SUMMIT!!!!!

Posted on by bartw55

He did it!!  He summited, took photos, then called on the sat phone at 5:40 pm, mountain time.  He was very hard to understand – he obviously had his oxygen on. He repeated, “I’m here, I’m here – Top of the World.”   I asked if he was ok and he said, “Yes, I’m ok, I love you, I need to get down safe, I love you all,” and that was it.  Now I will worry for his safe return to Camp 4.  I haven’t worried at all up until now.  I’ll feel much better the next time I hear his voice.  Thank you to all who have been such a support.

Bart: It had snowed lightly all day, and I was met with about five inches of snow as I got out of the tent to leave for the summit.  It was 8:00 pm and Enrico, Craig, and I were ready, but John was sitting down in the snow trying to figure out what was wrong with his oxygen tank.  It took him and Dawa about 30 minutes to get it figured out.  I was so excited to get started it tried my patience.

After we climbed up the first slope out of camp, the fixed line disappeared under the snow, and Pk and the other Sherpa spent what seemed like forever trying to find it.  After a while I worried I was using too much oxygen standing there waiting, so I turned to John to check my gauge.  I was surprised to find it wasn’t John, but Craig.  Apparently, John had turned back saying it wasn’t his day.  I was dumbfounded!  John had been so strong!  I had Craig check my gauge and I was at 2.5 liters/min.  I was relieved thinking I had been at 4.  I had him turn it down to 2, but within minutes the Sherpa found the line and we were off again.  I didn’t go too far before I had him turn it back up as I was already feeling the effects of being in the so-called “Death Zone” above 26,000 feet.

We continued up a very steep slope for the next three hours to the Balcony.  About half way up I encountered another body.  It was hard to tell whether this was one of the older ones or not, but I later found out it was one of the Indians.  He and two others had perished somewhere in the vicinity within the last 48 hours.  He seemed to be snagged in the rope right on the trail and I had to carefully step over him.  I told him I was sorry and continued on.

Suddenly I realized I couldn’t feel the toes on my right foot.  Standing around for a half hour or so probably contributed to it, but I immediately started wiggling the toes on both feet with every step.  I decided I’d try to get them warm this way for another hour or so and resort to the Hotronics later if needed.  I had purposely thought to use them only in an emergency since my feet had been warm to this point. I was also having a hard time keeping the ambient air intake valve clear of ice on my mask and had to have Pk scrape it out every half hour or so.

We finally got to the Balcony where we were met with a stiff west wind.  Pk changed my oxygen tank, I took a drink and had a few shot blocks and we were off to the South Summit. I finally forced myself to find the Hotronics battery buried deep in my pocket and turned it on, since my toes were still very cold.  But, I also continued to wiggle my toes with every step.  I was dtermined not to lose them!   I also kept stopping Pk to clear my mask.  We encountered two more cliffs requiring effort like the Yellow Band, but were soon at the South Summit.  Pk changed my oxygen tank again right at the spot Rob Hall died.  I felt hypoxic for the minute or so I was disconnected from the air supply and hoped I wouldn’t pass out.  It was then I noticed the far eastern horizon beginning to lighten up.  I gazed up at the beautiful cornices between me and the summit and realized I was going to make it!

81 thoughts on “SUMMIT!!!!!”

    2. Oh, Bart and Judy! This is the absolute best birthday present I could receive–to know that Bart summited this evening! We are all praying for his safe return! Thank you for sharing this fabulous news! I am thrilled beyond words to hear it!

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  7. BART,

    THANK YOU FOR TAKING US ALONG WITH YOU‼️‼️‼️‼️ WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT!
    JUDY, YOU DESERVE A HUGE ROUND OF APPLAUSE, TOO‼️‼️‼️‼️
    Love you both,
    Aunt Claudia

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  9. Congratulations Bart! I knew that you could do it. I am so happy for you that you got the opportunity. Be safe and see you soon!!

    Brian Ballard

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  12. We are in awe of you, Bart. So proud of your accomplishment. Get home safe and we can’t wait to see more pics!! Love Cousin Blake, Melissa, Jordan, Joseph and baby Mason

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  13. Bart: I am so glad to hear the good news, you got your dream. I have been holding my breath for about three days I was so worried for you. What a great accomplishment you will have quite the story to tell. You are a great example to us all you never gave up. Be careful coming down, I will be watching like everyone else and holding my breath for you.

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  17. You are truly an inspiration!!! Stay safe and warm on the descent. We will continue to pray for your safe return. God’s speed to you!

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  18. AMAZING NEWS….Congratulations Bart!! You are a true inspiration!! Sending you much love and strength for your trek home. Can’t wait to celebrate❤️

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  22. Congratulations Bart! I have been following you every step of the way through the IMG website and your blog. What a fantastic accomplishment. You are a role model for all of us guys in our 60s! 60 is the new 30!

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  26. Hooray!! Hooray!! Hooray!!! Way to go Bart!! We are so proud of you and Judy! What a long but exhilarating journey! We pray for your safe return. Looking forward so much to hearing more about your experience.

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  27. Congratulations Bart!!! That’s definitely one for the memory books. Safe journey down. Very much enjoyed reading about your journey.

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  33. Too exciting Bart! So happy to hear you made it! A lot of the time I felt I was with you, based on your great communications! Be safe coming down. Can’t wait to hear some first hand stories! Thanks Judy for helping keep us all up to date!

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  35. Both parents teared up immediately when the blog was updated with this fantastic news. I just thought I would share. Congrats on the amazing accomplishment!

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