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Site Update Notifications and Expedition Dispatches

This is home for site notifications and dispatches from Alan's expeditions plus updates on Memories are Everything Alzheimer's fund raising activities. Alzheimer's is a devastating disease and the true cause of the disease is unknown. Researchers are making great progress but more is needed. And there is hope.

I have partnered with the Alzheimer's Association, the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Their mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

100% of your donations go directly to Alzheimer's issues. None go to Alan's climbing expenses. I encourage you to read more about this excellent organization and make your tax deductible donation today.

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Memories are Everything

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April 2008 Archives

April 3, 2008

Pens and Crayons

DSC_0272.JPGHer dark black hair was pulled back in a pony tail yet a few strand fell across her forehead as she looked up. Her four-year old eyes were as black as her hair and so large I could almost see my own reflection in them. I held out the crayons and she took them in her tiny hand.

Soon her big brother and a few other children came to see what she was getting. The oldest was wearing a uniform of sorts and I asked if he was gong to school. He nodded his head and then said "fish" as he looked at the Crayola crayon box. There was small fish on the box. I gave him four packages of pens and he smiled knowingly at the usefulness of the present.

My pace picked up as I walked away. They have so little and yet are so happy.

Continue reading "Pens and Crayons" »

April 5, 2008

Snow in the Trees

Somehow snow in the trees make for a nice start to the day. We woke up Friday morning to a gentle snowfall. The trees were loaded and the ground was white. But the yak trains had already marked the trails as we left our teahouse for the next village.

We continue to move up valley. Everyone is in good health and we are right on schedule.


Continue reading "Snow in the Trees" »

April 6, 2008

A Father's Memory

The email read in part "can you see if his memorial is still there?" The trek to Base Camp takes you through 30 or more stone memorials built to honor climbers who have died on Everest.

This email was from the 80 year-old Father of such a climber.

Continue reading "A Father's Memory" »

April 8, 2008

Everest Audio Dispatch: from the Summit of Kala Patar

Alan describes the views of Everest from the summit of Kala Patar and his feelings about the upcoming climb.

To hear this Everest audio dispatch, just click on the play button. Thanks for listening and following Alan on The Road Back to Mt. Everest: Memories are Everything. This is about more than just climbing mountains....

Climb On!

Alan

April 10, 2008

Welcome To Base Camp

OK, left side is best. No, on my back. Right side - yes, that is it. Ugg, the crocodile roll begins.

The last night in a tea house was supposed to be comfortable - a quasi mattress, walls, a roof. But three hours of sleep was the best I could muster.

Continue reading "Welcome To Base Camp" »

Pujas: A Mystery

The Lama said Thursday the 10th between 7:00 and 10:00 AM is best for the Puja.

OK - who would argue with that?

Continue reading "Pujas: A Mystery" »

April 12, 2008

The Khumbu Icefall: Gatekeeper for Everest

The Khumbu Icefall – 2,000 feet of moving ice – serves as the gateway to almost all routes on Everest’s south side. It is incredible to think that the early Swiss and British expeditions made this ascent in leather boots with nails for crampons and trees for ladders.

Today we made our entry into the ice fall.

Continue reading "The Khumbu Icefall: Gatekeeper for Everest" »

April 15, 2008

Dispatches will resume in mid-May

About April 2008

This page contains all entries posted to Climbing@alanarnette.com in April 2008. They are listed from oldest to newest.

March 2008 is the previous archive.

May 2008 is the next archive.

You can find more on the main index page or by looking through the archives.