister yesterday, great gal. Filled me in on the happs and I heard you are well, determined, your head is clear, and you are strong (perhaps from the corned beef and hash). Wonderful! Maybe we can get some (well deserved) bone marrow- when you get back in town? mmmm. I have been a wannabe runner lately, so I start my runs off every time with...."Josie's on a vacation far away...." and some Goo that you turned me onto in yoga (thought you'd like to hear that). Also I went to yoga the other night... I gave Conni and Heather the blog sites so they can check in, as they are super curious. Ryan Shamir (from Kellog) is also aware of your adventures! You have really insipred me Bo-- whenever I am pushing myself, whether it's a bike-ride or a fancy yoga move, I think about you and your crew up there crankin it out on Everest and, a small wave of ease comes across me and I get through it. So, thank you. Smile-you're almost there my friend.

Be well everyone and stay safe and strong,
Jen
Chicago, IL
USA

High Boss

Rporter — Fri, 05/04/2007 - 18:25

Great Job Pat, you are crusing right along! I received the posters from Liesl today, we are all SO EXCITED here at Headquartes! I will send my THX to Liesl too! I'm hoping we can display these here for National Nurses Week [May 7- 11] then of course they will hang on Lil' G's bedroom wall forever! We sent prayers as we admired 'Your' full moon Weds night. Keep your self safe and warm! GO PAT, GO Pat, goooooo PAT!!! Lots-O-Luv, rose :)

Hi Pat

Visitor — Fri, 05/04/2007 - 19:04

Can you do me a favour and tell Mike I have not received an email from him, I think he was sending one yesterday. So can you let him know I am expecting at least 2 and very very long !!! thanks Wendy

Greetings Pat...

wmpopper — Fri, 05/04/2007 - 19:20

Hope that the weather clears soon enabling you and team to do some laundry, washing and relaxing in warmer/drier conditions. Great portrait of you and Paul taken between camps on the trail. I've been doing some shingle siding repair at home which requires an aluminum extension ladder raised to 16' and I've been able to diminished my fear of heights by recalling your narrative and exploits in dealing with much higher places...thanks again for the inspiration and insight.

wp

Summit Donation

Bill — Fri, 05/04/2007 - 19:35

Pat, I am pleased to report that our law firm check to the Summit Scholarship was mailed today! We are following your progress. George, Barbara, and the entire medical malpractice defense team at Richardson Plowden wish you continued Godspeed. We look forward to seeing the pictures when you return. Bill

Rest well, Pat and team

Mary Clare Reinhardt — Fri, 05/04/2007 - 20:17

Hey Pat and team

Good luck with the decision to rest at BC or move down to a lower elevation. I can see pros and cons for both. If you are feeling well, it would seem to make sense to stay at BC and not risk any illnesses or viruses. But then again, easy for me to say sitting here at my home office, nice and warm with my cup of joe!!!

Wherever you rest, rest well!
MC

"The reward is not in the acknowledgement of helping a fellow human being; it is in the act itself." mc

Hi There

ksmiles — Fri, 05/04/2007 - 22:17

Hi Pat,

A mutual friend, Alice Weiss, gave me information on your journey because we share an admiration and excitement for reaching the top of anything. I am the Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Shands Jacksonville and am wishing you enlightened weather and great karma as you strive to reach your goal. A part of me is very jealous of your journey. A part of me is also too fearful to ever undertake such a feat. Look forward to hearing more. Congrats on reaching base camp. May the weather lighten for you. Kelly

R&R?

Blammer — Fri, 05/04/2007 - 22:46

Hi all,
Nice shot of Mike Pat! Boy does that look inviting, not. How you can all live like that for soo long at that altitude amazes me. And thats supposed to be the comforts of base camp? Wow. What an incredible environment to be living in. I'm still loving the daily read of your blogs from the comfort and warmth of my home office 8-).
Your all doing a fantastic job so far and like everyone else who's watching and reading along, I wish you all the very best for the next few weeks. Tell Mike to keep shooting those picks and by the looks of the shot of you up @ camp 3 he must have learnt something about photography from me over the last 18 years! Nice shot Mike.

Stay warm, stay safe.
Mat Blam

danny rajoppi

debra keyes — Fri, 05/04/2007 - 23:37

Hi Pat,
I just called Danny and left a message..still sounds the same on the machine..so hopefully he'll get back to me. I guess you do need a little rest and maybe some different food if you go back to the villages?? it's cinco de mayo tomorrow so I think I'll go have fajitas for YOU tonight. I keep up with you everyday and pass word on to as many as I can. I'll be in NC in june so I'm hoping to see you..Keep up the wonderful news and you are in my thoughts and prayers. Debi.

HEY GEEKO!

DASDEB — Sat, 05/05/2007 - 00:51

Wow! First we get a phone call from Donna Taylor saying she's in town, then we get a message from Debi in Austin about you. It's the '80s again! Now all we need is Rob & Bill to call us and try to sell us some siding. What in the heck are you doing? From somebody who would hole up in his apartment at night with the lights off and eat hot dogs to climing the Big 7, dang what a leap! Now we're sitting in the near dark in front of our computer waiting for our brisket to microwave, and you're up near the top of the world! We haven't read much of your journey yet, but now that we know about it, we'll be sure to check it all out.

All is well, warm and humid here. We'll be checking on you to see how the quest goes. God speed, and stay safe, and we'll be catching up with you later.

NASCAR Flag

Harley — Sat, 05/05/2007 - 06:00

Pat,

I talked with someone from NASCAR yesterday about you trying all that time to get in touch with somebody about the flag request. He was apologetic, and did not want you to take it personal, but said that they get literally thousands of requests of all sorts every year, although he thought yours was a good one.

After you reach the summitt this time, and if you decide to do it again(or should I make that--"if your wife would let you do it again"), let us know early enough, and maybe it could be arranged.

Am definitely living vicariously on your adventure through all the great pictures and commentary. Keep them coming, take care and really enjoy!!!

Ron Schlimmer

I was happy to see the post

Bill and Michele — Sat, 05/05/2007 - 13:35

I was happy to see the post from Danny & Debbie, I guess we need to get word to Robert Hayes. Hope you have perfect weather soon for your climb. By the way, Bill's boss is married to Richard Petty's daughter. Stay safe, more prayers, Michele

Pat, I read your article

Visitor — Sat, 05/05/2007 - 14:22

Pat,

I read your article this morning in the Charleston Post & Courier. I'll definitely be following your progress as you climb and praying for your success and safety. I "climbed" Kili in '05, but am smart enough to know that true mountaineering is out of my league. I envy those of you who have the skills to make the 7 summits. Your connection to USC makes this even better. I have my law degree fronm there and my daughter is entering in the fall. Hang in there! I know you'll make it!!! Evie

Following you

Visitor — Sat, 05/05/2007 - 14:47

Hey, Pat. I (Rahn McCrady) follow your updates each day. Good luck! All of Carol's tennis buds are also following your progress! Even though tennis is our sport of choice (and we think we are the fittest and coolest), we certainly add your to our cool and fit list! Good luck!

100 Mile House - British Columbia

tony — Sat, 05/05/2007 - 15:37

Hey there Pat,have emailed Carol my travel plans for D&S big day.Looking forward to get together.Following your teams success daily,happy you have the time to rest up and eat well.Take care all. Tony

Hi Friend

Marywess — Sat, 05/05/2007 - 17:05

I did the challenge today, the web site is very easy to use, and worked well, It doesn't take long to spend $$$ does it? I challenge my old friends (and dear friends) at Palmetto Health and my peers at USC College of Nursing to take the opportunity to donate to the future of Nursing. As we all know, many of us are nearing the age of "slowing down, or skipping out the door to an easier, less stressful lifestyle." We have to share our knowledge and wisdom to those who will follow us and mentor them as they develop. Let us make their pathways to professional nursing nicer than the ones we have had.

Walk slowly and carefully, we want to see you back in Columbia, Minnie and I will take you out to lunch when you come back. (:

We are praying!!

Visitor — Sat, 05/05/2007 - 17:53

Hi, Pat! Just wanted you to know that my family and I and several USC girls that I teach Bible Study to who are your nursing students are all watching and praying! Soooo exciting! My family watched all the Everest shows last summer and were thrilled to hear about you and be able to keep up with your challenge!

Take care and stay strong!! Mary Sue Sawyer

Hi Pat!

Sandra D — Sun, 05/06/2007 - 00:31

Hi Pat, darn, I was in Hilton Head for a conference on Friday and Sat. and didn't see the Charleston paper while I was there. I did read the State paper when I got home today and didn't see a mention. I'll scour it again! I'll also check out the paper tomorrow. I sent CNN an email about you and the Summit Scholarship along with a link to the myeverest website. I can't believe they aren't covering you! We need some good news! I'll let you know if they e mail me. Pat, I'll get in touch with Kate on Monday and Carolyn Swinton (she's our new VP of nursing). Maybe they can help spread the word to PRMH nurses about the scholarhip. That would be great!
Here's a quote for you. "Courage is resistance to fear; mastery of fear-not absence of fear." Mark Twain

Rest well and stay strong!
Sandra