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Five guys trekking to EBC and climbing Island Peak
Scott is embarking on a climb of Ama Dablam
Fiona's building a website business for word of mouth information
Paul's second Mount Everest climb: an unfinished goal 
TA's Mt Everest climb, inspiring young people to dream big 
Pat is climbing Mount Everest - the last of his 7 summits 
Gavin is following his dream to climb Ama Dablam 
Aeronik continues her reinvention as she climbs Mt Kilimanjaro
The Wisdom of No Escape
Location: Camp Two
Elevation: 6500 Meters
Elevation Gain: 50 Meters
Weather: Cold then hot then cold
Quote of the day: "The true measure of one's worth lies not where you come to be at journey's end, but in the lives you touch along the way"- anonymous. (Thanks Shepp)
Greetings from Camp Two. I've decided that no woman should have to climb Everest under the influence of monthly hormones. Mine have lifted since yesterday and the Everest world seems like a different place.
Mingma and I took a jaunt out towards the Lhotse Face-it's way big and way steep-I'm actually lost for words to describe its amazingly steep iciness. I used to worry about the icefall - now the Lhotse Face has joined the list.
Had lost and have now found my frontal altitude headache. I should go find some vitamin I (ibuprofen), but I'm hiding from the sun in the dining tent. One of my teammates measured the temperature range in his tent from 12 degrees Fahrenheit to 130 degrees...I am CorningWare, I am Corning Ware.
Today has been a much easier day. I've enjoyed the views that Camp Two provides and it's been good to have a wider range of folks to interact with. I’m still bouncing like a yo-yo on steroids, but have more slack for the ride.
I've been thinking about a book by Pema Chodren, one of my favourite Buddhist authors. She advocates for taking away our habitual and other escapes. She knows that it can be human nature to run away at the first sign of discomfort. She instead recommends "running towards the biting dog."
When I climbed Denali in 2005 there were no escapes that didn't put the expedition at risk for the entire team. We actually did a ritual where we each tied a knot in a piece of rope to signify our commitment to the team and expedition. All 14 of us summitted after 26 gruelling days of climbing. I never once had to wrestle with ideas of escape.
Everest has been a very different experience in this regard. Escape is easy and enacted in the drop of a moment. I knew having such easy escape would send my mind into the wrestling ring. I knew I would prefer the Denali arrangement where I did not have this kind of wrestling to do.
But Everest is a different mountain-I have never wanted this climb to "be at all costs." I committed to my family, to my friends, and to my community, to continuously evaluate the hazards and risks on both big and small scales with the intention always, of safe return. So...wrestling I have done, and wrestling I will continue to do. My ring name is "Totally Awesome." :-)
I'm heading down to basecamp tomorrow for some thick air and many trips to the bakery. I have some weight to gain. If any of you have any strategies for "morning sickness", I'm all ears.
My nausea seems worse around breakfast, but can also be triggered by a dry throat or coughing. Yes-I have a bit of a cough again. Mingma blames it on the Camp One water. I think it's just khumbu cough this time. Please keep me in your thoughts tomorrow as I cross the danger of the icefall once again.
I want to say specials hellos to everyone at Memorial University-especially my colleagues in HKR and the folks in Tech Services who have climbed the equivalent of at least the world's six highest mountains in stairs.
Also a special hello to the students and staff of Holy Cross Elementary who brought in loose change as a fundraiser for Everest-007.
Another big hello to Holy Trinity Elementary. I hear the grade fours are learning about dung. It burns quite hot and gives off a sweet acrid smoke.
Thanks again to everyone for your support over the past few days; it means so much to me.
Fiona-can you email me with how you found the Lhotse face?
With appreciation and gratitude,
TA
This Everest-007 Update is made possible through the generous support of AppleCore Interactive, www.applecore.ca
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Messages
totally awesome
book — Tue, 04/24/2007 - 10:45hi . compazine or stemitil should help the nausea. how much fluid are you drinking daily ? what amazing temperature fluctuations! the old girl [everest] is really testing you isnt she! 'slowly does it' coming down tomorrow.as usual--- cheers [ ken. n.z.]
Safe journey through the Icefall
Mary Clare Reinhardt — Tue, 04/24/2007 - 11:14Hi TA
You sound like your head is secured squarely on your shoulders. From where I am sitting your Everest journey has been everything that a true Everest journey should be! I am sending you positive thoughts as you are traveling back through the infamous Icefall. I hope you will start to feel better and not have so much nausea. Btw, yesterday I took a long hike and when I followed up with my work out and StairMaster I almost gave up several times before my pre-determined time on the SM. I kept thinking of you and others on Everest and I was able to finish! Thanks!
MC
Hi Totally Awesome!
srobert — Tue, 04/24/2007 - 11:48TA - you're making great progress. The pictures from the weekend are great and it's really good to see that you are sounding much better and going great guns!! The return to thick air in base camp reminded me of the ad we hear here sometimes to describe a certain product - "thick and tough" and that seems to be a good way to describe air and you when you get down to base camp.
We all enjoying your daily reports (the descriptions are great) and pictures. Yes, we are still climbing our stairs with you - now about 46% up Dhaulagiri. A BIG HELLO from all the staff here in Tech Services - the stairs seem rather tame compared to your challenges.
We're all cheering you on !!
Bob Sheppard and all the Staff in Tech Services
Hi TA I finally made it back
Visitor — Tue, 04/24/2007 - 11:49Hi TA
I finally made it back to gym today after a long absence and felt lazy-kept thinking about you and it made me work harder. You are in my thoughts and I am loving your updates. I'm also enjoying all your wisdom, it so applicable to us all. Enjoy the bakery!
xxLiselle
Morning sickness
Visitor — Tue, 04/24/2007 - 12:09Hi, TA,
I'm checking on you every day. Glad to hear you are feeling somewhat better. Tomato juice seemed to help me with morning sickness!!
Regards,
Vera
Amazing Journey!
M — Tue, 04/24/2007 - 12:21Hi TA.... I just registered to drop a note to tell you how inspiring you are!
Your description of not only the physical journey up the mountain,but your emotional, spiritual and hormonal :-) journey as well!
Your honesty is beautiful!
Please take care and have a safe journey.
Lots of positive energy going your way!
M
Update catch-up
Shelagh — Tue, 04/24/2007 - 12:32I pulled into my driveway last night after my marathon drive from Halifax and couldn't get to my computer fast enough to see how you were doing. When I left 10 days ago you were headed back down the valley for some rest and recovery, so when I heard your dispatch from Camp 2 I'm sure you could hear me cheer!! You rock!! I spent most of the evening reading all the updates that I had missed and I have to say you are truly an inspiration. Be proud of what you have done to get to where you are....on Everest!! Climb safely back to EBC. I hope you conquer the nausea....nothing takes the joy away like not feeling well (and that includes monthly hormones!).
Sounded great on CBC morning show
Visitor — Tue, 04/24/2007 - 13:30Hi TA,
I heard you loud and clear on CBC morning show yesterday! It takes ones breath away to hear you ... as if you were just around the corner. We are all pulling for you. Most important, be careful and be good to yourself. -- DF
You Go Girl !!!
Visitor — Tue, 04/24/2007 - 15:35You are really going through with this eh!!! You go girl.
Kinda makes an Ironman seem like a stroll through bowring park. Keep sending updates, stay positive, and wave to us from the top.
Best of luck.
Jim Gosse
OERC Wave Tank
Faculty of Engineering
Memorial University.
This is why I love TA!
wilberfan — Tue, 04/24/2007 - 15:35I've followed Everest expeditions for a few years now (thank you, Internet!), but this is the FIRST time I've been allowed inside the head (and ovaries?!) of a climber!
Last night at dinner, my Mom asked how "my internet friend" on Everest was doing, and I explained how marvelous it is to be so privy to the thoughts and feelings of someone climbing that mountain...
Without overgeneralizing, I don't think most men are comfortable (or able?) sharing that level of inner joys and sorrows, of doubts and confidence!
And now, in what HAS to be a first--the "hormonal" angle on climbing the World's Tallest Mountain! :-D
It's just wonderful.
Thank you so much for bringing us along!
Lots of positive energy coming your way
Kathy — Tue, 04/24/2007 - 16:43Hey TA, I'm thinking about you on this gorgeous sunny, spring day...the first we've had. It finally feels like spring, smells like spring & sounds like spring. One of those days that makes it hard to remember the many, many crappy, wet,cold ones that preceded it and you can't imagine being anywhere else. I wish you many of those days, hours & moments during your Everest journey. You are truly an amazing woman, hormones and all! Good luck in the next round... you've got a lot of prople in your corner.
Sours
radthomas — Tue, 04/24/2007 - 16:45Not sure if you have access to anything similar there, but anything sour helped my morning sickness (and tomato juice as mentioned earlier!).
-R
Truly inspiring.
Visitor — Tue, 04/24/2007 - 17:12You’re open and honest description of your quest to reach the Summit is absolutely breath taking. As I look out through my office window, I can see the Narrows and Cabot Tower. While it may be the highest point in my skyline, pales in comparison to your challenge. You are a strong, determined woman and I am confident you will achieve your goal. Keep Climbing TA!!!!
Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are.
~Arthur Golden, Memoirs of a Geisha
If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere. ~Frank A. Clark
Greetings, prayers and loads of hugs !!!!
Visitor — Tue, 04/24/2007 - 17:42TA - I have just had a little cry with you............BUT I know you can do it - I've seen you in action - you will do it - hang in there - I have such strong faith in your ability - you DO have enormous strength - I am praying for you - fondest greetings!!
Aunty!!!
Rayne — Tue, 04/24/2007 - 18:54Hi Aunty!! We heard your message on the computer and we were soooo excited to hear you say hi to us!!! We played the message over and over and over. Xander would laugh and we would yell "Hi Auntie!"as loud as we could so you would hear us! We looked at pictures today to see where you were on the mountain, you are very high, can you see your heart I painted at the top? If you reach really high you'll almost be there!!!
Mommy asked me if I could send you anything what would it be. I told her I wanted to type a heart because I love you alot. I also want to send a hot chocolate to help help your cough, my Arthur vitamin to make you strong and Xander's elmo slippers to keep your toes warm at night. I also am going to give you the rest of Xander's and my Easter chocolate because I know that would make you smile!
We love you Aunty!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for talking to us, we miss you and love to hear your voice, especially when we hear you talk to us!
Love Rayne and Xander
inspiring
Visitor — Tue, 04/24/2007 - 21:33Hi T.A,
I have been following off an on all depending on the schedule for the week and how much correcting was to be done. But I wanted you to know that my time with you as an undergrad during the outdoor course of my physical education and hearing your description of your climb as infected me in way which I can only describe as how a baby takes its first breath on its own. I even talk about you to the grade 8 class I interned in this past three months.
The other day I read from the teenage chicken soup for the soul, it was all about dreaming big and over coming the obscales laid before you to reach those dreams. I instantly thought of you, your words of wisom(sweat can kill), and acheiving your dreams. We talked for about 20 minutes on your climbing and hiking adventures. The canyon, the mountains, and how one must overcome obstacles both literallyy and figuratively. They thought you were cool, and crazy at the same time, typical grade 8's. But, I saw something sink into them, and I believe with the help of your stories they truely believe about dreaming big, and never letting anyone tell you, you can not reach that dream. Remember Babe Ruth is known as one of the greatest athletes of all times, he not only holds the record for home runs but also strike outs. :) Have a safe trip.
Alicia Hamlyn
A Bad Case Of Nerves
maria — Wed, 04/25/2007 - 00:24Hey TA,
For my speech for school my topic is Living Your Dreams with you as my inspiration. I found over the last few weeks that I have a bad case of the nerves. Public speaking is not my thing. As I keep up to date with you'r journey you inspire me to keep practising to make the finals. It has been hard, my nervous stomach has sent me home from school and I have shead a few tears thinking how I will have to get up and speak again. However each night as I read your E-mails with my parents I realize how you are nervous and scared as well but keep going. I just finished practising my speech as tommorw they will choose the top 6. So, tommorw as you cross the Khumba ice fall I may be reading my speech all about you and I just want to leave you with a message from the last line of my speech. "I know TA is Totally Awesome and I have a message for her while she is on her journey, which is the same message she gives her students life is all about choices, make good ones"
From your friend,
Maria Power
Grade:5
Hazelwood Elem.
One tough lady
Visitor — Wed, 04/25/2007 - 03:58A great big "shout out" to my newest hero, TA - from another TA many, many miles away...
It is 1:30am - and I've just spent a magical two hours with you on your journey, through the internet. Boy oh boy is technology a wonderful thing! I can't tear myself away from the comp to get some ZZZzzz's - your writings are more than captivating - they are down right life changing for all of us...
Thank you for being such an inspiration, TA.
A quick story for you...
I grew up in the time of Terry Fox. Every day in school we reflected on his Marathon of Hope. We visited in our minds every small town right along with him. I remember my Grade Four teacher would always quash any class time "complaining" by suggesting - THINK TERRY FOX. Mr. Milliken's message was that there could be nothing in our day worthy of complaining about, if we would just take a moment to think of what Terry Fox endured over the course of his run. It was a powerful and life long inspiration for me.
You have just become my "new" Terry Fox.
Forge onwards TA - and continue to feel the power of the many people back in Canada who admire you and support each one of your left, right, left, right steps. Stay strong, our tough lady... now that I know this site exists, I'll check back with you daily.
Try Ginger
Pumori — Wed, 04/25/2007 - 05:34If you can roust up some candied ginger, it's wonderful for nausea.
Did the doctors warn you that one of the primary side effects of steroids is drastic mood swings? It may not all be hormonal. Hang in there and keep thinking of Pema Chodron's wise words when the going gets tough. Take it from someone who faces vicious dogs every day on the job--biting dogs will run away if you rush towards them.
Shanda
You're brave !
carolynw — Wed, 04/25/2007 - 16:01WOW ! To have so much determination to take on such a difficult task, is so brave!
I wanna grow up to be just like you and climt the mountain .. although I don't even know where it is .
Peace out home skillet.
ox ; carolyn : )
nausea
carolynw — Wed, 04/25/2007 - 16:01oh yeah .. pepto bismol helps the naseau
you're brave
lauraw1 — Wed, 04/25/2007 - 16:04hey ,
wow , you are one of the bravest person I have ever saw. I would be so scared of heights ! I really admire your hobby , and hopefully someday, i will be as brave as you to climb Mount Everest. !\
well , i g2g , bye<3
Brave
Brandiee — Wed, 04/25/2007 - 16:15your realllyyyy brave.
Naseau
Brandiee — Wed, 04/25/2007 - 16:11Hahaa.. wow, so brave.. : )
I dont know where mount everest is but i probly not want to climb it though..
How long did it i take.. ?! <33
g2g Byeee ;ox
cool
Alexj — Wed, 04/25/2007 - 16:11HI your cool this is philip i like mount everest it is cool i like mount everest dont worry it wil be a good trip cause i like mount everset i am reading other peoples from my classes comments like brandie carolyn and lara i like mount everest it must of cost about 1 kazillion dollars to gbuild mount everst
bye
emioly hoily...
Visitor — Wed, 04/25/2007 - 16:11yea my friend won't let me finish... i was sayin
p.s. i hope crampone isn't misspelled:P lol
u
Visitor — Wed, 04/25/2007 - 16:18hey wats up i think your really kool , doing that thingy and all like climbing up that big mountain did u no it's the biggest mountainin the world o ya my name is alyssa and i think your name has to be the koolest name ever you are the bravest person i hoe your having a great time doing it
see ya bye ( alyssa )
good luck there !
carolynw — Wed, 04/25/2007 - 16:18Hey there " Totally Awesome " !
You're nickname completely describes you, and what you're doing !
It should be TAB ! Cause this is totally awesome , and brave !
I hope you have a lot of fun when you climb , and stay safe , and hopefully as warm as possible !
Good luck hunny ! Hope you accomplish your goal !
Peace out ; xo , Carolyn W
Looking Good
Visitor — Thu, 04/26/2007 - 00:03Hi it sounds like you are ready to move upwards.
Don't forget your camera.
Good Luck,
Jim from MUN.camera club
Nausea
craigb — Thu, 04/26/2007 - 11:17Hi TA,
I definitely agree with Shanda about a trial of a ginger preparation for the nausea, if you can get some at 6500 metres! Although it may not be relevant in your case, sometimes steroids can cause nausea due to gastritis; the doctors at BC would probably have something for this. Good luck for the remainder of your ascent.
Best wishes,
Craig Bryant, Melbourne, Australia.
is it cold??
Visitor — Thu, 04/26/2007 - 17:00how cold is it on mt.everest??do you go up with oxygen??cause some people in the guiness book of world records don't.how long are you planning on staying on top??what do you plan on doing when you get up there??one person stayed up there for 21 hours without oxygen.cool huh??
bye
hey
Visitor — Thu, 04/26/2007 - 17:01hey i think you are so brave to be climing mountian everest . i wondering if it's cold up on the mountians. You might want to bring some blanket's or lot's of cloths.
from a grade 5 student
Nicole
how's she cuttin'?
Visitor — Thu, 04/26/2007 - 17:01what's it like to be up there?i bet it's pretty cold eh?i wouldn't be able to last up there!!! since i have heard practicly nothing about this,can you tell me a couple of things?
1.how do you last up there for all that time that it takes to get to the top???
actually,that's all i wanted to know.so thanks,and i hope you have a great time up there,and be careful most importantly!
thanks alot,
- kiera(st.matthew's school,st.john's,NL)
Hello and Good Luck.
Visitor — Thu, 04/26/2007 - 21:44Hi TA! We just thought that we should write a little note to say hello. We think you are really brave and I hope you reach your goal, to reach the top of Mount Everest.Wear warm clothes and make sure you don't get frostbite! We can't wait for you to get to the summit, and for you to so something that not many people get to do.
Best wishes,
Lucas, Liam and Joshua from Newfounland
P.S BE CAREFUL!!