September 28th continued

After shouldering the pack I had one more trick up my sleeve to help get this pilgrim over the pass.  I was going to save it for the last 1000 feet for a second psychological boost.  My friend was amazing.  She was hurting physically and emotionally but her attitude was upbeat.  She was getting the spiritual experience we all had come for.  I believe one of the greatest spiritual teachers is suffering, especially for those coming from the industrialize world with all our comforts and flip of the switch electricity.  Here there was no switches, no taxis, no heated shelter to turn to for a warm shower.  This pilgrim was having to deal with herself with nothing to fall back on but herself and she was doing an outstanding job.  Physically she was fading fast.  There were 4 of us now helping to cheer her on and physically push her on.  She would take 5 steps and then rest for 1 minute.  Just 5 minutes after taking her pack I stepped in front of her to offer my second and last trick to help her psych.  I told her to grab on to my ice tool loops on the back of my pack so  I could tow her up.  Three other pilgrims steadied her from the back and gently pushed.  In this fashion we soon found ourselves at one of the holiest sites in the world at 18600 feet.  She had made the pass, a happy calm beamed on her face.  I was anxious.  I knew we only had a certain amount of time to get out of this altitude.  Others in the group seemed happy and I was happy for them but every minute now for my friend was urgent and I wanted to start the descent and get her into thicker air.  After placing a photo of my deceased father at the pass and saying a few words through gasping sobs, tear blurred eyes, and quick photos, I let the others know we had to get this pilgrim out ..........down.  I think the others had no idea of her condition and seemed taken back at my impatience. I could understand their position, they were in Tibet at one of the holiest sites in the world.  I did not have time to explain my hurry.   Every second counts this high when someone is in the ataxia stage.   I just started hustling her down.  At a lower point after the pass the team assembled.  I sent them all ahead to set up camp.  It would be helpful for my friend and I to be able to get into camp and crawl into a tent.  Within minutes we were alone and dropping out of altitude.  This day we would be walking moving for 10 hours.  My friend was truly amazing, never complaining, never a grimace on her face, she just kept moving.

September 28th

Morning 6:30am, tents broken down and gear being loaded on Yaks.  We circled up so I could brief everyone.  The first thing I said in that brief was "Lets stick together, things can spin out of control real quick above 17,000 feet".  As I looked face to face I could see there were a few of us that were going to have a difficult day but I knew that everyone gathered in front of me could do it.  I could see one pilgrim especially, a close friend of mine,  had the beginning of facial edema.  The body not functioning correctly with the handling of fluids.  As I spoke I glanced at her and was making a decision in my head if I should turn her around.  There are parts of a guides job that are sometimes solitary, things that cannot be shared with client.   In our solitary life on a trip at altitude we are watching everything, shoe laces, speaking patterns, gait, clothing choice, respiration, eye dilation, balance, wind changes, water intake,  temperature fluxuations, cloud patterns,  appetite, possibilities of rock fall, who's passing in our group and where, others outside of our group passing, trail conditions, where to take brakes, cognition, the list goes on and on and is unbeknown to the client.  I did not want to tell my friend about her facial edema, it would just add to her stress.  After asking how everyone was feeling I could see that the pilgrim with the beginning of facial edema responded well and in that moment I decided she could do it.  At the same time also planning an escape plan which would entail getting her down if she could not make the pass and letting those who could make it go over the pass.  Some how we would have to meet on the other side of the mountain.  I hoped deep down that she would make it.

We were on our way to one of the holiest sites in the world the "Dolma La" pass at 18678 ft.  The trail from camp started off with a gentle rise and within 10 minutes people who were hurting started falling behind.  The day went on like this with part of our group 20 to 30 minutes in front of a second slower group.  Everyone was excited.  For a guide there is a fine line between being excited for everyone and getting everyone over and out of altitude before someone grinds to a halt.  On this day,  as time passed and the air grew thinner with every step,  I was a little worried that we were losing our team and becoming a broken group of individuals, a behavior that is common at altitude.  I have seen it before where the higher one goes the focus becomes self centered.

As we went higher I could see my friend was having a harder time controlling her feet.  Her coordination slipping.  I decided to hang back to keep an eye on the group from the rear to watch for anomalies.  As my friend started to slow so did her cognition.  I would ask her questions and sometimes it would take her 30 to 40 seconds to answer.  As her situation became worse a beautiful thing happened.  Three other pilgrims began to help.  It took some of the stress of my job off my back and felt a bit better about the situation.  I could now watch the groups progress and still keep a tight focus on a deteriorating pilgrim.

About 2 hours from the pass I asked to carry my friends pack.  I waited as long as possible because I knew it would be a big psychological support to have that pack off her back.  "There is the pass,  you can see it, you can make it".  Shouldering her pack I could see she was happy and gained a burst of energy.  The pass did not look far but according to my watch we still had 1800 feet to gain.  Here balance waning and breaks every 10 steps, part of me grappled with the turn around point.  The point where it is to late to turn back or to early to stop.  It is the hardest part of a guides job because you want the client to be successful but not at the cost of life.

Stay tuned.

September 28th

5am.  Cold with a light wind brushing over an ice covered tent.  I got out of my bag to wake everyone.  It was about 25 degrees.  More stars than night filled the sky.  When I finally donned my cold weather gear and crawled out of the tent the North face was booming upright with a silver hue.  I walked tent to tent "time to get up".   Excited voices, the rustling of clothes, tired replies, stoves hissing.  It was the day we would go over the highest and holiest pass on the Kailash Kora.  For some it would be the hardest day of their life physically.  Stay tuned.

September 27th second day of Kora

On day one September 26th, we had hiked 5 hours along the east face of Kailash.  It was astonishing how the trail was situated right at the base. The mountain rising from rubble to sky.  We worked our way around to the North face all the while kailash demanding respect.  I mentioned in a earlier blog that some pilgrims will prostrate around the whole mountain.  I was curious to see such a person.  This second day we were above 16,000 feet.  When we had arrived at camp the day before no one had the energy to walk across the river to the Diraphug Monastery,  the effects of altitude.  There was a wind that moved through every layer of clothing and through the body.   Respiration was heavy with the thin air and rigors of setting up 7 tents.  Our team worked well and soon we were tucked in for the evening, water boiling, snacks in hand, a darkening blue sky.  When we woke it was cold with a blanket of ice covering our tents.  If you have ever spent time in an icy tent you know the mornings are the toughest. Going from warm lofty down sleeping bag to the 33 degree weather outside is a battle of will.  Sometimes I will sleep in all my clothes just so they stay warm.  Putting on a cold pair of pants that you have been wearing for the past 7 days (with out a wash) can be daunting.  Someone had asked me on this day what was the longest I had gone without a shower and wearing the same clothes.  I answered with a smile "you don't want to know"  followed by quietly spoken "45 days".  Those of you climbing Shishapangma  (14th highest mountain in the world) with Four Winds in 2014 know what your in for.

We were on the trail early.  An hour into the hike I noticed 2 pilgrims rising and crouching then laying on the ground.  They were prostrating around Kailash.  As I approached I took the photos below.  I could feel there devotion.  I heard through the grape vine that it had taken this couple 5 days to do what we did in 5 hours.  It would take roughly 21 days to prostrate around Kailash.  Climbing Everest is like Disney Land compared to prostrating around Kailash.  As I approached the couple I was expecting tired haggard faces.  Eyes heavy and heart dusty.  I smiled at the woman as she turned my way.  She gave back a big smile with sparkling eyes and a hearty Tashidelek ( the Tibetan greeting).  She turned back to the trail in front and began her next prostration.

                            Tibetan Men starting the Kora

The Dream. Sept 26th

Beginning of the dream.  We were approaching Kailash and pilgrims began to appear.  Groups of Tibetans walking and laughing, some with a serious tone, others had young children on their back sleeping, young teenagers, elderly with canes,  women hand in hand, all gathered to walk the 36.5 mile kora on the slopes of Kailash.   We wanted to get out of the car.  I could see the trail and pilgrims but we were driving to meet our gear truck and the yaks that would be carrying our gear.  A group of Tibetans in traditional long coats,  one sleeve worn off the shoulder,  and felt hats caught my eye.   "Stop" I pointed with a rushed manner.  Our driver pulled over with a questioning look.  I said nothing and exited the vehicle before it came to a stop.  We were all excited.  Packs were pulled from the rear of the land cruiser, jackets put on,  laces adjusted, hats donned, cameras at the ready, smiles, big smiles.  We were psyched!  Months and Months of planning, flights, hotel arrangements, permits, VISA, embassy visits and here we stood.  Just 8 days before the journey there were rumors that the Chinese Government was going to close the border.  At this point there were 12 of us who had investments emotionally and financially so I ignored the rumors.  At 5 days before departure the rumor was becoming more of a reality and I decided to change the whole itinerary drastically.  With the help of Hira my agent in Kathmandu we completely revamped the itinerary so we could exit Tibet by October 1st, the rumored date of the border closure.  Regardless of all the obstacles we had arrived and now were walking.  At 15600 feet it took us a few minutes to get our trail legs back.  Kailash loomed above its shape emanating grace.  About 20 minutes into our pilgrimage we came to the yak loading area.  Commotion and dust surrounded our gear truck.  As I approached Govinda one of our cooks approached and started asking me which bags go.  "This one....... This one?......... This one?"  Our yak drivers,  2 Tibetan woman in beautiful bright pink traditional dress, looked on confused.  There were 12 duffle bags and tons of kitchen gear and tents.  We only had 6 yaks.  Each yak could take 2 duffles.  We could not take it all.  I started rifling through the kitchen gear.  I looked at Govinda and DB who was in the back of the truck unloading more gear.  "Leave it,  we leave all kitchen gear,  kitchen tent, utensils, stoves, karosene, leave it"  The cooks looked at me like I was crazy.  I continued.  "Govinda,  DB, you go as pilgrims this trip, no cooking."   They looked at me surprised.  Never have they done the Kora without having to work.  They had beaming smiles.  I had planned to go light for the kora.  We all would cook in our own tents and everyone packed dry food.  The cooks had not been told and now they were on the kora for the first time as pilgrims.  They excitedly threw all the kitchen gear into the back of the truck.  Yaks were loaded and last minute arrangements made for the truck to meet us on the other side of the mountain.   We posed for a group photo turned and began the Kora.  My assistant guide, Yubach, yelling from the back of the pack, "Every body readyyyyyyyyyy?".

Rush Hour Tibet

On the way to Kailash there were several "rush hour" periods where traffic was backed up.  Below is a photo of a typical rush hour.

Pictured below..... the Tibetan Porsche.  

September 25th - Rest Day?

This was our beautiful camp next to holy lake Manasarovar.  In the distance you can see Mt Kaiash.  On this day we would have a rest day.  The words "Rest Day" take on a new meaning at altitude.  Your body automatically adjust your respiration so you have more oxygen in your blood stream.  For example if at sea level you have a resting heart rate of 65 your heart rate at altitude will raise anywhere between 15 and 30 beats a minute at rest.  It is like you are on a slow jog 24 hours a day.  On most trips I lose anywhere from 5 to 12 pounds in 19 days.  This trip I lost 9 pounds.

Not only is your heart rate elevated but on rest days we have to adhere to an acclimatization regimen which consist of climbing high and sleeping low.  The photo below is on one of our "Rest Days".  We hiked 1000 feet above camp and then came back to camp to sleep low.  In this process our bodies start to acclimatize to the rarefied air.  Rest days at altitude?  Imagine a slow jog 24 hours a day 7 days a week for 15 days.

September 24th

Tibetan pilgrims would amaze me daily on this journey.  The photo above shows what they carry.  I had a chance to speak with the 3 pilgrims in the photo above.

 Looking toward the Chugu Monastery I saw in the distance pilgrims huddled around a small fire.  I believe they had carried small pieces of kindling as there is no wood to be found.   Though they probably needed every bit of food and drink they carried for their journey they were quick to offer tea. They had no shelter and their travel kit consisted of a small burlap sack (pictured left) and a white woven plastic sack( pictured middle), thats it.  As I approached, their smiles warmed me.   It was a stark contrast to our camp here next to the holy lake.  We had state of the art 4 season tents,  down sleeping bags rated to 15 degrees or warmer, and a truck to carry our gear and food.  Still we suffered and believe it is just a testament to how soft our spirits are becoming with all the material we have.  Really,  I probably would not last 3 days with what the Tibetans in this photo carried, yet there they were big smiles and laughter booming as they as they walked past our cozy lake camp.  I found out that they had already walked 5 days.  At this point I would guess they had another 5 days to make it around Kailash, then 5 days home.  All done with a burlap sack and a white woven plastic sack.   What were the contents?   I believe....... mostly strong, wild spirits.





This is a photo of the North side of Shishapangma, the 14th highest peak in the world.  In 2014 I will be leading a expedition on the South side of the mountain.  Email me if you would like to join this trip.

The pilgrims of Kailash that made the arduous journey.  We unofficially named ourselves the "Zum Zums"  a Sherpa phrase that means "lets go".  Holy lake Manasarovar in the back round.  

Kids in the Limi Valley of remote Western Nepal.  Most of the population are of Tibetan heritage.  We were able to get a permit to walk through the valley for 8 days to continue and finish our pilgrimage in Nepal.  Blogs about the Limi Valley will follow Tibet blogs.

I met a 72 year old Tibetan Pilgrim Named "Karma Sonam"  I will write about him in upcoming blogs. 

Tibetan Pilgrim on day one of the Kora.  He spins a prayer wheel.  On the inside of the wheel is a long scroll of prayer text.  

Sponsors and supporters

I want to take a moment to tell you about companies who gave graciously to help make this journey possible.

Zing Bar.  Thank you again John.  If you have not tried Zing bars you may want to.  They are designed by nutritionist, gluten free, and they were a great treat on our journey.

Flying Apron.  Oh my god!  The flying apron supplied what is called the "Peanut butter Joy".   These were outstanding when our taste buds were missing home.  Visit "Flying Apron" in Seattle for totally gluten free treats.  Than you!

Figure Four.  Hands down the best packs on the market for serious alpinist.  It was awesome to use the pack on the Kailash kora for its weight and durability.  Thank you Steve.

Black Diamond Tents.  We used the black diamond stormtrac 4 season tents.  Once you learn how to set them up they are roomy and light and provided a secure get away from all conditions.  Definitely a must have tent.

Thank you to all.   Matt

Tibet September 23

Day 4 would be a long driving day.  The day made easier by the fact that we would see one of the holiest sights on earth, Mt Kailash and Lake Manasorovar.  The landscape changed several times already and now we are passing through high desert.  The colors here are a palette of sunset red, brick, lemon yellows, wheat grass, with splashes of green, outcrops of grey.  Again as in the past days I did not let sleep come while on the drive.  The anticipation of the first view of Kailash kept us looking off in the distance, over ridges, through valleys for just a glimpse of her slopes.  We asked are driver often "is that Kailash"  or " how much longer".

 Mt Kailash holds the designation of being one of the holiest sights on earth that is the least visited.  The latter being true because of the raw nature of the location.  The Tibetan plateau sits above 14,000 feet.   The base of Kailash is at 15,600 feet.  The actual pilgrimage takes place in this high altitude arena to altitudes above 18,000 feet.  It is a true adventure and the pilgrim has to acclimatize properly before attempting the Kora (pilgrimage).  This is not a place for ignorance.  The combination of altitude, cold, sleeping in tents at these elevations,  and of course permit issues make it the least visited but probably the most coveted holy sights on earth.  It is like Mecca or Jerusalem but unlike these sees only 2000 visitors a year.

Situated in far Western Tibet it is also hard to get to and Chinese regulation make it impossible to do on your own, literally impossible.  One of the newest regulation being that you must have at least 5 in your group with 4 of those being of the same nationality.  This is just one hurdle of a myriad of regulation.   (If you want to do this trip hire "Four Winds" we will get you there and out).

Now just hours away, breathing the rarefied air,  and running the gauntlet of bureaucracy,  I and I am sure all in the group felt privileged just to glimpse her slopes.  It is a lifetime goal of every Tibetan Buddhist, and Hindu, to walk the Kora.  Tibetans will walk the plateau for days with only a blanket, and water container to do the pilgrimage of suffering.  The devotion of the Tibetans is made up of surrender, sacrifice, suffering, and runs high.  It is not uncommon to see pilgrims prostrating the whole distance of the Kora.   A pilgrim would bend to his/her knees, lay on his stomach, stretch his leathery hands as far in front of him as possible, rise to his feet, take one step, and repeat.  I questioned weather there was any devotion greater than this and wondered if I would see such raw devotion on the Kora.

In the distance the road emptied into a valley.  To the left sparkling brilliant light reflected off of a large body of water.  Yes lake Manasarovar the holy lake.  I knew Kailash would be west of here and my eyes scanned excitedly.  There standing alone amongst the rolling brown hills stood a sentenel.  Bright white snows with a soft pallor, a summit touching heavens doors, Mt Kailash!  The occupants of the land cruiser grew excited then silent.  We were viewing something extraordinary.  As if entering a church we spoke very few words, the benevolent was present.

We turned south onto a dirt road.  We would be camping next to the Chugu monastery, a place where very few others get to camp, on the shores of Manasarovar.  Here we would spend 2 more days acclimatizing in the church of Kailash.

Greetings from 15600 feet.  We are at the village of Drag Nag perched just below the Cho La pass.  One of my beliefs is that the mountains will dictate your journey.  Not only has it been true on this trip but it was ever so true on the Tibet trip.  I think the itinerary changed daily on our Tibet trip.  One has to be flexible and have a total respect for the mountain.  Two days ago a young American woman that had befriended our group had this idea that she had to go to Everest Base Camp no matter what.  She was cocky and was going to do anything to get there.  She asked my opinion on her high altitude symptoms.  She was exhibiting a strong headache that had not gone away for 3 days.  Not the normal come and go high altitude headache.  I gave her my opinion "go down today, rest, and come back another day".  She was going to have none of that.  I told her my motto "the mountain will dictate your journey" as she walked off indignant.   The next morning we heard a rescue helicopter......   the young woman was on it.  I hope she is well and will return again to do her dream on the mountains schedule.  

Hello Everyone,
I am in the Khumbu on expedition and have a brief rest in Namche Bazaar.  I will have to continue blogs on the Tibet trip upon my return to Kathmandu but leave you with this:

Day 3 of our journey heading West across Tibet I saw the ultimate nomad.  We were 2 to 3 hours by car from any village.  The hills of Tibet stretched beyond the eye, endless.  The ultimate nomad caught my eye between horizon and road side, just a black speck in a sand sea.  Trotting with an air of confidence, a regal traveler with head held high, tail curled tight, and business to tend to.  This nomad is the formidable Tibetan Mastiff.  I would guess that the one I view now from the comfort of my car was 150 miles from the nearest Tibetan hovel.  The breed is known to travel 3 to 5 days without food and water.  They will fend off wolf to protect the nomadic family and fight to the death to keep the yak heard safe from snow leopard.

They also have a very lazy side.  I have watched the breed for 10 years or more and often you will see them lounging in the hot sun on a high rock.  I brought one from Nepal in 2004 and most of the day she lays and acts like we need to tend to her.  When it is time to protect the house from the odd raccoon she becomes fierce.  

Viewing this lone dog crossing the Tibetan plateau made me think about freedom, strength, and living without fear.  If you have a chance look up the breed do so. 

Tibet September 22nd

After crossing the boarder we met our Tibetan Liaison officer.  Pemba was very quiet at first but as the journey unfolded he unfolded.  We also met our drivers.  We would be driven by Land Cruisers across Tibet traveling from East to West, until we reached the foothills of Mt Kailash and the beginning of our pilgrimage by foot.  I had done this drive in 1998 and was excited to feel the vastness of Tibet.  This vastness permeates every cell.  It is hard to describe the feeling of freedom while crossing the 14200 foot Tibetan plateau.  I can only imagine that when we leave this world we pass into a place or feeling similar to the feeling and place that Tibet exudes.  It is a preview of the after life.   As we loaded up our truck that would carry our gear I was excited to float through this vastness.  I say float because space is so infinite that the physical is reduced.  I feel like a half grain of sand on a windy day at the beach, the winds and the undulating terrain pushing me at their whim, a floating light soul.

Though the landscape spreads into an infinite painting and the days of driving long, you want to keep your eyes open and fight sleep.  The colors, mountains, streams, high passes, huge puffy clouds, deep blue sky, and the characters on the road are wild and free.  Every driving day was at least 5 hours and sometime 9 but I and the others rarely shut our eyes for chance we would miss something in this special land.  I rarely blinked.  Most of the hours were passed in pure silence.  Three land cruisers,  4 people each car, rarely a word exchanged in the truck I traveled in.  The driver of my truck was a larger man light on his feet.  At one point he loaded a music CD and haunting Tibetan music came through the speakers.  He began to sing and his voice melted our hearts, I could feel the land and his experience in his voice.  His name was Pinejew (spelled phonetically) and he grew on all. 

The characters on the road I will write about in the next blog.  Imagine mad max meets Tibetan nomad.  Also photos coming soon.  Love to all. 

September 21st

Flexibility is key.  On September 15th I found out that China would be closing the Tibet borders on October 1st.  This gave us a brief 4 day window to change the itinerary drastically.  We (my agent and I) had worked on perfecting the original itinerary for a pilgrimage around Tibets Mt Kailash over the past 6 months.  Now to get in and out of Tibet before closure we would have to design an itinerary in 4 days.  What we came up with was a wild dash and outrageous adventure.  Everything would have to align perfectly without a hitch or we would miss our deadline out of Tibet.   I emailed clients just 3 days prior to departure from the states.  The memo was brief " Don't miss your flights".  Four of the clients would be arriving Kathmandu on September 20th around 2pm and we would be departing for Tibet early on September 21st.  The connection was crucial and providence stepped in again.  All 12 of us were on a bus heading toward the Tibet border on September 21st. 

I have had bus drivers in Nepal smoking hash while listening to Santana, drinking Chang ( local rice wine) and slurring their words, visiting with their good friend in the jump seat next to them with their eyes on the road only 50% of the time.  The great Himalayan gorges beckoning, tires just inches away from the great plunge. I was apprehensive as our bus pulled out in the early Kathmandu dust toward the North, and the cool mountain air.  I cannot remember our drivers name but he was the first driver I ever tipped.  He was awesome!  Careful around blind corners where others would Carine a speeding bus into possible mayhem.  One bus ride I actually jumped out the window as the driver tried to slip the bus past a landslide only wide enough to fit a small car.  Every passenger followed, spilling out the door ways, the emergency exit in the rear,  half opened windows, and the bus skidded to a dusty stop just inches before the plunge.  Today our driver was smooth, safe, and kind.  He probably listened to Santana in the safety of his home.  I tipped him good and everyone was thankful.   We arrived at the Tibet border in one piece and began the immigration process.  

We had arrived at Kodari the last village before crossing the friendship bridge into Tibet and the town of Zangmu.  The bridge brings back old memories.  It was here after finishing an expedition on Cho Oyu the 6th highest peak in the world that I had trouble exiting the country.  They would not let me leave an I could not figure out why.  I had planned to escape at night by rappelling down into the deep gorge that separates the borders and then crossing the river into Nepal.  Providence steps in again.  I ran into a Nepali friend who was doing business on the Tibet side and told him of my plan.  In his broken Nepali accent he said "  No no no maaat,  Chinese machine guns in valley".  I decide to pass on the idea of escaping via valley.

I called the American embassy in Chengdu and Nepal.  They contacted the Chinese officer in charge,  I was out 2 days later.

Now crossing back into Tibet I was nervous that they would refuse me entry.  As they checked our paper work mid bridge span I looked toward the Chinese guard with his crisp green uniform and white gloves holding a semi automatic weapon.  First thought, not good, as I walked toward the guard.  Everything actually went well after I passed.  We went into an immigration room and a kind Chinese officer greeted us and apologised for the wait. Relieved,  we entered Tibet on September 21st and were on our way to holy Mt Kailash. 

Tibet

I have just returned from guiding a trip to holy Mt Kailash in Tibet.  It is the practice of every Tibetan Bhuddist to walk around the holy mountain on pilgrimage.  Sounds easy but it is 35 miles all of which are above 15,400 feet,  the high point being 17,600 feet.  Over the next few days I will write about our journey and add photos.  There were 12 of us and 11 made the entire journey.  Because the Chinese government was going to close the border on October 1st our itinerary changed drastically.  We all were walking into the unknown for the most part.  It was interesting to be guiding a trip where the only thing I really had knowledge of was how to acclimatize the group,  keep them moving efficiently through the mountains, and keep them safe while remaining at altitude.  Everything else was out of my control and theirs and for the most part the group was good with that.  We all suffered bouts of anguish, frustration, cold, and exhaustion.  During the journey I was reminded that these along with the myriad of other emotional and physical suffering are an integral part of life.  In our culture we are constantly trying to deny suffering turning away or hiding from what is a natural occurance on this journey of life.  What I have found is that in the midst of suffering it hurts.  What is also very true of suffering is that you can count on plentiful gifts once on the other side.  The key is to understand that suffering too shall pass. I believe it is also key to understand the reality that we are all walking into the unknown.  No one is exempt or knows the future. If we believe we know what will happen tomorrow we are lost for sure.   We are all walking into the unknown.   Hope you enjoy the following stories of our Joy, suffering, and laughter and our journey into the unknown.  Matt

commit and flow

Early in 2011 I had decided to lead a trip to Tibet's holy Mt Kailash.  I had been hesitant for years but finally came to a place of commitment.   Here is what followed after a 100 percent commitment.    A distinctive voice rose above the mayhem of the money changer.  Number 30, Number 31, large bills and stacks of Indonesian Ruphiah cross hands above a high counter.  A red digital sign flashes  with the prices of foreign currency, the Aussie dollar = 9580 ruphia, the US dollar = 9150 rhupia.  Customers enter with hopes of the value of their money rising, a nervous Spaniard stokes his Euros in the corner, the digital screen ruling his attention.  Their are 5 Indonesians behind the desk taking in money, counting carefully, bright neon, a overhead fan, sweat from the Bali heat.  A distinctive voice draws my attention.  I see the profile of a gentleman standing at the counter and instantly recognized that he was Tibetan.  His voice, his stance, the bag he carried, the light around him.  I tap him on the arm and say "your Tibetan".  He looks at me first with an inquisitive stare then beaming smile.  He replies "you are Tibetan also" a huge beaming smile lights his face and warms my heart.  I reply "Yes" in a past life and we laugh like we had known each other for years.  My wife Dee is with me we are both surprised to find a Tibetan in the middle of Bali, at a money changer.  The odds of finding him here become even greater as he relays his story, and we soon realize this is not just a chance happening but message.  Crossing paths with this gentle Tibetan man in the middle of Bali at a random money changer, there are 1000s in Bali, at a certain time of day was surprising.  Running into this Tibetan who's  family owned all of the land that surrounds Mt Kailash was synchronistic.  As he shared his story he told of how, prior to the Chinese invasion he and his family were the stewards and owners of all the land around Mt Kailash and more.  His family was responsible for the monasterys in the area and taking care of 7000 monks.  Our mouths dropped. We told him of our upcoming trip to kailash.  "Well I will connect you with family in the area".  As we discussed and shared, the bustle of the money changing office faded. A deep connection ensued.  "Give me your hands".  Our hands went out and he took them, "this is a rare blessing and can be used only on special occassion".  He began a blessing right in the middle of the money changing office.  I love the sound of Tibetan mantras, I can feel them in my blood.  Receiving a blessing from a Tibetan of the Kailash area in the middle of a money changing office was profound. The money changing office faded and became a cocoon of light. Love poured through our hands and a tear pooled in the corner of my eye.  It was as if we were not even in the office, money kept changing hands, dollar signs kept flashing, no one seemed to know we were there and I felt as if we were not there.  Was this Tibetan and angel?   At the end of the prayer we placed our foreheads together, a sign of friendship in the here and now, and connection in path of the future.   We exchanged emails, he left out the door.  Dee and I smiled at each other, the experience left us breathless and light on our feet.  I wanted to see him as he walked away so stepped out the glass doors which he had just exited 20 seconds ago.  He was gone.  The message?  I think Johann Goethe summed it up in the following quote:  "Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back.  Concerning all acts of initiative there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans:  that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too."  I end with this:  Commit to your path  Peace.  Matt

Guiding Mt Everest? Client on Mt Everest?

Several of you have asked me to write my view point on "Guiding"  Mt Everest.  The topic has been scrutinized, shredded, and sensationalized and I understand its allure.  I have been asked to lead expeditions to Everest several times throughout my guiding career.  The answer always a quick "No, but I will take you to a peak where the climbing is beautiful, technically harder,  and we will be the only team on the mountain".   Two old school climbing values held within this answer:  1.  The aesthetic nature of the line.  2.  Having a wilderness experience.  Two out of several values that are the foundation of climbing ethics and why we climb.  These values and many others seem to be missing in the choice to climb Everest.

In 2008 I was leading a trip on the technical South West Ridge of Pumori.   Our team of 4 were sharing a Base Camp with Tim Rippel, a guide I highly respect, of "Peak Freaks" and Fabrizio Zangrilli an outstanding guide from Boulder Colorado and his client.  I believe there were a total of 14 people on the mountain.  In our group tent the discussion of "Guiding" Everest was a topic that sliced the thin air at our 17,300 foot Base Camp.   There were 14 of us on Pumori,  more beautiful than Everest ( it resembles a mini K2) and the route a climbers dream.  Steep ice,  a line that follows the south shoulder, distinct and sharp. That same season, just 1 hour and 45 minutes to the North, Everest Base Camp was hosting 800 people (according to the Sagamartha Pollution Control Committee), several generators, computers, boom boxes, and a russian spa.  We would walk from our star lit Base Camp to the edge of a moraine that formed a high shoulder.  Looking North to Everest BC we were shocked to see it lit up with electricity, we could here music, generators,  basically a small town formed on the glacier.  

I do not want to step on anyones toes!  I have friends that guide Everest,  a high respect for some of the guide services leading trips on Everest.  I am happy that the many Sherpa's have steady work.  The guides service and Sherpas hold years of experience and outstanding knowledge of the mountain.  Other toes that I may want to tweak are those of clients or people considering going on a guided climb of Mount Everest.  You have a responsibility! Just because you pay big money does not mean you are exempt from responsibility.  Also the guide service has a responsibility to educate you on your responsibility,  maybe this does not happen in a clear concise way.  It seems that there may be a break down in communication because guide services, rightly so, want to make money and clients want to climb Everest and have paid thousands to get there.  Because big money is involved on both sides I believe that important issues the guide services need to address often get left in a grey area and important issues that the client need to address get dumped into the same grey area, never discussed.  In short our goals and desires can often outweigh what is inherently important in choosing to Guide Everest or choosing to be guided on everest.  In 2003 I went to Everest BC for an acclimatization hike.  I witnessed a client learning to put on crampons.  It became obvious to me that the guide service was not responsible and the client was not responsible.  Climbing is like learning to fly a plane,  you just don't go from a flight simulator (the climbing gym) to sitting in the cockpit of a 747 ( Mt Everest).   You have years of steps and studies in between.  Learning the skills should not be taking place on Mt Everest.

Responsibility is just one of the hundreds of issues that surround the "Guiding Everest" debate and I only have these observation to offer to both guide service and client on responsibility.  I  have a set of guidelines that I have been using in the Himalaya.  In 31 seasons and 19 expeditions they have worked for my guide service "Four Winds Himalayan Guide Service" and client alike.  

Clients if you are choosing to climb Everest or anything above 21,000 ft.  you should take responsibility for the following:

There is no such thing as an easy mountain.  Climbing any mountain is dangerous and you could die.  No guide service can stop an avalanche, a snow storm, the 500 pound boulder bouncing down slope.  Any guide service that says "Thats an easy mountain"  you may want to be cautious of.  If you are in the climbing arena remember you could die.  You alone are making the choice of being in the climbing arena.  With this choice you must accept that you might die and that just because you are being guided you still could die to no fault of the guide service.  If you don't know the high risk involved in the climbing arena you probably have not spent enough time in the mountains to be on Mt Everest.

If you are choosing to climb in the high altitude arena it is your responsibility to be truthful about your experience.  If you are learning to put on a harness at BC then you should not be there.  If you have less than 5 years of alpine climbing and mountaineering experience you probably should not be there.

You should be proficient at using your mountain axe.  Self arrest, boot axe belay, pick positions, adze usage, all should be automatic.  If you don't know what these are you should not be on Everest. 

You should be 100% confident about rappelling and belaying.

You should be 100% confident/proficient with your crampon skills,  be comfortable climbing AI 3.  If you don't know this rating you should not be there.

You should be proficient with crevasse rescue.

You should be comfortable with setting up a tent in heavy storm conditions.

You should be familiar with stoves and be able to cook and boil water in near hurricane condition.

You should be proficient at rope travel and management.  You should at least know how to tie a figure Eight.  If you don't know what this is then you should not be there.

You should be comfortable and accept 100% that just because you are paying $7000 to $75,000 for an expedition in the Himalaya does not guarantee a summit. There are too many unpredictable variables. You are paying for a chance to summit.  If a guide turns you back or shuts down the expedition he is probably saving your life.  It is your responsibility before an expeditions to understand that you are just paying for a chance at reaching the summit.  A chance has been attained when you reach base camp,  anything after that is out of anyones control, a fringe bentefit,  you might not make it to Advanced Base Camp.

These are just some of the basics that are your responsibility as a client.  If you do not have these basic skills or experience then start with a smaller mountain like Island peak.

Guide Services:  If your clients for Everest fall outside of any of these guidelines then you have the responsibility of turning them down.  

You have the responsibility of letting them know what their responsibilities are.  Asking what there skills are and submitting a "climbing resume".  If your clients are learning to put on crampons at Base Camp of Everest many would say you are being irresponsible.

Leave all the crap at home.  Get rid of the comforts like generators and loud boom boxes (obvious reasons and a whole other topic).

Limit your group size.  I don't have a number but a client list of 18 or more seems extravagant.  I have heard of Guide services with 25 or more climbers.  Dollar wise it is awesome for you, totally understandable, but responsibility, safety, and the mountain experience suffers.  Think about others on the mountain.  A group of 7 to 12 is plenty.

Have clients carry their own gear.  Hardly anyone climbs everest any more except the Sherpas.  They carry gear, set up tents, fix rope, carry clients oxygen, make tea for clients etc.  Let clients do all this while keeping the Sherpas on board for back up.  Let the client climb the mountain, carry their gear, set up their own tents, cook their own tea and meals.  

If client and guide services can follow these simple guidelines I believe guiding Mt Everest would be a much safer, quieter, undertaking for client and guide service alike.  Clients who do not have the skill will not go to the mountain ( at this time) and Guide Services will attract climbers that have put in their time on smaller mountains and have the skill to climb the mountain without reducing Everest to her knees.   

In the end remember the 2 "old school" climbing ethics and choose your mountain accordingly.  The aesthetics of the line and the wilderness experience will define your climb not how high the mountain.

Other articles regarding this topic:  www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/may/30/everest-mountaineer-crowding-hobby-tragedy

Adventure dangerous?

Nirvana, heaven, dreamland

16,700 feet. The wind carries a chill, stirs tundra life, and carries on to the North across the Tibetan plateau. We are a group of 9 that has hiked to this point just 3 miles from the Tibetan frontier, the wild, wild, east. We are tired but inspired by this dream land. We are dirty but it makes us feel close to the earth, we are close to each other with the toil of altitude pressing us together. The beauty has pulled us on, deeper into the wild. Three of our porters have joined us. It is supposed to be their day off from carrying loads but they are pulled also. We reach the 5th holy lake of Gokyo. As if each on a treasure hunt, we disperse. I find myself alone ducking behind a boulder to escape the soft, cold wind. The South face of the Cho Oyu is eye blinding bright. The sun carries little warmth but behind the boulder out of the wind is a haven. Convection. I lay down and scan the slopes for Snow Leopard. This is where they would be, they are probably watching me. Here they are free to frolic, free of the hunter. This place is so freeing to the soul that it is a place one would not mind to walk. Walk any direction, and just keep walking, infinite, timeless, just keep walking.

Twenty minutes pass and the treasure hunters return to my haven behind the boulder. Treasures are worn on each of their faces, wide eyes, happy souls, the sparkle of freedom, the face of happiness. A few words are exchanged, trail food shared, and a quiet surrounds us, a veil of silence. Soon we are all horizontal, the heat from the stone sooths us, sleep.

I wake feeling as I had slept for a lifetime. We all woke at the same time with the same feeling. My first words were "what happened" ? All had the same question. We were baffled and over joyed at the place we had slept and woke. It was as if we were one body sharing the same sleep, and now awake, sharing a dream like state. The moments were perfect. This is nirvana, heaven the same. We were confused, questioning, one utters "are we awake". We all laugh at this wonderful "happening" that we all experience at the same time. Several breaths later we shoulder our packs to head down out of the clouds. The snow leapard stretches and lays down, probably watching our every step, content to stay in dreamland.

Expand your "uncomfortable zone"

I sat sipping tea gingerly daydreaming in a comfy coffee house in Kathmandu. Outside the window everyday life of Nepali people passed by. A man carrying 2 office chairs on his back, a bicycle outfitted with hand woven baskets as saddle bags, each basket bursting with chickens, as the rider dodges traffic, loud horns every 5 seconds, a beggar on crippled legs sits in the dirt.

"Can I get my coffee" the voice urgent and whiny draws me to the table next to me. An American woman is fuming. "I just cant wait any longer, it has been 10 minutes, please bring me my coffee now" Her voice is irritating and her lack of patience grating. She seemed way out of her comfort zone as if someone were stabbing her in the leg.

I glance back to the window. Outside the man with crippled legs sits in the dirt. He travels by crawling on his knees. The calluses on his knees thick like a elephants feet. He is smiling and asking passers by for money. He crawls on. Cars, exhaust, mud, trampling feet, and crippled legs, yet he smiles.

I look back to the woman. I have been where she is at, complaining, whining. I also have been where the man crawls by going through a bone marrow transplant and pushing my uncomfortable zone to wider margins in the high mountains.

When I start to complain or whine about my car not starting, the guy cutting me off in traffic, the rude woman at the phone company, I realize I am just spoiled and have too much comfort. I forget to use the perspective given me by going through pain and suffering in the high mountains and through transplant.

Expand your uncomfortable zone. Get uncomfortable for 5 minutes and realize that our comfort zone does not need to expand to the point where we are just locked in our homes all cozy, fat, and lazy. Our comfort zones do not need to permeate every aspect of our lives to the point that we dont feel life. Being uncomfortable is a good and necessary part of life. It allows us to be compassionate and appreciate what we have. Being able to widen your "uncomfortable" zone allows ease of happiness. Things that seem huge obstacles become simple as you widen your zone

Think about how you can get some discomfort in your life to keep in perspective what is truly out of your comfort zone. If not getting your coffee within 10 minutes of ordering upsets you, try walking on your knees to the nearest Starbucks.

October 18th success but no summit

It is the ultimate test of letting go, turning back, surrender. The summit is only 4 to 5 hours away. We carried our gear high as planned. We began to climb through the avalanche cone to 18000 feet, the curiousity of the rock section that split the snow ramp pulling us higher. We were not sure if the rock was steep, loose, or possible. At about 18100 feet a loud thud permiated the silence. I froze and the thud became louder, louder, louder. "Rooooockkk" I shouted once to Sabrina and Wesley just below me. I dont think it registered with them at first because they were out of sight and sound of the boulder bounding its way down slope. "Rooockkkk" a second intense punctuated shout. A rock the size of a large bowling ball flew eye level past me just 5 feet to my right heading directly for Wesley. He registered the shout instantly and waited till the last second to see which way the beast was bouncing. The boulder now 1 second from inpact with his body, Wesley side steps and it lands a few inches from his foot. It continues toward Sabrina who is safely out of the beasts path.

I took a quick look at the rock step and realized it was all loose rock, unprotectable, dangerous.
After the message from the meandering boulder, we decide to turn back. The route was just not in good shape. If there was more snow we would make the summit in 5 hours from this point.

We are all down and safe and the mountain will be there next year with a route safe to travel. Love to all. Matt

Camp I, October 16th

Camp one at 17,200 feet. Quite a place. We are all doing well the summit only 2600 feet above. Our plan was to go for the summit in the morning of the 17th. We have decided to carry all our hardware to the avalanche cone and the beginning of the steep climbing, come back and rest for the day. Wesley arrived late and has acclimatized well in a short period of time but we decided to give him one more days rest and acclimatization.

From our "camp I" we have beautiful views East to Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse South, and hundreds of more obscure peaks. Like being on the moon, the landscape is desolate, quiet, empty yet full of wonder and intense beauty.

Going for the summit on the 18th if all goes well.

Figure Four Packs

Looking for the perfect pack for alpine climbs? I used a pack by a company called Figure Four and found it to be the best pack I have ever owned. The size is perfect 42 Liters. The weight is unbeatable at 1 pound 5 ounces. It carries like it is part of your body. Look into "Figure Four" and ask for Steve.

October 15th,11

On our way to establish a camp one at 17200 feet on the south side of Machermo peak. We are in the village at a lodge called Namgyal Lodge, named after its Tibetan owner. My friend Fabrizio and his client have just came down from their base camp below the East Face of Kyajo Ri.

Do you believe in the Yeti? I ask because Fabrizio and his client Heather were deep asleep when a growl, described by both as sounding like an extremely large Bear, shattered the night. The echos reverberated in the remote valley. They both tucked into their sleeping bag and acted as they did not hear a thing. Just extremely unexplainable.

Oddly enough in 2002 I was attempting the first ascent of Kyajo Ri and had a Base Camp almost where Fabrizio and Heather had theirs. I had 2 clients from Switzerland join us on the climb. Because the peak was unclimbed we were all over the mountain trying to find the path of least resistance on a peak that was near vertical. The couple from Switzerland left in the morning excited to be in a valley where none had gone, infinite space and not a print. When they returned they had photos of foot prints. Not boot, not human, but definitely prints.

We are excited to be heading to camp one. Maybe the Yeti will pay us a visit. Matt Fioretti

3am

Woke at 3am. We are all at the village of Gokyo. We step outside into frigid, crisp air, a billion stars ablaze. I and 5 trekkers on our way to see sunrise behind Mt Everest, Chomolongma, mother goddess of the world. It was a hard trek for some but all pushed on to their high points, opening new boundaries within and pushing thresholds. The gold light moving ever so slowly finally peaks behind everest, tears flow easily. We are all well and will be walking toward Tibet tomorrow. I am acclimatizing well for the climb on Pharilapche and will be excited to move to camp one as we all head back down valley in 2 days. Love to all. matt Fioretti

good friends

This is a very rare and auspicious climbing season in the Himalaya. Two of my close friends and brothers from past lives are here. Not only here, but one of them Fabrizio Zangrilli will be on the same route on Pharilapche with his client. Also Chad Kellog may be approaching on the trek we are on. So happy to see friends in the middle of the Himalaya.

Dont believe in past lives? Well I was a yak herder with 2 Tibetan Mastiffs in my past life. It is often that I make a yak herder on the trail bust up with laughter as I yell out the Tibetan commands "Cha, whoaaa. The herder looks with bewilderment. Often a herder will reply "good, good". His yaks responding, their ears twitching from the new unfamiliar voice.

base camp

I have never been to a more powerful beautiful Base Camp. Wesley McCain, Sabrina Oesterle, Singi Lama and (matt fioretti) are attempting a route on a peak called Pharilapche. The approach to Base Camp is like something out of "The Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe" cascading water falls, red stone ledges polished smooth, Boulders the size of houses sitting in the middle of a green patch of grass, you feel the yeti is near or a snow leopard watching from on high. Four trekkers joined us on the approach and all of us were humbled.

Base camp was pitched at 16200 feet, a perch overlooking a broad tundra valley.

In 3 days we will move to camp one, more remote, deeply other worldly, vast. Camp one, we hope, will be at 17400. This will leave us with a final push of 2600 feet.

Thinking of all of you. Matt

6 a.m. Puja

We all arrived in Namche Bazaar at 11,280 feet. Not very high but the air thin with the lack of acclimatization. Early on we visited the Monastery next to our guest house. The lama was just closing his doors but invited us in. We sat and he smiled the jovial smile that all older monks have, warmth, wisdom, and open heart. We did not want to keep him long and began to walk out. I asked what time were prayer services tomorrow. He looked at me and said "come, come, 6am.

In the morning it is hard to get out of the warmth of your sleeping bag. A cacoon stuper. The prayer services called and soon all 6 of us were walking the rocky trail in front of the Monastery. At the entry the Lama was waiting and waved us in.

We entered the old monastary and sat in front of the Buddha and Tara on old Tibetan carpets. He began instantly no pause, a sing song mantra. After 40 minutes he waved us over. He stayed in the lotus position and tied a red blessed string around our neck and touch us forehead to forehead. We bowed before him humbly. We are now ready to continue our journey and climb. Hope you are all well.

Water

Squeek, slosh, squeek, slosh.  I woke at 3 am in Kathmandu to this sound.  It started at 3am and went until 5:30am.  As the gold  light of early morning broke into darkness I could see out my window to the source of the sound.  There was a man pumping water into old buckets encrusted with stains and use.  The center back of his shirt wet with sweat, shirt untucked and ragged. 

In my 5th floor hotel room I pulled my self from the window and wondered what it would be like if I still had to pump water from a well in my back yard by hand.  The man had pumped 2.5 hours and filled several containers so he and his wife could cook, shower, wash clothes, and have drinking water for his 2 kids.  I walked into the bathroom, turned a knob, and hot water gushed.

We are in Kathmandu Nepal.  Everyone has arrived.  We fly to Lukla tomorrow the trail head for our trek and climbing expedition.  Welcome to Nepal.  Hope you follow us as we climb the South and North side of Pharilapche (aka Machermo).

2012 season Mt Kailash Tibet

Hello Friends, Adventures, couch potatoes,
I depart in 3 days for my 30th season in the Himalaya. It is an exciting season with a full trip of outstanding people. We start with a trek to the Holy Lakes of Gokyo. A dip in one of these lakes at 15,400 erases the sins of a lifetime. So far I, nor any client has dipped in the 3rd lake at Gokyo village, sinners.

I am very excited about a new pack made by a company called Figure 4. Alpinist, this is the pack you have been looking for, 42L and weighs only 1 pound 7oz. Durable, light, comfortable. Thank you Steve at Figure 4. More on this later.

At the end of this trip we will head west with a small group of climbers to attempt 20280 foot Pachermo. Joining us is Danaru Sherpa who has summitted Everest 7 times. After Pachermo my climbing partner Wesley McCaine and I will attempt a new route on Pharilapche.

The reason I am writing today though is to let you know about a special pilgrimage "Four Winds" will be offering in September of 2012. We will be joining pilgrims from around the world to do the circumambulation of Tibet's holy Mt Kailash. Hiking from Western Nepal over the crest of the Himalaya to the Tibetan Plateau is arduous, tiring, challenging, one can feel broken. The rewards, however, are priceless. Tibetan Buddhist must do the 3 day journey around Kailash once in a lifetime as part of their practice. Join us on pilgrimage in September 2012. Embrace transformation.

internet, yaks

Hello Everyone,
The group has finished the trek and we are now at Namche. I will have more post after I return to Kathmandu covering the journey. Everyone had a fabulous time and we all grew close. I will leave you with this. I am sitting in a room about 10 feet by 14 feet wide. There are 3 computers, a poster of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzin Norgay (the first to climb Everest). To the left of the poster is a yak skull hanging on the wall, Tibetan prayer flags, and a T-shirt that says " no money no wallet". When I look out the door the stone, dirt walkway yeilds yaks carrying loads, a cow looking off to the distance, his thoughts 1000 miles away. A broken clock ticks but the hands stay in one place at 4:30. Yes time has stopped.

More blogs to come about the trip.

chorus of birds

We are all very excited to fly to the trail head. The flight to Lukla (trail head) is 45 minutes and culminates in a stomach churning landing. I laid awake this morning thinking of that flight and the excitement of landing in yet another different world from kathmandu. The mornings in Kathmandu are quite special. A chorus of birds begins as the dark moves to light. High pitched tones, long melodies, the base of the crow, staccato, drums. A chickadee lands outside on my window frame 2 feet from my head. Sings a simple tune, flits about, flies off. Tomorrow when we wake for the Lukla flight at 4:30am, pack our duffel, shoulder our packs, I look forward to our chorus of birds. See you in Lukla.

Security

Security is an illusiona! Apparently so upon entering the Kathmandu airport. First you have the landing. It is known to be one of the hardest, most dangerous, landings in the world. Just last season we were on approach and I could see the landing strip 50 feet below. One set of the white, warning landing signs painted on the runway flashed by. Soon the second then the 3rd and last. Hmmmm, at the time I was thinking "we are still 50 feet off the ground. The last white warning sign is a signal that the pilot has only a few seconds to set down. I remember tightening my grip, seatbelt, and placing a pillow on my lap. The gray landing strip being eaten away by distance. Not much runway left.
A loud blast and shudddering breaks the idle, lone world, of each passenger. There are shrieks and the woman next to me grabs my arm. Everyone grips their armrest. The pilot had given the lumbering plane full throttle and a sharp, rising, banking turn. We had over shot the runway. Prior to 1992 this sort of thing happened probably once a day. Not because of pilot error but because of the Hindus reverence for cows. The cow has all right of way in Nepal. You see them in the middle of streets and in the middle of the runway of the Kahtmandu Airport. It was the job of 2 to 3 people to clear the runway of livestock in the early day. Because there was no fences at the time cows would be grazing and packs of dogs would be playing in the middle of the landing path as the pilots were approaching, the runway keepers off to lunch or morning tea. The cows remained motionless, chewing their cudd, as the pilot gave full throttle to avert the inpending collision.
Our landing yesterday was uneventful. The doors open and we exit down stairs to the outside below the plane. At the bottom of the steps a bus is waiting. The ground crew packs the bus. Bus doors close and the 3rd world clutch of the old bus lurches us forward. The driver turns 180 digrees, drives 40 feet, stops and opens the doors. Thats right it would have been faster to walk. I look back to the stairs at the bottom of the plane. Another bus has pulled up and loading has begun. Passengers who try to walk the 40 feet are stopped by tight security. A sharp "you must get on bus" follows. Rolling their eyes in disbelief passengers unwillingly board, the driver turns, drives the 40 feet, and opens the door. Repeat, repeat, repeat.
Inside the airport security is another matter. Security systems are present but their operators absent. After going through customs formalities I walk down an escalator that has not worked in years. Near the bottom I notice a tuft of wires poking out in kaos. Now I am approaching the first security check post. Like the escalator the conveyer belt that pushes baggage through the xray machine has not worked in years. Like any other airport there is a viewing monitor and the typical walk through metal detector. Viewing the situation I laugh and wish I had a video camera. Unlike any airport there was no one at the monitor and no one on the other side of the metal detector to stop you when the alarm sounds and the red light flashes. Passengers are pushing their baggage through, a round woman half way inside the xray machine grunts. When it was my turn I skip the xray, walk through the metal detector, passengers behind follow. Last season at this post there were 2 old Nepali gentleman behind the monitor. They both had cups of tea and were engaged in jovial talk. Not once did they look at the monitor and when the red lights flashed and the bell rang on the metal detector they wave us through not missing a beat to sip their tea. Welcome to Kathmandu and our 29th season. Hope you follow us over the next 18 days through the Himalaya.

A Day in the Himalaya

We started off at 8 p.m. from 16000 feet and were taking a trail that is used mostly by locals and a handful of trekkers.  I had just spoken with my wife on Skype so my spirit was floating.  I could tell it would be one of those magical days where there is no structure of time.  An open arena where one can become the wind.  We started off slow and were headed down valley, the great North ridge of Cholatse shooting straight out of the ground and rising almost 5000 vertical feet to her summit. Our hike was below the vast west face of this mountain who’s snows meet stone, then wild flower.

On this day I was hiking with Gombu. He is the son of my head guide Chapa Sherpa who had passed away in 2008. I had never spoke with Gombu about his fathers passing and was curious about the last minutes of his life. The days of his passing are clear in my mind.

I remember one afternoon in August while I was barefoot in my vegetable garden, Chapa had flashed through my mind. An urgency prompted me to call Nepal. I straightened from the row of carrots I was thinning, washed my bare feet off with the hose and went to make the call. I hadn’t spoken with Chapa in months but now in the middle of the day, on a hot lazy afternoon,the pull to speak with him was unexplainable. Entering my house I noticed the prayer flags that lay in a wooden bowl. They were the vertical prayer flags that attach to a pole so I had not gotten around to hanging them. Deep inside I wanted to hang them on a special day.

When the other end of the line crackled to life it was Gombu. He seemed in good spirits, “Hello Uncle, how are you?”. I became “uncle” to Chapas 6 kids. Chapa and I had worked 15 expeditions together and after each climb we would return to his house for a huge table of food. Dhal Bhat, Chicken Curry, broccoli with Masala, spiced lentils with plenty of rice . I would play with the kids and buy them gum, Chocolate, and treats their parents forbid them to eat. It was always an exciting reunion and even more so when I would announce it was time for all the kids to go for ice cream at the shop 2 doors down. Four of the youngest kids would quickly grab me. Two kids to an arm they would pull me toward the ice cream shop, huge smiles, laughter, and a menu of ice cream being screamed in my ear.

Because of the delay on the phone Gombu repeated “hello Uncle”. “Yes Gombu how are you and family?” “Father is sick he has the flu”. “Gombu can I speak with him?” “Yes OK OK!” I could hear the phone being rustled around. Chapas voice came clear and strong. “Hello Matt.” “Hello Chapa how are you?” His reply was delayed, there was an eery silence. “I am fine Matt but not feeling so well.” I remember being worried and promptly suggested he go to the hospital. We ended the conversation on pleasantries.

The next morning I pass the bowl with the prayer flags and decided today was the day to hang them. I was not quite sure what was so special about the day at the time. When I opened the french doors to my home in West Seattle, the smell of lavender was strong, a monarch butterfly flitted above the koi pond, a light breeze made music with the bamboo leaves. A squirrel had scored a peach from my tree and was happily rolling it down my sloped driveway. The day had a strong sense of peace. I grabbed the 2 sets of prayer flags and hung them in the prominent corner of my yard. Looking up at them flapping in the wind a thousand memories of Himalayan adventures raced through me and again Chapa came to mind and a smile creased the corners of my mouth.

What I would find out later that day in August of 2008 was that Chapa had gone to the hospital that night, the same day in Seattle I had called him out of the blue , on a spontaneous whim. In the night, right around the time I was hanging the Tibetan prayer flags that had sat for 2 years in a wood bowl, Chapa had passed. I received an email from Gombu because it is expensive for them to call. I opened the email about 3 hours after I had planted the prayer flags.

“Dear Uncle, My beloved father has departed this world. I dont know what family life will be without father. In his last breath he whispered your name to me”



As we descended, I couldn’t help but think about Chapas last minutes. After receiving the unbelievable email I had never had a chance to talk with the kids or Chapas wife in detail about what happened. Now the first hour had passed and I was alone with Gombu in a place where I used to walk with Chapa.  I asked about the last 10 minutes of chapas life, what did Chapa say?  Gombu said "the whole 10 minutes I do not know.  The last 3 minutes he said 2 things."  The first thing Chapa said to Gombu was: "Gombu do not worry about me, I always have uncle Matt with me".  The second thing he said to Gombu:  “Gombu, please stick by uncle matt, his heart is of purity, he will take care of you and family".  Shocked I asked if that is what exactly what his father said.  "Yes".  After Gombu’s reply I pulled off the trail.  I was trembling and began to cry.  Gombu dropped his head.  I was in pain.  This man took care of me for 15 years in the mountains. He was the living Buddha and I his student. Between the pain and tears I was also happy. Happy that I had a real friend in life. Between sobs I would look up to see huge mountains blurred by tears of happiness and pain.  I swung around wildly and looked across a 10 thousand year old glacier, into the rock and ice, dry tundra on the high hills.  I could feel Chapa everywhere.

Gombu and I slowly recovered and headed down trail.  Two hours pass and we arrive at a stone hut.  A Sherpa in his 70s is digging potatos from his terraced garden.  These terraces and his stone hut Cheat gravity.  Glancing down hill the canyon drops to the river.  One slip and it would be a quick arrival at the bottom.  I ask the man if he wants help.  "yes".  No words he just hands me an adze like farming tool.  He puffs a cigarette, he has 3 teeth with gaps between, a handmade wool hat sits crooked on his head.  His hands are of steel and stone.  They make mine look like a fragile orchid protected in a green house, temperature just right.  I dig for 15 minutes stop and ask Gombu to dig.  We are digging potatoes at 15000ft.  A man appears in the door way of the Sherpas house.  "This is my brother from Tibet, he has just traveled over the high passes at night to arrive here.  He did not want to be detected by the Chinese"  I ask his name.  "Pasang" he says in a deep growl.  He is wild eyed, red cheek bones, a wild horse would be tame looking standing next to him.  He has a traditional knife wrapped in his sash around his waist.  He smiles a smile that brings down all defenses.  We all sip tea outside the door, the valley flowing below, wind, a high sun.

We continue.  An hour passes. Grey trail dust swirling from the wind, the bright red tundra brush, and white white granite, color and time blend. The occasional purple blue wild iris clump and cling to wind scoured dirt. An hour seems infinite. A typical day on a Himalayan trail where often the world disappears and the walk is a meditation.

I step through an open space in a stone wall that crosses the trail. I run into a man building an outhouse for his mother in law.  He is very humble and quiet.  Something did not fit.  He just did not seem like an outhouse builder.  He was strong, his movement smooth.  He balanced on the support sticks of the roof, they bent and swayed under his weight but his balance was unchallenged.  I asked his name.  "Danaru".  He came down.  He asked " Do I see you in this valley?  "Yes" I reply knowing that we have probably crossed paths before.  I ask him where he lives.  He happens to live in Phortse where my friend Dave works at the climbing school.  Danaru has climbed everest 17 times, just 2 times less than my friend Apa.  He knows Dave, Apa, and we connect like brothers.  His mother in-law brings out hard boiled eggs and black tea. We sit in the pasture like setting in front of a stone house. The village name is “na”. We talk as if we had known each other through the ages, peel the shell from the hard boiled eggs and eat. A few chickens gather around our feet hoping for a morsel and pecking at the shells.
He finishes his tea and begins working on the outhouse. I shoulder my pack and continue. It is a connection that will last a life time. Just before we drop over the rim of the river gorge I hear a whooop. Look back and Danaru is waving from the top of the outhouse both hands above his head, a smile that says, “I will see you again”.

It is afternoon maybe 2 p.m. We are in the deep gorge of the Dudh Kosi, words than mean milk river. The sun is passing below the far ridges in the West. A chill sets in but the warmth of the people we have met today and the angels that still accompany us produces a fire inside of me. I turn to Gombu and say “What a day”. He smiles and being a Sherpa from the City knows he has experienced a magical day in the Himalaya, his fathers spirit close at hand.

ama dablam

Ama Dablam is always quite a visual experience. Its name means "mothers charm box". Locals believe it looks like the prayer box that Tibetan and Sherpa women wore around their neck. I spent 3 years guiding the right hand side of this face. I know her well.

lammergeier

One of the heighlights of our journey was experiencing a Lammergeier. This is a bird that is the size of a small Cesna. No joke this photo was taken with only a 120mm lenz, the bird was a mile away. We guessed the wing span to be 2.5 meters across or 9 feet across. The wing was probably 18 inches wide. Sherpas tell us that they will pick up a baby yak.

Snore Fest

Hello Everyone,
Sorry we have not been able to post throughout the journey. We had technical difficulties. Basically the dashboard of my blog has been somehow switched to Chinese characters. "Technical difficulty" is a subtle description.

We have had a great journey only rough by the fact that almost everyone snored and snored loud. No one could sleep and no one wanted to stay with this person or that person. This person purs that one sounds like a deisle engine. (Roger sounds like a diesel engine that is breaking down). He thinks he does not snore.

To all the English contigent, Roger says hello to field church. John pushed him up the hill. Dont tell him I told you.

Other than the snoring the trip was fantastic. We all hiked a small peak called Gokyo and arrived at 17600 feet.

More to come. Just wanted to let you know that we are down and survived sleep deprevation. England, Please email so they "think" you love them. Matt

The Way is Beautiful

Will she live or will she die? This is the question that came to mind. I was on the 4th floor of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance waiting for the nurse with the clipboard to come out and call my name. It was my 5th anniversary from transplant last Monday, October 4th, 10. I was in for my 6 month check up. The woman perpendicular to me sat in a wheel chair. Her head slumped, too tired from the Chemo sessions. Her bald head a pale grey color with a few wisps of hair. She wore slippers because her feet were too swollen to fit into shoes, side effects of the chemo and an alchemy of drugs. A tear came from the corner of her eye. I knew exactly what she was thinking. I was in her same position physically, spiritually, emotionally. Just 5 years ago I sat with death just as she does now. In 3 days I fly back to the Himalaya for another trek. The journey to get back to the mountains I love I remember well. I see my journey reflected in the woman sitting in the wheel chair in front of me. She sits up, straightens her head and wipes the tear from her cheek. She flattens the wrinkles on the thigh of her pant. I know what she is thinking: I am alive now and whichever direction life takes me it will be good. The nurse with the clip board calls my name and a rush of emotion fills me. Images pass through my mind like a fast slide show. Whatever my blood readings reveal today I know I am alive now and which ever direction life takes me it will be good. The woman in the wheel chair turns her head my way as I rise from the chair. She knows exactly what I am thinking. We smile into each others eyes, mind, and heart.