Reaching Beyond the Clouds

Wonderful interview just released:

Distinguished People by Qatar Social and Cultural Center for the Blind. (English version)

Distinguished People by Qatar Social and Cultural Center for the Blind. (Arabic version)

Last night at sunset I had a photo shoot for an Everest-related story. I had put my two Everest blessing necklaces on and by the end of the shoot: one was missing. In the darkness I looked for an hour, I found the blessing string but not the ancient stone bead that was on it. I was so sad I actually started morning its loss. I cannot explain the meaning of these objects other then I wore them from the moment I stepped into the Khumbu Icefall and until I walked into my home. I am not superstitious but they were part of me during those 60-days away from my family. This morning my husband, who just had hernia surgery four days ago, woke me up at 5:30 AM and said let’s go find that bead. So we drove to Cal State Fullerton (where I lost it the night before) and in the dirt parking lot of the aboretum – he found it!!!! I have the best husband :)

The bead is on the necklace in the center. It was given to me by a man I met on the plane on my way to Kathmandu. He told it it brings positive energy to whomever wear it.  

Dzi Stone Bead recovered!

Last night a group of local and not-so-local climbers got together for dinner. Some we had met on the mountain while others became new friends. I felt bad for the waitress. I don’t think she got the food order in until about 9 PM because everyone was having so much fun talking. Sounds like we need a weekend backpacking trip for this group so we can chat all night over the campfire. 

Larry and I just returned home from hiking the Grand Canyon. We had a great trip: hiked down to the Phantom Ranch and back up the next day. As always, we met some new friends.

Beautiful (but hot) day to hike down the Grand Canyon.

Hiking is a great way to meet new people.