Today we climbed 1,500 ft to the Mt. Everest View Hotel as part of our Aclimatization process. Our 4 hour hike is considered our rest day, but it is very important as everyone is feeling the altitude including the folks that are summiting. We climbed up to the hotel which is at 12,700 ft and then back down to Namche bazaar where we will stay the night again. It was a fun trek with some great views. In places it was very important to watch your step as it was probably a 2,000 ft fall if you tripped. We had some yaks pass too as they always do so we really hugged the mountain as you don’t want to get knocked down the mountain.

We got our daily brief in the morning from our lead guide Eric Murphy. Today was all about altitude sickness. Understanding the signs, how to prevent it, and how to treat it. It is the most important thing we need to monitor and control. You feel a bit helpless with it, but if we go slow, breathe properly, drink lots and lots of water, we should be fine. As I write this blog I actually have a altitude headache that I hope will go away.

Unfortunately, it was a cloudy day so we did not get the view of mt. Everest. But, you take what the mountain gods give you. The weather has been nice though. Today was probably in the mid 40s, but at night the temperature drops quickly. We have no heat in our rooms so you pretty much only go there to sleep and get in your sleeping bag. It will get much colder as we continue to increase our elevation above 13-14,000 ft.

The days prior have been sunny and warn. Probably in the 50s. When the sun is out it is hot and especially since we were at lower altitude. Some people hiked in shorts, but you have to be careful as the Sunnis much stronger due to the altitude and the weather change change quickly. You are constantly putting layers on and off to keep you body temperature right and to keep from sweating.

Namche will be the last major village we pass or stay. From here it will get pretty rustic, but that is fine. It is hard to believe but we still have a week to go before we get to base camp.

Today we hiked from Phakding to Namche Bazaar. It was a 7 hour amazing hike that lead us along the river for about 4 hours then up for about 3. We started the day at about 8,500 ft and ended at about 11,400 ft. As we got above 10,000 ft you could begin the feel the altitude, but it wasn’t too bad until the last 500 ft then you really felt it. Tomorrow we stay in Namche again (2 nights), but we do a acclimatization climb to about 13,000 ft. Then come back down to sleep. We need our bodies to adjust as we will begin to really start to get into some altitude in the coming days. It’s hard to believe, but we still have 8-9 days before we get to base camp. Wow.

The hike today ways amazing. One beautiful view after another. I was trying to figure out what pictures to show, but there are just too many to tell the full story. We stayed along the river for quite a while with beautiful little tea houses and homes along the way. We also got our first glimpse of Everest although you could see much due to the clouds. Was exciting to see some of where we are going – and it looks very high. I thought I was being so touristy taking photo after photo, but one of the ladies who is summiting for her second time was taking as many as me. To all who come this place is magical.

I am getting to travel and stay with the folks who are summiting because I am with my friend john. This is not normal. Usually, the Trekkers are separate and do not get to stay at base camp. They usually go up and touch the rock and come right back down. I get 2 nights at base camp which should be fun and cold! It is very humbling as the 10-12 folks who are summiting all have incredible stories. It is about half women and half men. Each has climbed most of the summits of the world. I am really enjoying talking to them about there travels about getting to know them.

Our guides are also very special. Vern tajas is our lead. He used to hold the world record for the shortest period of time in summiting the 7 highest summits of the seven continents. He has also para sailed off each of the summits. Crazy. Another guide is a Sherpa named Lakpa. He has summited Everest 18 times. This will be his 19th. His brother holds the record for Everest summits with 21. It is very cool to be among climbing royalty.

The path thus far has been busy with people, yaks, and Sherpas carrying incredible loads of materials and bags on their heads or backs. A couple of guys were carrying 6 ft by 4 ft plywood boards. They carried them on their backs bent over. This isn’t easy climbing. I can’t even imagine doing what they were doing for 100 yards, much less miles like they do. Makes you very grateful for the opportunities we get in the states. Kids, make sure to stay in school and study hard!

The morning started at 3:30 am with packing and meeting at 4:30 am to head to the airport. Everyone was excited and nervous as we were ready to get the trek started, but there is only one way there. Through Lukla. The most dangerous airport in the world. The Kathmandu airport was crazy busy with all he Trekkers heading up. North face duffel bags everywhere. We were not sure if we would get out as only 1 plane made it to lukla the day before due to high winds. Great. Just what I wanted to hear.

We boarded just after sun up and off we headed. Was nice to get out of the smog of Kathmandu and into the thinner air of the mountains. As you fly into Lukla you pass right over mountain ridge so close it looks like you can touch them. You get the updraft of the wind off the mountain so our 12 seater plane got bumped around a bit. It was awesome to see the snow capped Himalayas just out the windows. Then the turned to the right for our approach into lukla. I was video tapping and my hand was shaking. You can try to be cool, but landing was on everyone’s mind. To be honest, it was a great landing besides the fact they put the plane down quick and stop in a dime. The runway is very short so the have to stop quickly before you hit the mountain. Everyone on the plane cheered. We had arrived.

We spent a couple hours in Lukla having breakfast getting our gear and getting ready. Enough all ready, let’s get going. Then we were off. We only hiked about 4 hours on the first day. The weather was sunny and warm as we winded our way along the river. The country side is very beautiful with little houses dotting the countryside. Really pretty and colorful. The people seem very happy and are friendly.

After our hike we arrived at our first tea house where we would stay the night – in Phakding. I was surprised how clean the place was and how good the food has been. I know that will change but it was a great start. Our guides actually go in the kitchen to oversee the preparation of the food and it is easy to get dysentery if the food is not prepared well. I am very grateful for that. I know it will come, but I hope to delay it as long as possible. Was a great first day!

I have been in Kathmandu for 2 days now. Seems like I have been here a week. So much to do to prepare for the trek and so much to see. This is a fascinating city and culture. Although it a a very big 3 million people), dirty and poor city it is very colorful in many ways. First, the people are very nice and peaceful people. Much of that predicated on the blending on Hindu and Buddhist cultures. It is 80% Hindu and 15% Buddhist.

There is so much I have seen in 2 days that is would be difficult to share via a blog. Parts were moving like the crematorium by the river where they bring there family members when they pass away. Parts where beautiful and colorful like the stupa temples we visited. Lots of monkeys and prayer flags everywhere. The part are packed with people and shops. Shops, and shops and shops. For a people who’s average income is $750 a year there are incredible amounts of shops.

Tomorrow we leave for the Himalayas. Everyone is ready to go, but I don’t think anyone is looking forward to the flight to Lukla. We meet at 4:30 am for final gear pack and off to the airport. Should be an amazing day and sights at we fly into 9,000 ft and through the Kimbu Valley.

Only 36 short hours after my departure from Raleigh I made it to Kathmandu. It actually wasn’t bad as I got some decent sleep from time to time. Having the VIP lounge access in Doha, Qatar was the key since that was a 10 hour layover.

It was very humbling flying in as I saw the snow covered Himalaya mountains for the first time. We were at about 30,000 ft. and there they were at about eye level. Was awesome and scary at the same time thinking that we would soon be climbing in those mountains.

Here is a pic of John and I at customs. Most those bags are his…mine is just the yellow one. And I thought I over packed! John is summiting Everest. This will be his 6 summit of the 7 highest mountains on the 7 continents of the world. Just Russia left to do. Once he has completed that, he will be one of only about 350 people to ever accomplish that feat. Now that is amazing. He is an amazing person and great friend. Glad to be here with him.

Kathmandu is a very large and poor city. It was crazy at the airport and the ride to the hotel was crazy too. No street lights and more cars, motorcycles and bikes than you can image. And as expected, saw my first cow sitting in the middle of the road. They are sacred here. The town itself is very dirty and polluted. We Are having to wear bandanas over our faces to keep the pollution out. Our guide suggested it so we don’t get respiratory problems. Not good for the climb.

Was a good first day trying to get our legs back. Everyone has arrived and on Tuesday we begin our real journey. 8 am team breakfast, 3 pm gear check and weight limits (33 pound total limit – have no idea how I am going to get to that), and team dinner at 5:30 pm.

Made it to Doha, Qatar. John’s daughter Julia and I were stuck in coach while John flew first class. The 13 hours went quick.

Looks like a modern city stuck between a desert and the sea. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to go into the city on this trip. At least we have access to the VIP lounge with food and showers. No alcohol though due to the Muslim religion. I could use a beer too.

Well, after 1 year of thinking and planning for this trip, it has finally begun. I am in DC now waiting for my flight to Qatar. It was hard saying goodbye to Michelle, Aris, and Athan, but I know they will be fine. The boys were really wanting to come with me…but not Michelle:-). Next time. Off to meet my friend John Carney and crew and begin the real leg of the trip. It begins with a 15 hour flight to Doha, Qatar. And then a 10 hour layover. Ouch.

It’s Athan’s birthday. Wow, 9 years old. I love you Athan!

Well, time is running short, but I am ready to go. Aris and Athan helped me do my final gear check. They were a great help. It doesn’t look like a lot to me but I am way over my weight limit. I am going to take it all and sort it out in Kathmandu.

Michelle, Aris, Athan and I had a great time relaxing and watching NCAA basketball Friday night. Unfortunately, Iowa State went down. My time with my family feels really short now. Saturday will be a hard saying goodbye. Boy I love my family and will miss them.

After months and months of endless training the time to go is near. Thank goodness. After restless nights in my altitude tent and little sleep, I awake to go to the gym every morning.

There it is. The stair master. My friend and foe. I usually start my day by climbing 400 flights of stairs which is about 7,000 steps. That will get your heart going. It’s equivalent to climbing the Empire State Building 4 times. No wonder my knees hurt.

I also went to Mt. Mitchell a couple of weeks ago and climbed in the snow for 6 hours. There was 3-10 inches of fresh snow which made it pretty, but a bit difficult and dangerous as I was slipping and sliding everywhere. Thank goodness I didn’t get hurt as that would have been bad.

I am very thankful the training is about over and the real stuff is about to begin. I am 5 days out now and getting pretty organized. I think I am ready.