Higher Summits

Thank you everyone for the kind birthday wishes. Sorry I am so bad about reciprocating, I truly do care, I just don't spend much time on Facebook. I was blessed by a number of friends who came by to visit me at home since I have just recently returned from the hospital where I had emergency trauma surgery on my hip and shoulder. I had a bike malfunction which caused me to slam the pavement at 30 mph and shatter my pelvis with my femur. Now that I have plates the long process of healing can begin. Your prayers and encouragement are welcome and if Facebook is teaching me anything it is that I should open it up more often just to be sure you all are doing ok, and that if you need help I can crutch beside you.

After 19 and 1/2 years of looking back at AmaDablam as a mountain or symbol of failure, fear, and doubt I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to come back and face it, to see it not as a nemesis but rather an opportunity to right a wrong (friend not foe). Yesterday morning I was able to stand on top of this beautiful mountain for the best view of my life. Much gratitude and respect must be given to my team .mace and the strongest, most capable team of Sherpas without whose help we would not have succeeded Pemba Gyalzen, Rinji Sherpa, and Nima Sherpa. Amazing experience of which I am proud to have played a small part. Also thankful for the prayerful support of family and friends at home which lifted all of us up to great heights. @ Ama Dablam

After 19 and 1/2 years of looking back at AmaDablam as a mountain or symbol of failure, fear, and doubt I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to come back and face it, to see it not as a nemesis but rather an opportunity to right a wrong (friend not foe). Yesterday morning I was able to stand on top of this beautiful mountain for the best view of my life. Much gratitude and respect must be given to my team .mace and the strongest, most capable team of Sherpas without whose help we would not have succeeded Pemba Gyalzen, Rinji Sherpa, and Nima Sherpa. Amazing experience of which I am proud to have played a small part. Also thankful for the prayerful support of family and friends at home which lifted all of us up to great heights.

19.5 years ago I was flown out of this basecamp with a severe case of pulmonary edema after a bad fall. I was here with and with his support we summited Everest the following year. We are back and I have to thank God for the peace I feel as we climb higher and for the prayers of family and friends because perfect love drives out fear. Tomorrow we commence to begin to start to get going on our way up and I likely won’t have an update until it is all done, but thanks for your partnership and support. .mace @ Ama Dablam

So much stronger than the old bridge, but just as bouncy. Don’t start when the yaks are coming towards you, but do take in every second.

Got my first view of AmaDablam today. So much bigger in person - pictures don’t do the size or beauty justice. Finally connected with the team and it’s great to be together. Tomorrow they will rest while I try to touch 17,000’. Next day will be basecamp. Feeling good so far, Joseph Hobby needs to heal up from his bronchitis though - please put him in your prayers.

Sitting here having breakfast I turned to look out the window behind my head- wowza. Konde peak. Gods handiwork evidenced in every step, turn of the head, friendship.

As I awake this morning and look out at the Khumbu I see countless colorful prayer flags, I look at them as more of a representation of the colorful people that strung them up. So today I will let these things remind me to pray as it says in 2 Thessalonians- without ceasing.

Found this image on the wall of the Khumbu Lodge in Namche Bazaar. It details the road ahead if you are at all curious what our team is up to.

Not ADA approved. One of the biggest trail hazards for a blind trekker - both from the front and what comes out the rear.

Was able to get a ride out of Kathmandu today, finally settling in and settling down after all the travel. Now it’s time to find a nice trail pace and pray for good weather and good health for the team. Check out the “mountain Crocks” on my porter. @ Namche Bazar