Ten Fingers, 6 Strings: Cat's Out of the Bag

January 30, 2007

Cat's Out of the Bag

Heh! Ok, I'm not going to climb to the summit of Everest. That is $30,000 and extra appendages that I don't have to spend.

However, a friend of mine and I are working through all the mind-numbing paperwork and details and headed to Tibet. Once in Lhasa, we'll be heading to Base Camp, and very likely from there, Advanced Base Camp.

Now, we'll be on the less crowded side of the mountain (North Col/North Ridge Route). This is the route the George Leigh Mallory attempted in 1921 - 1924.

I love climbing, love-love-love the mountains and will never have enough respect for Everest, but sitting behind a desk all week and paying porters to carry my crap up while I suck bottles of oxygen that I'll leave as litter on the mountain isn't exactly what I'd call good climbing form--at least for me anyway. I'm going to be content sitting at the bottom of this beast looking with my own eyes at the actual, literal top of the world.

I've been so excited, I can hardly sleep at night! I'll pretty much be gone the entire month of May.

More later...

Posted by 10 fingers 6 strings at January 30, 2007 08:50 AM

Comments

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mate, that will be one amazing trip - you must be f'ing stoked right now.

Looking forward to reading more as the plans shape up....

cheers

Edmund Hillary's Frost-Bitten Toe

Posted by: BartLAY at February 1, 2007 09:32 AM

Hi
Sounds like a really great thing for you to do - I am sure you will thoroughly enjoy it.

Looking forward to seeing your folks next week when we go to Tucson for a little visit.

Posted by: Uncle Gary at February 1, 2007 07:39 PM

When I was your age we didn't have time for month long excursions to far away places like Tibet. We had to work double shifts and still struggle to pay the bills, and only occasionaly did we spend 10 cents to see a talkie. That was our entertainment. Kids these days. They turn 30 and suddenly they ooze with self confidence and ill conceived delusions of grandeur. Maybe you could put that money to better use and find yourself a good wife. Use the money you would spend on the trip to give her a signing bonus.

Posted by: Uncle Rick at February 2, 2007 05:37 AM

I think that once you get there, you'll feel silly for not just skipping right up to the summit.

Just find some folks who're going up and tag along. I'm sure they won't mind!

Or, maybe use the weather-balloon-and-lawn-chair trick. That's how I did it.

Posted by: Ian Wood at February 2, 2007 09:00 PM

From one adventure seeker to another, I think this is a brilliant idea. Going to the "roof of the world", getting enlightened (or is that just because of the lack of oxygen?) and trekking to Everest. Bring back some yak butter!

Posted by: Penelope Pitstop at February 3, 2007 03:38 PM

Wow! I am thoroughly and completely impressed. A decade ago I did some climbing, though nothing that difficult or high. I had a great time and wish I could've kept up with it. Anyway, I look forward to reading about the adventure. Hopefully you have already started your journal.

Good luck and return safe!

Posted by: JACK ARMY at February 6, 2007 01:22 PM