Well hello. I did it then!

< Newer | Older > Mon, 05/26/2008 - 13:12 — Mike Brennan

Muppet me in a mask yesterday on the top, freezing being my excuse in the severe wind that caught us out...but it IS me, honestly!I'm sorry about the way it all unfolded, relatively quickly, and without the detail you were used to, but that's how it is sometimes up here. I also apologise for any spelling errors overwhelming Harry, but my vision is a bit off from wearing my contact lenses for three nights and days, all dried out!

I write this from camp two after an epic descent from the South Col of some 7 hours in mostly hot conditions. The real tale is of yesterday's ascent in decent style, culminating in a summit at 9:22 a.m. in suddenly very cold breezy wind which stopped my camera working well, my brain soon after, and then my left ear got hit quite badly too!
Suffice to say, the few summit shots show a numpty with his mask still on, freezing and holding one ear. Oh well.

Must go now, seeking my head torch.
I owe everything to my sherpa, who got me down through foul weather when my gas ran out. I can't fully enjoy it yet, but there's a glimmer alright!

I'm so sorry Ray and Greg didn't get a summit night.  The build up two days really took it out of them, I think. No doubt lots to say on that later.

But whatever, in not ideal circumstances, at least I have done it!
Somehow.
More in next days!

Messages

Heartiest Congratulations Doc.

Ben Crook — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 13:28

We are so impressed with your feat of endurance,grit and bloody-mindedness against all odds. Sounded even more difficult this time round, yet you cracked it -and took time out to share it with us mere mortals. Now all you have to do is write the book, otherwise we'll have nothing to keep us excited after several weeks of logging on to keep up with your exploits. How dull your back-aching office will seem, unless of course you will be planning your next BIG adventure? (Just got time before the milestone birthday). Perhaps you'll need to make longer appointments at the surgery - everyone will be wanting first-hand accounts. We are so.ooo chuffed for you. Ben & Brenda Crook

Long way from Glencoe?

Mike Brennan — Tue, 06/03/2008 - 06:41

Thank you both. It's been a long road since you followed our footsteps in Ballachulish, hasn't it???
Strangely, the office seems quite attractive RIGHT NOW after all that suffering...

CONGRATULATIONS!

an old patient — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 14:06

Many, many congratulations on realising your dream - we are all so happy for you. Safe journey home to all on the mountain.
Best wishes Betty and family

Well Done

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 14:13

So pleased for you, look forward to your home coming Jackie

Greg

fred roberts — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 14:24

Hiya Greg to hear you are safe at base camp was the best news ever for me, So proud of what you have achieved, Looking forward to hearing your tales about Everest, We will have a drink when you get back to celebrate you birthday and your homecoming, take care love Mum.

Third Time Lucky!!

benster63 — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 14:45

Well done Mike! I'm VERY delighted you made it. Welcome to the frostbite club - a very dubious honour but one that will remind you every day of what you have achieved. Just get yourself safely through the icefall for the last time and then it's home time. Please send my best to Ray, I'm just glad he's down safely, but obviously hugely disappointed for him. Several drinks waiting here for both of you when you get back. Enjoy the free food at Rum Doodles and see you very soon, Ben

Thanks

Mike Brennan — Tue, 06/03/2008 - 06:42

Thanks Ben, looking forward to cashing in that drink...never managed Rum Doodles this time. The ear's going to be ok I think, minor matter.

Hi Ray

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 15:02

First of all well done to Mike!

Hey Ray,

Mum reckons you turned back for her seafood platter, you know its first on the menu when you get back, and you just couldnt wait any longer! Anyways its abit of a bummer you didnt summit.

Mum: enjoy the views while your there because south shields isnt quite the same :P. Sorry it didnt turn out the way you wanted it to, but hey.... theres always cleadon hills!

Pip and toby had fun in your garden yesterday. No wine tho, shame.

Have a safe journey home :)

Jazz and Mel xxx

YOU HAVE CRACKED IT

brian rendell — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 15:30

Im so pleased for you Doc
following your adventure , its so good to see you full filling your dream
Brian

Reaching the Top.

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 15:32

Hi Dr. Brennan
CONGRATULATIONS!!! I told you it would be third time lucky. Look forward to hearing all about it. I don't suppose it has sunk in yet. Barry Holmes has also been keeping up to date with your journey. I know he will be as delighted to hear of your success.
Well done again, have a safe journey home.
From an "Elderly Patient". Sally B.

I should have had more faith

Mike Brennan — Tue, 06/03/2008 - 06:44

You were always more sure about this than ME...I should have listened to you more, ands saved myself all the angst!?

Congratulations to you at the top of the world!

Pamela — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 15:44

So pleased for you that you have accomplished your dream! Heartiest congratulations on your success.
Pamela in Canada.

Cold Ears, Hot lips!

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 15:44

Toptastic news!
Many heart felt congratulations, you olde trout!
Love Jackie x

Well Done again!

Tom Clowes — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 15:53

Just the Ice Fall now Mike! Should be easy after all you've been through! Then you can rest and eat until you are sick in Rum Doodle's! Easy on the cocktails! Big hello also to Ray and look forward to hearing both stories. Can't wait to catch up when you are back! Welcome to the club!! Tom and Di xxx

The club

Mike Brennan — Tue, 06/03/2008 - 06:46

Magic words Tom, thank you. I tried to have cocktails, but the lads called me a girl so often that it reverted to Everest beer too quickly.
Hope to see you this w/e then?

Heroes

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 16:38

Dear Mike,
Congratulations sir.
You guys are heroes. Greg and Ray - Respect to you for the bravery of not risking the worst. You are alive and made the right choice. Top mountain men, one and all. Can't wait to shake your hands.
Chris McC

Absolutely right

Mike Brennan — Tue, 06/03/2008 - 06:49

Thanks Chris...when I've turned back on all these big hills before,I was repeatedly told it was always the right decision...so it must be true! Getting down doesn't feel like a given up there, so it was great to be back together in Kathmandu, even making more mountain plans....couldn't have better mountain mates than G & R.
Look forward to that curry night out

Congratulations

skress — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 17:07

Hello Mike, It is Susan, Scott Kress' wife here. I wanted to send you heartfelt congratulations. It does seem that 3 times was lucky for you. I spoke with Scott today in Namche and he was very happy to hear of your success and wanted me to pass on his congrats as well. Scott and Angus also summited. They reached the top on May 21st. Paul A. must be pleased that he has a 100% success rate with his bloggers this year! Enjoy the rest of the journey down and have a safe home!

Thanks Susan

Mike Brennan — Tue, 06/03/2008 - 06:50

It's great that we all managed it somehow. Enjoy your reunion....!

hi there mike

Debs — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 17:23

We are here, me Sue & Ange, are on our third bottle of wine, sitting on my patio listening to the Moody Blues celebrating your enormous...........acheivement!! We are sooooo proud of you
,but god the moody blues............. roll on our weekend away at the concert
?Blimey the mooooooooooooooooooooody blues are driving me mad! Debs needs a new battery in her pc cos this keyboard is crap......................
PS how old next birthday.........?
This is me now and i love you lots, and i will kiss your ear better on your return. Debs, Sue E & Ange................................................

Hmmm

Mike Brennan — Tue, 06/03/2008 - 06:52

Ladies, you're drunk, I'm disappointed. (I'm not there....)

St Albans School Sends Congratulations

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 17:54

It's been fascinating and inspiring following your progress. Congratulations on what must have been a tremendously satisfying, if exhausting and draining, achievement.
Best wishes from all at Abbey Gateway.

Stoke got to the Premiership and so did you!.

unclec — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 18:15

Well done Mike I was quietly confident that you would do it.
Best wishes from Colin & Susan and the whole Ellis clan

well done

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 18:58

Congratulations Mike and well done you, what an achievement that must be. take care and have a safe journey home. lynne (cfls)

Gutted for you mate

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 19:10

don't quite know what to say. Gutted is the only word that comes to mind.

I'll finish this with a word i use quite often as you know, but don't think it's ever been more genuine.............

RESPECT (MAXIMUM)

Gaztro

Greg

fred roberts — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 19:19

Hiya Greg great pity you and Ray never reached the summit, but a great feat what you achieved well done, look forward to your return so we can have a few sherbets, once again well done to you and Ray, and well done and a great result to Mike and Nadir. see you soon, Dad.

roof of the world

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 19:25

congratulations on your fine achievement, from now on you,ll be known to us as doctor mountain ,ear, !!

Oh! my Dr B

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 19:30

What a fantastic achievement, you should be bursting with pride.

eh! Hum!
You might think you look a numpty in an oxygen mask. But boy you'd look pretty silly in a pair of swimmies!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Eggleston family
have a very safe journey home.

Well Done from Canada!

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 20:07

Well done & congratulations. You must be so pleased..
We are in Canada for half term.
Hope you got my message.
Have a safe return home,
Love Alex x

Coming home

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 21:05

Thanks to Gregs mum and dad for nice congratulations words for Nadir...
Greg and Ray did amazing too. If they had a bad feeling then, they absolutely did the right thing to go back. Come home safely is the greatest achievement.

Mike, your blog is so great and i could follow Nadir's path thanks to you.
I spoke to him this afternoon : he was very tired but happy.
He's both French and Algerian. I did some research and, if not mistaken, he should be the 83 thd French to summit but surely the very first Algerian, which is history...
Stay all safe to come home soon !
Kinds regards to all of you.
Sandrine. :-)

(Nadir, j'ai envoyé un email pour annoncer la nouvelle : les réponses et les messages de félicitations commencent à arriver. Tout le monde tombe des nues et hallucine!!! T'es vraiment un ouf... ;)) Finis bien la route, ok !?! Baisers pressés (de te retrouver) @---------)

Well Done

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 21:21

Heartiest congratulations and glad you are safe.

Best wishes
from Captain Ken and Charleen

Sandrine

fred roberts — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 21:47

Sandrine just read your message I am over the moon about Nadir's summit because now I can tell you now I did not thnk he would. he Is a superstar, we might never meet again but you and Nadir will always be In our thoughts. Fred and Joan Roberts. Gregs Mum nd Dad.

Hi Fred and Joan !

Visitor — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 21:57

Nadir will enjoy your sweet message as i do, i am sure. We might never meet again but if you ever come to Paris, let me know (still through Mike's blog, who know ;-)) and i will be sincerely please to meet you as we've got some memories to share about this incredible experience...
Take care !
Best regards.
Sandrine.
:-)

LONG APPOINTMENTS

wellheads — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 21:57

Now you have done it i suppose we will have to make double appointments to give you time to brag to all of us
I WOULD HAVE COME WITH YOU BUT FOR MY BACK!!!!

DAVID HARRISON
SEDGWICK

Wow!

Kendalwolf — Mon, 05/26/2008 - 23:09

Well done - couldn't be more delighted to read your news......turned the computer on as soon as we got in to check. Through all your bad days you have still managed to keep all of us back here on the edge of our seats - and on your good days we celebrated with you. Now we can all relax. Mind you, will I ever be able to take medical advice from a 'Numpty' ..... hmmmm !! Only joking.
Our very best wishes for your safe return home.
Christine & Clive C

Congrats!

Visitor — Tue, 05/27/2008 - 01:08

Way to go, MIKE!!! Dallas, Texas congratulates you!! Well done.

MIKES EVEREST

Visitor — Tue, 05/27/2008 - 06:32

many congratulations again Mike. Hope that you can absorb your great achievement. Take care on the way down. Helme Cragg will seem a pimple to climb now. Well that is my Everest. Don't know how you did it but you can be very proud of yourself. Must go and do some work now. Love Anne and Brian xxxxx

Congratulations

Visitor — Tue, 05/27/2008 - 08:13

Well done, delighted to hear of your success Doc B. Have a safe journey home.

Barry Holmes

Congratulations Numpty Nut!

Ann T — Tue, 05/27/2008 - 10:13

wow, i'm so pleased for you mike!!! a fantastic result for all your hard work and perseverance you can be very very proud of yourself. look forward to your safe return and stories and i'll return the favour by telling you the story of how man u became premiership champions and champions europe!!! :-p my baby god daughter has certainly been busy sprinkling some of her magic fairy dust the past few weeks, glad that she sprinkled some on you too... cheers shayla! x

well done

Visitor — Tue, 05/27/2008 - 10:23

we've been watching from kirkby lonsdale , bloody well done mike
we'll think of you when we climb ingleborough !!
safe trip home
all at lunesdale surgery kirkby lonsdale

REALLY WELL DONE TO ALL OF YOU!

Visitor — Tue, 05/27/2008 - 11:22

I've been thinking about you all the Bank Holiday w/e - don't have a computer at home. Been in meetings since 7.30am and it's been purgatory as I was desparate to know what was going on - haven't really concentrated this morning if the truth be told. Just caught up and all I can say is that respect is due to you all. Hearty congratulations to Mike and Nadir, obviously Greg and Ray will be disappointed but most importantly you're safe . It just sounds like the most herculeian effort from all of you. I've just no idea how any of you can have that level of strength, fitness, determination etc. Well done!
Martin H

you guys are truley amazing

Visitor — Tue, 05/27/2008 - 13:10

How proud we all are of you, Greg, and all the team. It is truely an amazing dream you have all achieved. We so look forward to seeing you soon, looking at your pictures and hearing your stories. God Bless you all, you are so fantastic.
Jo and RRRT

Awesome

newhighcb — Tue, 05/27/2008 - 15:17

Well done Dr. B. I'm lost for words, crying tears of joy for you. Return safely and savour those summit moments for the rest of your life.
Colin B

Well done Mike

Visitor — Tue, 05/27/2008 - 15:44

It's been great following your trip and I look forward to hearing first hand when you get back to "The Lakes" or perhaps you will have had enough of hills for a while.
Good effort!
Ian

Congratulations

Jim Gardner — Wed, 05/28/2008 - 13:04

Well done Mike. Three ch ears to you. Fantastic achievement - you're quite stubborn really aren't you. Safe journey home. Jim.

GREG

KEVINNORMAN — Wed, 06/04/2008 - 20:02

HELLO GEREG AND TEAM AGAIN. SORRY ABOUT THE LACK OF CORRESPONDANCE , DONT KNOW WHERE TO START ,INTERNET FAILURE , HOUSE REFURBISHMENT ,BAD JOB etc . SORRY YOU DIDNT MAKE IT TO THE SUMMIT BUT STILL ACHIEVED WHAT MILLIONS ONLY DREAM OF . SAFE JOURNEY HOME MATE TO YOUR DOTING AND VERY PROUD FAMILY . HOPE TO SEE YOU WHEN YOU GET BACK . THERES ALLWAYS NEXT YEAR !.