Reaching Beyond the Clouds

Everest Metal, Dzi Stone Bead Necklace, and Puja Necklace

This is the metal all summiters received from Nepal’s Minister of Tourism. The Dzi Ancient Stone Bead necklace are the stones given to me by David (the man I met on the plane while flying to Kathmandu). And most important: The Puja necklace which were given to us during our Puja (blessing) Ceremony at base camp. I wore the Azi and Puja necklaces until I was safely home. Now I will place them with a summit photo and my summit certificate in a display case.  

Puja Ceremony, May 21st

Great news! Yesterday my husband and I went to UCLA to see my doctors for my post-Everest check-up. With the exception of my fingers, I do not have any negative health effects from climbing to the top of the world :) I was very diligent about taking my medications: no matter what the circumstances (i.e., it was one of the two things I did on the summit – the other was taking the picture). I have to say that timing my medications around our climbing schedule was tricky but I was determined to stay as healthy as possible so I could complete my goal and it worked!

I am still working on that write-up.  However, I just added some pictures to the photo gallery.

Having fun climbing the Geneva Spur on the way to Camp 4.

Today is the first today a feel semi-normal. Climbing Mt. Everest sure took a lot out of me: but what an amazing experience! Anyway, I just received this photo from guide Bill Allen. I (in the yellow suit) am climbing up the Geneva Spur which is just below Camp 4 at about 26,000 ft. Look closely at the picture. It is a sheer ice/rock wall and if I fell – well, can you see the bottom!?!

Also, I am waiting for some statistics regarding number of American summiters. As of 2009, there have been 375 Americans who have summited Mt. Everest of which 38 were female. So, I know that 40 females have summited (myself and teammate) however I am thinking there are a few more. I am also waiting to see if I was the oldest female to summit this year. I will let you know as soon as I can confirm it.

I am working on the event write-up: really.