| Nov.
18 |
 Austin,
Texas - 250ft above sea level
Greetings, folks, from Gary Guller! We have just returned
from a fantastic pre-Team Everest climb in Nepal. We started
in the mighty Arun Valley, ascended to the 17,000ft+ base
camp of Makalu, the world's FIFTH highest mountain, and, if
this wasn't enough, continued right over 3 of the toughest
passes in the high Himalaya, each over 20,000ft, before finally
descending the Everest region. I have to say, it was so exciting
seeing Everest again and knowing that in a few months, the
whole team - in body and in spirit - will be making this awesome
journey.
Thanks to all who have hung in there with us for your support.
We are all getting pumped up about our departure next March.
There are loads of exciting events planned before we leave.
But we still need financial support to fulfill all our goals
here at Team Everest' 03 and the Coalition of Texans with
Disabilities.
Please find below some excerpts from my personal diary written
whilst on this latest trip in the Makalu region of Nepal.
Hope you find this interesting...
October 28
- French Base Camp, 17,000ft +
Hard trekking today on the glacier moraine. Broke the 17,000ft
barrier this morning, and definitely noticed the reduced oxygen
as we negotiated the moraine. Followed the upper Barun glacier
all day. Tomorrow, we'll have a rest and acclimatization day,
making a short climb, but returning to sleep at the same altitude.
This will aid us greatly as we prepare for our ascent over
the 19,680ft  Sherpani
Col in a few days. Must recheck all rope and climbing hardware
tomorrow. Beautiful weather, but getting cold at night. Clouds
holding off until late in the afternoon, slight wind - nothing
too dramatic, but must always keep in tune with the weather.
Really need good weather for the passes.
We're all still smiling every time we see each other as we
all still have make-up on our faces from celebrating an early
Halloween last night. Too funny - all the porters, Sherpas
and the team dressed up with masks and painted faces and costumes.
Good sign that we are all feeling so good at 17,000ft!
November 04
- Amphu Laptsa, 18,000ft +
Wow, what a day! After a beautiful, but cold start early this
morning, we found great conditions on Amphu Laptsa - I've
never seen the pass in such good condition. The snow and ice
ramps leading to the top of the pass were in perfect condition,
just perfect - sun shinning, very little wind - one could
almost forget just how high we all were. But it surely doesn't
take long to remember - ha! As soon as you pick up your pace,
you're reminded very quickly!
Everyone is commenting about our proud display of the Texas
flag and our Team Everest '03 banner, wanting to know more
about the expedition. I surely have no problems explaining
in detail the message behind Team Everest '03  and
the work of CTD.
November 14
- Kathmandu, 4000ft
Back now in the hustling and bustling city of Kathmandu, safe
and sound. To all the team members that made this such a great
trip - Auger, Catherine, Nick, Nelson, Nima Dawa, Porba, Cherrta,
Norbu and everyone else - thanks! Hopefully, next spring,
I'll look from the summit of Everest and see our route over
the last 28 days. I miss each of you already. It truly takes
team work to make trips like these succeed. We started as
a team, stuck together and succeeded. Cheers! Gary
|
