It is hard to believe this is my last written dispatch before leaving for my summit bid on Mt. Everest. I will post two more audio dispatches along the way.
I am writing this at Camp 2 in my very hot tent. As I mentioned in my last audio dispatch, this bid came as a bit of a surprise when the weather models showed a solid 48 hour window of low winds starting on May 20.
Multiple teams are targeting this window, which maybe the last solid one of this strange weather season. We expect to see over 60 climbers and Sherpas on the route Thursday night.
We rushed late on the night of May 15 to pack our summit gear and then left at 3:00AM for our climb through the ever-changing Icefall for a night at Camp 1. I was very pleased to make that climb in 4:20 cutting more than 1.5 hours off my previous time.
This confirmed that my body was healthy and acclimatized; ready for the next phase. My climb from C1 to C2 was equally reassuring making it in 2 hours.
We leave tonight at 3:00 AM dressed in our down suits for a night at Camp 3. This time we will sleep on supplemental oxygen.
The next phase is a 4 to 6 hour climb across the Yellow Band and Geneva Spur to our camp at the South Col. We should be there midday on Thursday, May 19.
Dressed in full down with an oxygen bottle in our pack,we leave around 9:00PM, maybe later or earlier depending on weather and the individual. See the IMG site for a list of who’s climbing.
Hopefully we reach Balcony in 4-6 hours and switch to a fresh oxygen bottle. Every step now is new for me, it will be time to call on you.
I will have my SPOT GPS tracker turned on throughout all these climbs if you want to follow in real-time. Click on the tab “Where’s Alan”.
The climb to the South Summit will also take 4-6 hours, then across the Cornice Traverse, up the Hillary Step and a final snow slope to the Top of the World. The return trip is the time for focus.
My mind knows the drill; it is embedded in my essence. My body knows the skills; years of practice has made it part of me. My heart knows the reason; it is there everytime I close my eyes.
But somehow I remain nervous. I will be forever grateful for all the support you readers have offered through your comments and thoughts. I know I have tremendous support out there and will draw on it as I climb.
However even more powerful are the connections we have made on behalf of Alzheimer’s. That is what this is all about.
When I get tired, I will take one more step, then a second and a third. As I pause to catch my breath, I will think of all of you; the ones with Alzheimer’s, the families and caregivers, the researchers, the generous donors.
I will borrow upon your collective strength and take three more steps. Together we will stand on top of the world.
Climb On!
Alan
Memories are Everything
57 thoughts on “Everest Summit Bid has Finally Arrived”
Alan — I am rooting you on — you have amazing conviction and passion!
All the best to you!
Patty
Sending good thoughts and positive energy your way, Alan. All the best.
I wish I was there with you! I will be praying for you!
Good luck! And for such a good cause. Really hope everything goes well.
not trying to be mean. our school clonton is doing a project on mount everest for english. i was assigned your group. iv been fallowing you as you climb the beast to the top of the wrold.. i love the fact your climbing for your mother and her disease. keep up the good work you can do it!
you write alot.. please stop your making my project longer.. k thanks
Hi Alan!
I am making a donation now to your most worthy cause and hope others who are following are also inspired to contribute to one of the three great organizations this effort is supporting. Every dollar counts and bring us one step closer to what is needed in the Alzheimer’s battle. Most importantly, stay safe and climb on!
Ellen
Best of luck Alan! Our thoughts and hopes are with you from Canada.
Be safe.
Miguel.
Like the rest here, I wish you all the strength and skill you need, when you need it and most importantly, a safe return from your climb.
Hi Alan,
Best of luck, tracking your progress everyday..
Hope to hear from you again soon..
Greetings from Ireland..
Alan!!!! I am SO excited for you! I can feel your anticipation even where I sit. And never fear. Those of us who are monitoring your progress are there with YOU every step of the way,through every snowbank, past every ice pinnacle, up every cornice, rock and slope. You are in the best health you’ve ever been in on Everest. Make the most of it. You are going to be great. Stay safe and climb on, Alan. Your friends around the world are right behind you.
I’m so thrilled for you I could scream!
Kat
We’re sending you all of our positive thoughts for a safe and successful climb to the top of the world. Thank you for sharing this with us and for everything you do for Alzheimer’s awareness – you truly are a hero!
Alan,
This is why you get paid the big bucks-(HA) You sound super motivated and are fit as a fiddle to make it this time. My wife and 14 year old twins are all rooting for you from Cape Cod.
Cheers Mate!
Good Luck. Following you from NYC. You are such an inspiration. Take care and be safe.
Jo
Almost there Alan; all the very best of luck. Looking forward to seeing you on top!!
Climb On Alan, Climb On
Alan…so proud of your courage, stamina and conviction….these attributes will take you to the summitt and I am confident I will see the GPS beacon blinking as you reach this goal….this perserverance to honor your mother’s memory is beyond words…..You are a wonderful son……she loves you so much and I know you wish she was still alive to experience this achievement in your life as your raise awarness for Alzheimer’s….Memories Are Everything!
hi Allan, great news that your on your way to the top of the world. all the best to you. safe journey up and back down, climb on. jim.p Hereford. UK
I really am moved with Alan’s stamina,courage,and determination for alzheimer’s as well as feeling like I to will be with him every step of the way to the top of the world.We are all sending our thoughts and inspiration out to you for the receiving…Climb on and on and up and up!!!
It is your time Alan, Godspeed to the Balcony and beyond to the summit. Go for it!
Jim
STRENGTH AND HONOR ——– and SAFE RETURN to you and your whole team.
Good luck, Alan!!!!!!!!
Following you from the netherlands.
Stay safe
Jack
Give our best to Rich. I hope you both meet your goals and smile at the top of the world. Thank you for the candid reports. You all are in my prayers. Diane Rutherford
Good Luck Alan, hoping for a successful summit and continued growth in the fundraiser campaign.
Best of luck Alan. I will be following your SPOT tracker closely. I wish everyone with IMG a safe and sucessful summit. Climb On!
Jonathan
Climb safe Alan. I’ll be thinking about you. Look forward to talking to you when you get back.
Joe
Following every step of the way. You couldn’t be better prepared physically or mentally. There’s nothing to do but Climb On!
Keep climbing strong, bud. Touch the top of the world and then come home safe for some Colorado 14ers and 13ers with me and The Goat!
Climb On and God speed!!!
Adding my good thoughts and best wishes for a safe final leg. Continuing to follow you from CT!
Alan….sounds like you ran from base camp to C1…fantastic and keep it up. Lots of water and food at C3 and don’t be afraid to turn up the oxygen to 3 going from C3 to C4. Looking super and steady….”one step at a time.” The bell will ring soon. This will be a “memory to remember!!!!”
John
🙂
to you and your sherpa: subhakamana
Good luck Alan! Here’s praying that the weather holds.
Your strength, dedication and determination come through loud and clear in your messages!
We’re tracking you every day here in the South San Francisco office – everyone sends their energy and best wishes.
Step by step, safe and steady. Climb on!
Again, I wish you good health, much strength, and favorable weather! Your climb and efforts to help find a cure for Alzheimers is constantly on my mind. Best wishes to you Alan!
Alan, May you feel God’s presence with you every step of the way. May He keep you safe and guide your footsteps. I know that your mom would be so proud of you!
Sending God’s blessings,
Marilyn Ross Bolton
Best of luck and stay safe! We’ll all be with you in spirit!!!!!
I am n awe… this has been one of the most compelling n precious journeys to follow. I somehow find myself feeling so much more connecymted to the Alt’s community. My moms mom had it, and so it hits home. Be strong Alan, b safe, and know we r praying for u. “You will miss 100% of the shots u never take.” The Great One
Alan – when that door opens – nip up there and look down on the planet. Let us know an estimated GMT window for the actual summit.
The hard work has been done. Mentally, physically, you are ready. Now comes the crap shoot as they say! Hope luck is with you, because you have done all you can and now it is in the hands of fate. Let go of the wheel and enjoy the ride! -Lori
Good Luck om your climb Alan. I have enjoyed your post immensely and will follow you to the top.
Cheers
Ken
come on dude, you can do it!!!!
Exciting times! Best of luck to you Alan. Will say prayers for a safe, healthy summit and trip down.
Best of luck Alan! Your strength is inspiring. Following you from the Chicago suburbs. Climb on!
Best of luck Alan! Looking forward to your good news….and that the weather holds.
Adding my good wishes, Alan.
All the best my friend. You’re ready! Climb high, climb safe, climb on!
Have a great climb, Alan! Thank you for sharing this with all of us.
Fingers crossed.
Climb On Alan and return safe with the summit in your memories.
Eugene
Best wishes to a rewarding journey, Alan. The experience – and memory of which – are everything. A tireless, wise man taught me that.
Good luck Alan. Be safe.
Todd
Louisville, KY
Eerything sounds great. Keep it up. Stay safe, stay strong. Jim
good luck alan , stay strong and calm during your climb, i also hope to meet you here in australia.
safe return down the mountain
nick
Good Luck Alan!!!
Hope to catch up with you when you visit Australia to tick Kosciusko off the list…
Godspeed Alan…..be safe
Good Luck Alan! Thoughts are with you all the way from South Africa
Take care and be safe
Kind regards
Viv Metz
Godspeed Alan. This is your time and we are with you every step of the way.
Matt
New Zealand
Good luck, Alan. Following your progress from Ireland
Good Luck Alan, so hoping to see your gps beacon on the top come Friday Morning.
stay safe.
Paul
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