Why? That's mostly the response I get, Why at the not so prime age of 62, Why are you training so hard, Why are you always walking so much, Why are you carrying a backpack...... Why?
If you know much about me, I get bored with the ordinary, I thrive on challenging myself, I drive to do something different. The planning, hours of training, eating right, studying to be ready for the variables, it’s what I enjoy most. Now to be clear my plan is not to summit, didn’t think that was prudent at this stage in my life. I will not be going to the danger zone that really begins at 24,000 feet and for most requires the use of oxygen. Fortunately I found two other Sarasotans that are going with me, Robert Sherman and Dave Johnson. Going alone just wasn’t appealing and has been my biggest obstacle.
So below is the plan. We will be staying in Sherpa Tea Houses along the trek, must say they have got to be more comfortable than camping on the hard ground like I did on my Kilimanjaro trek back in 2016. I’m told there will be WiFi available at most Tea Houses but not all. The Trek is 16 days and 82 miles round trip, will be going just beyond Base Camp 1, with a climb up Kala Patthar (also spelled out as Kalapathar). This 18,373 foot / 5,540 meter peak hovers over the small village of Gorak Shep, and is one of the best spots in Sagarmatha National Park to take in the views of Mount Everest itself.
April 19 Fly Miami/DOHA/Kathmandu
April 21. Arrive Kathmandu
April 22 Kathmandu
April 23 Kathmandu
April 24 Day 3: Fly to Lukla, stay at Monjo (9,301EL.)
April 25. Day 4:Hike to Namche Bazaar(11,286 EL.)
April 26. Day 5: Hike to Khumjung(12,400 EL.)
April 27. Day 6: Rest day in Khumjung, Acclimatize
April 28. Day 7: Hike to Phortse (12,959 EL.)
April 29. Day 8: Rest day in Phortse, Acclimatize
April 30. Day 9: Hike to Dingboche (14,469 EL.)
May 1. Day 10: Hike to Lobuche (16,210 EL.)
May 2. Day 11: Hike to Gorakshep and Everest Basecamp (17,598 EL.)
May 3. Day 12: Hike to Kalapattar (18,373EL) hike down to Pheriche (14,341)
May 4. Day 13 :Hike down to Phungi Tenga (10,875 EL.)
May 5. Day 14: Hike down to Jorsalle (9,662 EL.)
May 6. Day 15: Hike down to Lukla (9,334 EL.)
May 7 Day 16: Fly to Kathmandu
May 8 Day 17: Kathmandu
May 9 Day 18 : Kathmandu
May 10 Day 19 : Fly back home to the USA
May 11. Arrive Tampa
The travel out is going to be a bear, Drive to Miami, 14 hour flight to DOHA, 8:30 layover 😩, another 4:30 leg to Kathmandu . DOHA is located in Qatar between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and is recognized as one of the best airports in the world. From there we will be working our way across Pakistan and India to Nepal.
DOHA offers amenities like no other including a 25 Meter Pool! I will be getting in a long swim!
That’s the plan, God willing, please pray for protection, patience and strength. Thank you Elizabeth for understanding and the encouragement, I love you! I hope to blog daily with pictures and happenings. You are welcome to share my blog with anyone who might find interest.
If you watched this year's Masters Tournament, amateur Sam Bennett was featured in a great story how he had his father’s last note tattooed on his left wrist “ Don’t wait to do something”.
My wait is over, Mt Everest here I come.
Hey, Jeff. It's Kristina. Wishing you much joy and success on this journey. I am delighted to be able to follow along.
ReplyDeleteThanks for bringing us along. Can’t wait to read about your progress and experiences along the way.
ReplyDeleteThis is Doug Howard BTW
DeleteHey Jeff, this is Yvonne Schatzman!! With God ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE 🙏🙏for strength, wisdom and protection. 🙏🙏
ReplyDeleteFound it! So proud of you and your courage for adventuring. Will be praying and following along.
ReplyDeleteWishing you the best! You’ll have the entire neighborhood rooting for you!!
ReplyDeleteWhen you return you will have to hold a lunch and learn and tell us all about it!!
Godspeed!
Jeff - God speed for a successful adventure. Will be looking forward to updates!
ReplyDeleteJeff it was great to catch up today… cannot wait to see posts and hear about it… I am jealous…praying for you as requested…. God Speed!!
ReplyDeleteGreat adventure! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for letting me follow your trip and hearing about the training you did for it
ReplyDelete“Jeff, Don’t wait to do something” Get After It!!
ReplyDeleteTim
This is so wonderful to follow you on this trip of a lifetime! Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteHow’s Nepal going so far, can’t wait for some pictures, very exciting. Have a blast Jeff!!
ReplyDeleteHappy I Ran into you at the dog park so I can follow your journey! Cheering you on from back at the Ranch! Don't wait to do something! Love that
ReplyDeleteAmazing photos! I’m looking forward to enjoying the journey from my recliner. Stay safe! Sandra
ReplyDeleteWe're so proud to have you as a neighbor---we're livin your dream along with you!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations and safe travels! Tony and Denise Caramico
ReplyDelete