I added a weekly trip to iRock for training this year. I’ve had a few of my grandchildren go with me, including Rowan (pictured). He’s Ashley’s son. He never missed once, or complained about going with me over the past four months. He’s a naturally gifted climber at four years old and inspired me to try to catch him around the gym. Thanks to him I feel myself getting stronger and faster each week. Hopefully, this will give me a little extra overall body strength on the fixed ropes above the Icefall.
The time has raced by as I now look at a mere 18 days till departure. I’ve watched the Everest movie twice, the day it came out last year and again recently. I felt sad and depressed, naturally. It’s not a feel good movie. I’ve read every book and seen most of the documentaries about the 1996 disaster and hopefully learned something. But, with that and my own experience last year, I go with no illusions. As one of my favorite IMG guides, Mike Hamill, says, “Climbing Everest is all about enduring the pain!” I’ve seriously considered my reasons for going. But, the answer is still yes. The positives still outweigh the negatives, and I still want to do it!
I’ve learned that roughly half of the group I was with last year will be returning this year and the other half in 2017. It appears as though Nepal will honor the permit I purchased last year and apply to this year. That cuts my cost about 25% as the government charges 11k to climb above base camp.
The foot injury I sustained in June has mostly healed, but occasionally acts up a bit. The MRI revealed the extent of an old basketball injury. I sprained it badly playing basketball in the early ’80s. I have a torn ATFL ligament that inserts on bone fragments. Sounds awful doesn’t it? But happily it just gives me a little osteoarthritis I can live with. My 8000 meter triple boot supports it wonderfully well. I’ve got a good supportive boot to trek in with, too. That, and a little Vitamin I (Ibuprofen), and I should be good.
Elm pollen, which is very high along the Wasatch Front right now, has been giving Judy and me fits. We’ve both had the Khumbu cough again. It’s the same thing I got from the altitude tent last year. Turns out it may have just been a seasonal allergy.
So, other than those two things I feel ready to go. My conditioning is at least as good as last year, if not better in some areas, as I added lots of cross training. For instance, in addition to the rock climbing, I biked hard 2-3 times a week for the past 10 months. I also trained with free weights instead of machine weights twice a week. In my backpack I carried a little less weight due to my foot, but still averaged about 45 pounds.
The next update will probably be from Korea, once again my route to Nepal.
Bart
Mt. Everest 
Bart, Kenny’s cousin was the first female guide to completely Everest. Her name is Allison (something) she wrote a book. It’s around here someplace.
Your always in our thoughts! Kick some butt😃
Claudia
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Thanks, Claudia! Let me know if you think of her name.
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Hey Bart~will be with you every step of the way. So excited, and proud of you. Hope it’s ok with you if I forward your blogs to Claudia and Jennifer.
Rowan is amazing!!! Can’t believe he’s only 4 … ☮
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Yes, of course. Thanks for your interest in my ambition!
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Hi Bart:
Trekker teammate from last year, Bill Sullivan here. I am totally stoked for you and will be rooting you on from my armchair this year. I look forward to reading your posts and will also follow the team on the IMG website. Good luck and have a safe climb. Remember, the summit is optional, returning safely is mandatory!
Regards,
Bill
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Thanks, Bill!! I thought maybe you’d be joining us this year!
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Hey Bart. Thoughts and prayers are with you, Judy and your wonderful family. I read every word of you blog. What an awesome experience that few would have the determination and courage to do at our ages. I now better understand why you are doing this. When you turned me on to “into thin air” over 20 years ago I said I can’t believe anyone would want to do this. Your presentation to my master of leadership students convinced all of us that you are prepared physically, emotionally and spirituality for this next great adventure. Thanks for sharing it with each of your friends. All the best. Winn
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Thanks, Winn!
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Hi Bart: Good luck and be safe! I’ll be thinking of you for the next 6 weeks and eagerly waiting for your updates on here and instagram . I can’t wait to hear more about it when you return home.
Joe
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Thanks, Joe!
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Wild-man Bart:
Go big, or go home. No, wait a minute. Go home, AFTER you go big. You can do it!
You definitely can do it. You’ve trained for this. You are the one. You can. You will. You SHALL. I’m going to walk 6 days a week, while you are on the Mountain. So, in many ways, I’ll be with you. May God be with You, ’til we meet again in 6 weeks or so. You’ve already made us proud. Don’t change a thing! Sing the song. Love, Your Brother, Dave
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Thanks Dave!!
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