McAloo and the Taj Mahal

Kevin and I kidnapped Karishma, dragged her kicking and screaming out of Microsoft and took a 3-day road trip on the Indian “Golden Triangle” down to Agra (Taj Mahal) and Jaipur (lots of Palaces).  At the Taj, it cost Karishma about 50 cents to get in (being an Indian) and for us "white people" Kevin and I cost about $15 each. So we took turns at the rest of the attractions pretending to me married to her. :) Turns out that there was suppose to be a second Taj, all back for the king, but he was arrested before he could build it by his cheapie son.

Driving in India is a trip: mass chaos, oncoming traffic, dust, people, bikes, cows, scooters, and more mass chaos. Plus they drive on the "wrong" side of the road, which really dosen't matter since the concept of a lane has not made it to India yet. They actually have a road sign that says "Please drive on the correct side of the road."

We stopped at a tin ruf, mud floor roadside café and it rocked the house, the three of us ate for about $1-and it was the best Indian meal I ever had. Along the way we also stopped at a McDonalds just to see the 100% vegetarian menu and I had a "McAloo" (or potato patty with super cool spices) that was an experience.  

Hari Krishna and a Traditional Indian Dinner

I am sitting in the Microsoft Office in Delhi, India after a great afternoon and evening yesterday. Kevin and I landed in Delhi and Karishma took us to the the Lotus Temple and the ISKCON (International Society of Krishna Consciences) Temple while a Puja was going on. The people at the Puja was so inviting and the Hari Krishna singing and dancing was totally awesome. A truely unique experience.

After that we went to Karishma's Aunt and Uncle's house and had a typical Indian meal and stayed up late talking and catching up. Oh boy did I eat well!

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Well the Maoists and 3-day general strike is over but it left Kathmandu a mess. At least two bombs went off yesterday and power was lost several times. The Army was all around the city all day today. Garbage and such is everywhere.

Well the trek to Everest was not as dangerous as the Maoists in Kathmandu, except for a sivere sunburn and about 22 pound weight loss I am fine. No altitude sickness (only went under 19,000') and no "runs" or anything like that. I did accidentally delete all the messages in my inbox, so I have no idea who sent me email when I was away. Oh well, ORCSweb Team to the rescue (Like always)!

Off to India, more on the trip soon!

After 21 days of hiking in the fresh air without hearing any automobiles or seeing any paved roads, phones, electricity and all work was done by human power or animal power, it was kind of strange getting back to the busy city of Kathmandu today to witness a 3-day general strike. 2.2 million people live here but a general strike because of the Maoist rebellion has reduced the city to a standstill, no cars, and sometimes even no power.

Soon I will be reunited with my laptop and have a high-speed connection in India, move news to come...

Snowball Fight at the Top of the World (17,400')

We all made it and are feeling great. Summited Kala Patar at 18, 500' and went to Base Camp (17,400'). Spent three days and two nights at Everest Base Camp. Before we left, out last morning we had 6 inches of new snow and the sherpas (16 of them!) attacked us in a snowball fight, it was not pretty.

Internet sucks, so more detals later in the week...

Rest day at Namche Bizarre (11,500')

We arrived yesterday at the sherpa village of Namche Bizarre and today is a rest day to deal with the altitude. Civilization, sort of, shower, internet (dial up speeds) and a warm bed to rest up for the push to base camp. Tomorrow we head to higher elevations well over 12,500' and eventually to 19,000' over the glaicer down to Base Camp (17,500') next week.

We did an early morning stroll to the outskirts of town to see the spactular mountaion views (photos to come when I get home) and got the first glimpse of Everest today, what a sight. We are still about 5 or 6 days out, depending on how strong we all are.

Wally got the permit to summit (at $60,000 US) for the climbers, so they are very excited it is a very special time, since we are the only expidition on the mountian with a summit permit. Since Wally has a permit, Kevin and I get to spend some significant time at Base Camp and witness the Sherpa Puja at the icefall on September 12th.

Dinner at Rum Doodle (4,500')

So many Everest summit trips have a farewell dinner at the Rum Doodle the night they leave Kathmandu and we are no different. A great night was had by all and we leave tomorrow to start our trek. I am all packed and ready to deal with the altitude, etc. Wish me luck!

 Staging in Kathmandu (4,500')

Wally met with us today for the “talk” about the ins and outs of the expedition. Also met the climbing sidar Sherpa today, a very impressive man who has summitted 4 times. We fly to Lukla Wednesday to start the trek. We will be arriving at Mt. Everest Base Camp on September 11^th, a strange day to make it there. A Buddhist ceremony early in the morning on the 12 marks the official beginning of the ascent for the rest of the team. Kevin and I will be spending at least 2 nights at Base Camp helping the expedition get settled in.

Here are the climbers bios:

Wally Berg, Canmore, Alberta

A four-time Everest summitter, Wally Berg is BAI’s founding director and head guide. His achievements in planning, organizing and guiding successful mountaineering expeditions have established him as one of the world’s foremost expedition leaders.

David Burger, Boulder, Colorado

David Burger has guided throughout the world for decades and has climbed to above 6,000m more than 50 times. In 2002, he was part of the successful BAI guiding team on Ama Dablam. When he is not guiding, David is an executive coach and senior team builder.

Maegan Carney, Seattle, Washington

 Two-time World Freeride/Extreme Skiing Champion Maegan Carney aims to be the first American and first woman to complete a ski descent of Mt. Everest. Now making her home in Chamonix, France, her passion is for climbing peaks and skiing obscure, steep couloirs. In 2002, Carney made the first descent of 24,000-foot Cholatse Peak in Nepal.

Brad Johnson, Ridgway, Colorado

To The Summit and Safe Return

Train Harder. Climb Longer.

After more than 8 months of preparation, Kevin and I are in Kathmandu to begin our trek to Mt. Everest. We are waiting for the other 5 trekkers and 4 climbers. (who are going to the top!)

To all of my friends and family reading this, you know me well, I will be safe. Thanks for your support. And Dad, one day I will return to this mountain with you.