Every step today took me closer to K2, case<\/a> it was not lost on me. As the clouds once again drenched us with rain we walked in silence for many hours auditing the person in front for proper step placement and following in suit when possible.<\/p>\n
It was a game of leapfrog with the porters sometimes moving faster, then the mules, then the horses. When your sixth sense felt somebody behind you, you stepped aside to let them pass only to see them sit down a few minutes later.<\/p>\n
About an hour from tonight\u2019s camp at Paiyu, the clouds finally gave way to a bright sun. The snow on the nearby peaks reflected the radiant energy bringing new life to our human caravan. The pace picked up slightly but remained slow and steady as we gained more altitude. Now we are at 11,200 feet.<\/p>\n
It was a good day.<\/p>\n
There are many life lessons on these expeditions. As I arrived at camp, I sat down on a dry rock and thought about being here eight years ago. That was a difficult expedition for me in many, many ways. As I looked up at the sharp granite spires betraying the location of Trango and Nameless Towers nearby, I thought about my life since 2006. Much has happened.<\/p>\n
Today, the thought of returning to attempt K2 leaves me with mixed feelings. The excitement is real and I know will become palpable in a few days when I see the K2 pyramid once again looming high over the Godwin-Austen Glacier. I anticipate an emotional moment.<\/p>\n
But everything I feel now pales in comparison to what I will feel as we start climbing, what I felt watching my mom drift away, what I feel reading personal stories of hardship and grief from Alzheimer\u2019s caregivers. Yes, life presents us with many challenges. I have tried to learn for my experiences to apply this time, this climb, this period in my life.<\/p>\n
I hope I paid attention. Tomorrow, we step on the Baltoro Glacier.<\/p>\n
Climb On!
\nAlan
\nMemories are Everything<\/p>\n