Firstly, we would like to express our sincere condolences to the families and friends who lost loved ones in the tragedy of the Agni Airlines crash in Nepal on the 24^th of August 2010.  We only heard of the news whilst up in the mountains, through the Sherpa grapevine, and due to the isolation and no access to communications, we couldn’t get any accurate details, apart from the fact that no one had survived.  I cannot explain the sadness I felt, knowing that 14 people had lost their lives either trying to get home or fulfil their dreams visiting a land of extraordinary beauty and spirituality.

What a trip

We arrived safely back in Kathmandu yesterday, after managing to get the first flight out of Lukla, whilst the clouds lifted.  We had an amazing trip, full of adventure, sadness and joy.

After a slow start, spending four boring yet interesting days in Kathmandu Airport, unable to get into Lukla due to bad weather, we managed to secure a seat on a helicopter, which was heading up into the Himalaya’s to collect some stranded trekkers from a village near Lukla.  The flight was quite an incredible experience, and we captured some amazing views of the valley, mountains and surging river.

We struck bad weather and clouds about half an hour from Surke, our intended destination and were forced to land in an open field perched high on a ridgeline.  To our amazement, a tribe of excited school kids who heard the chopper, made there way to our landing pad.  It was a fantastic sight, with at least 100 smiling faces beaming at the four occupants of the strange flying craft.  We jumped out and took photos and mixed with the locals, waiting for the weather to improve.  It was a moment I will never forget.

Once the weather settled, we managed to get underway again, and taking off was a beautiful sight, with a sea of waving hands bidding us farewell.

The Trek

We landed in Surke and caught up with Mingma Sherpa, who was to accompany us up to Gokyo.  He was so excited and big hugs were exchanged, even with Thommo, who he had never met before, and we commenced our journey.

The beauty of trekking during the monsoon season is the complete isolation.  It feels like you have the entire area to yourself.  We saw only two other trekkers the entire time, due to flights not being able to get into Lukla.  The downside, of course, is the constant rain and limited views of the mountains, enveloped in cloud. I couldn’t help think that Thommo believed that Everest and the other Himalayan giants were only a figment of our imagination.

Birthday Gift

We decided to climb Gokyo Ri (5360m) on the 26^th of August.  To my astonishment, the clouds lifted for the first time, presenting us with clear views of Everest and Cho Oyu.  It was such a special moment, and Al, Thommo, Mingma and I spent a few hours taking in the panorama.  It was a great opportunity to get in some acclimatization, while contemplating our next challenge, which sat ominously in front of us.

Allan surprised me with some local jewellery which he gave me on the summit, and arranged for a cake for when we got back into Gokyo.  It was the best birthday ever, with breathtaking views and great company.  We even took prayer flags and juniper with us, and had a small Puja ceremony in honour of our boy Bear.

The return flight

I must admit that I was pretty anxious as we took off into the hills from Lukla, particularly in light of what had just occurred.  This is the only part I don’t like about the Himalaya’s, and the chants of the Buddhist monk sitting behind me gave me some comfort.  We finally touched down safely, and felt relieved that we were safe.

Overall, it was a beautiful trip, and we got in some final acclimatization and pack walking before our expedition.  Thommo was an awesome travelling companion, and he had an amazing experience.  He loved joking with the Sherpa people, and had great fun with Mingma, who took an instant liking to him.

We put in some big days, walking for up to 10 hours, and Thommo was always up to the challenge, despite an old niggling knee injury.  We met some beautiful friendly people, and had time to reflect on life, loved ones and of course our next phase, taking on Cho Oyu.

Speak soon

Sharon

The tragedy of life is not death, but what we let die inside of us while we live. – Norman Cousins

We arrived safely in Kathmandu, and have been running around like crazy, getting bits and pieces together for our Gokyo trek.  The weather has been beautiful, and the pollution is certainly not as bad this time of year.

Allan and Lakpa shot out to the airport yesterday to pick up Michael, who was thrown straight into the chaos.  Thommo has absolutely loved Kathmandu and has been on the go since hitting the ground, finding great bargains and testing his bartering skills.

Quick funny story, Michael bought a diary, made from recycled paper last night from the markets. He haggled with the keen shop owner until both were satisfied, and his new book was packaged and handed to him.  Imagine Michael’s surprise when returning to our hotel, his purchase had included an array of Indian delicacies, none of which any of us could recognise.

Seems the shop owner, in his excitement on making a good sale, packaged the diary inside a plastic bag which he had on the counter, forgetting that it actually contained his special selection of sweets for later in the evening.   I think Thommo got the better end of the deal this time around.

Off to the hills

We are heading off to Lukla in the morning, weather permitting.  So excited to get back to the hills, I know I say it all the time, but it is a great time to get back to basics and reflect.

I will try and keep sending updates and will send a blog from Namche Bazaar in about 4 days time.

Speak soon.

Sharon

I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past – Patrick Henry

We have been training hard in Thailand, up to 4 hours a day.  The facilities at Cascade Fitness club are unbelievable, and we have been running, climbing, lifting, rowing, cycling and snoring.

We managed to sneak in a delicious Australian rib eye last night, seeing this will be only a distant memory in Nepal for the next 2 months, with the closest substitute being a tough old Yak steak.

Computer Woes

I am sorry I have not sent a blog earlier, our computer has been playing up and I am not receiving email at the moment, only junk mail.  I have been sending out messages with no reply, so my sent emails are drifting around somewhere in Cyber space.  I am trying to fix the problem today and will hopefully be back up and running soon.

Website

All going well, we will be accessing the website on the mountain with a new state of the art communications system, purchased by the Professionals Real Estate group.  Sumit is still back in Australia learning to use it, so he should be an expert by the time he gets over to Nepal.

Our site will be managed while we are away by Pat, our good mate and Everest summiteer.  You can check out his successful climb this year on his website, patrickhollingworth.com

Our plans

We head to Nepal today, and start our two-week acclimatization walk to Gokyo in three days time.  Thommo, who has been training hard back home, is heading over tomorrow, and the three of us will just take it easy, trying to gain as much altitude as possible.  This will hopefully assist with acclimatization on Cho Oyu, as this expedition gains altitude quickly travelling by truck to base camp, which can bring on altitude sickness.

We will have limited access to technology during this time, but will try and send updates where possible.  We will be walking in the Monsoon season, so it should be nice and wet.

We actually travel to Cho Oyu in the beginning of September, and will be on the mountain for 4 to 5 weeks.  We aim to send an update most days on our progress, although there is only so much that can be said about Base camp and resting.  I aim to relay my thoughts, including my emotional and physical state, and will be honest, no holding back.

Please keep track of our climb, and any comments of support and well wishes will be greatly appreciated.  By the way, you have my permission to tell as many people as you like about the expedition and website, at the end of the day, I am trying to raise awareness for Breast cancer which makes this all the more special to me.

Speak soon

Sharon

The way to your home is in your heart. The Path to your life is in your soul- Unknown author

I can’t believe how quickly time has passed by.  Things have been pretty hectic, but I have had a marvellous time since getting back from Ama Dablam, fortunate enough to travel around the countryside, meeting wonderful people, attending great events and helping raise awareness and raise funds for Breast cancer research.

Now is the time to focus, and concentrate on the task at hand.  I have the 6^th highest mountain in the world in front of me, and I am so determined to reach the summit.  I know there are going to be some pretty tough days ahead, and I will go through many highs and lows, extreme fatigue, self-doubt and adverse conditions.  I know I will be so cold at times that nothing I do will give any relief, and feel like my lungs are going to burst, struggling to take another step, but this is exactly why I have trained so hard for the last 8 months, to hopefully find that little bit extra when it really counts.  My mind is strong, and my body is willing.

Thanks

Before I go, I would like to say thankyou to some very special people for helping me in my climbing quest.  It is amazing how people can have faith in what you are doing and really get behind you, and for that I am so thankful.

For this expedition, we will have communications on the mountain, with access to email and the internet.  This is pure luxury, and has only been made possible through the support of the Professionals Real Estate.  Thanks for believing in me, and allowing me to be part of some amazing fundraising events.  I have had an awesome time, and loved every moment.

To Craig Pinn, we are so fortunate to have met you, and honoured that you are putting together what will no doubt be a fantastic night of fun and fundraising at the Sydney Tattersalls on the 29th October.  We can’t wait to see you again soon.

To Narelle, Colin, Alf, Ron and Wendy from Miessence, a massive thankyou for supplying me with all those quality products for the mountain.  I can’t wait to use them all, I love anything organic, and your products are just so pure and clean, just smelling them makes me happy.  I will certainly feel pampered using them in our Base Camp.

To Lisa-Shae from Bio-Oil, thankyou for the wonderful products, cool jacket and promotional items.  I used this product religiously for my scarring after surgery, and it made such a difference, reducing the scarring and skin damage significantly.

To Narelle Marshall from Food for Health.  Suffering from coeliac, it is great to have access to preservative free food that not only tastes great, but also is gluten free and has no added nasties.  This supply will certainly keep me going on the mountain.

To Graeme and Leigh-Anne from Endura, I love your product and swore by it on our last expedition.  Thanks for your support again, I will certainly be relying on Endura when the going gets tough, hopefully helping me reach the summit.

To the students from Varsity Lakes, the book is packed and I will be referring to your inspirational quotes along the way.

To all my family, friends and supporters, thanks for your ongoing kind words and belief in my quest.  I am honoured to be taking on this challenge, while raising awareness and funds for something I truly believe in.

Acclimatizing

We will be heading for a two week walk into Gokyo with our good mate Thommo, to gain some height and acclimatize before flying into Tibet on the 1^st of September.  Keep in touch, and, all going to plan; I will be placing regular updates of the climb with our new communications set-up.

Our boy Jahn

The hardest part is leaving our beautiful boy Jahn behind for 10 weeks.  We wish he could come with us, he would do fine in the snow.  At least he will get lots of hugs and attention from his Grandma.

Once again, thanks and can’t wait to let you know how we are travelling.

Keep sending through comments, they give me inspiration.

Sharon

When you have a strong enough, compelling enough, exciting enough reason WHY – you will find a way to achieve it. – Deborah Storer

Varsity Lakes

I had the pleasure of heading down to the Gold Coast on Friday to catch up with the wonderful students from Varsity Lakes College.  They made me feel very welcome and keenly listened as I addressed the assembly.   Recently 50 of the students, teachers and parents climbed Mt Warning in NSW to fund raise for Climbingforacause.  They raised $1700.00 on the day. After I gave my speech, I was given a beautiful moleskin pink bound diary full of inspirational quotes from the students and a signed flag of all the summiteers on the day.

It was such a great day and I can’t wait to meet up with the students again.  I would like to say a special thanks to Lisa for your support and kindness.

Packing

Well, all our gear is now packed.  It is unbelievable how much we need for this trip.  Thank goodness for compression sacks, we managed to squeeze it all into four huge duffle bags, and should only weigh in at around 100kg.

We will be leaving a lot of our gear in Kathmandu at the end of this expedition for Everest next year, so that will make the trip home a little easier and less of a hassle.
Leaving on a jet plane

Only 3 sleeps until we head off.  I am really excited and nervous at the same time.  I know this is going to be tough, and I will have to dig deep, but I am pumped.  There are 14 mountains in the world above 8000m, all in Asia, and Cho Oyu is the 6^th highest at 8200m.  Although this climb will not be as technical as Ama Dablam, it is still 1400m higher, which is a massive increase at altitude, making the climb a real mental and physical battle.  It will certainly be a new experience for us both, teaching us how our body adapts and acclimatizes at these altitudes, whilst testing our mental toughness.

Sharon

In the end these things matter most:

How well did you love?  How fully did you love?  How deeply did you learn to let go?

-Buddha

Forster locals sure know how to party. Allan and I just returned from this spectacular town, 300 km’s north of Sydney, where we were lucky enough to be invited along for a magnificent fundraiser.  What a beautiful town, the beaches, the lakes and the scenery were spectacular.

Forster locals sure know how to party. Allan and I just returned from this spectacular town, 300 km’s north of Sydney, where we were lucky enough to be invited along for a magnificent fundraiser.  What a beautiful town, the beaches, the lakes and the scenery were spectacular.

It was a fantastic night, with 200 people attending.  The atmosphere was great, and Ben Price aka Arnie and Borat was in brilliant form, keeping the crowd entertained.

I had an opportunity to address the audience, and provided a viewing of my short video, which was well received, many thanks to all those people who came up wishing me luck on my upcoming climbs, and hopefully found some inspiration in hearing my story.

The people of Forster got right behind the event, which raised over $12,000.  What a great result.

To Darrell & Janine Roche and Richard & Karen Crowther and the magnificent team of the Professionals Forster, thank you for your wonderful hospitality, and congratulations for putting such a successful event together.

A special thanks also to one of the sponsors of the evening, Geoff at Occassions Jewellers, who gave me the Pink NBCF Pandora bracelet on the night.

One of my closest mates, Jane and her husband Bryan drove down from Port Macquarie, and it was a great opportunity to catch up, albeit with a slightly sore head in the morning.

Sharon, Borat and Jane

The headache soon disappeared when we met my relatives, Uncle Henry and Aunty Cheryl, my cousin Craig and his kids Jet and Jayden.  We had a great laugh, and some pretty embarrassing stories were relived in amongst the odd moment of seriousness.  It was one of those perfect days where you wished you didn’t have to leave.

I must say that attending these events, witnessing the amazing community support that the Professionals are able to generate, whilst having the opportunity to meet fantastic people, is all the motivation I need to keep focused on my quest.  There are days where it is tough, where training seems endless,  I am tired and I wonder where the day goes, but I think about some of the ordinary days in the past, and reinforce that I have nothing to complain about, I have an opportunity, and I intend to make the most of it.

As you walk and eat and travel, be where you are.  Otherwise you will miss most of your life – Buddha

Varsity Lakes College on the Gold Coast held a fundraising event on the 27^th of June, with the proceeds going to Climbingforacause.  The students, along with teachers and family members, braved the early morning cold to take on Mt Warning near Murwullimbah.  The climb was a great success, and I was totally in awe of their determination and amazing support for me.  As soon as I get the photos, they will be posted on the site. I can’t wait to travel down to Varsity at the end of the month to meet the students and have a chat.  Thanks again Lisa.

Down suit

My Marmot 8000m down suit finally arrived from the states.  I have tried it on, but had to rip it off after a few minutes, certainly not designed for the tropics.  I look like the Michelin man, and will not be in the stakes for any fashion awards, but at least I will be warm up above 8000 m.

All coming together

The last of our gear arrives this week, and I will do a practice pack to make sure I can fit everything in my two duffle bags.  I will have 2 sleeping bags, 2 sleeping mats, 2 down jackets, a down suit, 3 pairs of boots, plenty of climbing gear and warm clothing for high and low down on the mountain.  Between us, I am guessing there will be over 100kg of gear, but this can’t be avoided.  We plan on leaving a fair bit at Sumit’s place in Kathmandu, seeing we will need it again for Everest next year.

I am training hard, 6 times a week, and feeling pretty good.  Less than a month to go until we leave, and I am really focused on the climb.  We have made all the arrangements for our acclimatization trek up to Gokyo, and our good mate Thommo will be joining us on this leg, before we fly into Lhasa in Tibet in the beginning of September and head up to Cho Oyu base camp.

Life is like a taxi.  The meter keeps running whether you are moving or not. – Unknown

Yeeha everyone.

Beautiful Longreach, I could go on and on about this beautiful part of Australia. The people really make this a special place.  For a town of just over 4000 people, at least 170 horse and riders took part in the Annual Pink Ride for Breast cancer,  run by the Stockman’s Hall of Fame.

The event raised $30,000 and it was such a privilege to be part of it.

The Agricultural College kindly loaned one of their horses Chloe to me and she was a beautiful mare with a really good nature.  I had not been on a horse for 10 years but once back in the saddle, my experience from learning to ride from the age of 8 years old came back very quickly.

The ride starts on Sandalwood Station, which is a magnificent property just out of Longreach.  The ride was 22 km’s and I tell you my bottom really felt it by the end of the day.

The involvement of the community was truly touching and the lengths people went to, to decorate their horses and themselves in pink was hilarious.

Riding such a distance I got to meet and chat with so many people along the way, most of whom had been touched by cancer in some way.  I met a beautiful lady named Sue who was riding for her sister Cath, who lost her battle with Breast Cancer just under 2 years ago aged 43.  Her nephew Edward, who is 15yrs old, also rode in honor of his mum.  Listening to others along the way made me realize how lucky and also how important my role is in raising the awareness for this disease.

Retired footballer Shane Webcke, who is an ambassador for the Stockman’s Hall of Fame rode on the day along with the awesome guys from Black Toyota group.

The evening went very well with auctions and a lovely speech from Leonie Nunn, a local lady who shared her story of Breast cancer.

A big thanks to Prue Fagher, Ranald Shultz , Ben and Marina MaGuire from the Stockman’s Hall of Fame for showing myself and Ben from NBCF such wonderful hospitality during our stay.

Walking through the Stockman’s Hall of Fame was one of the most influential and historical learning experiences and I learnt a lot about the area and our beautiful country.

It was a true pleasure to have met you all and I hope we meet again soon.

Next year I will bid on the R.M Williams Pink Stock whip if I can save enough pennies.

Longreach is famous for a few things but I must say the Qantas slogan, ” The spirit of Australia”, really fits this wonderful place.

It is there, right where you are; If you seek it, obviously you do not see it – Muso Kokushi

One day at home and off we headed to Sydney.  This was such an exciting trip as I got to finalise the last of our gear for Cho Oyu.  I ordered my Marmot down suit and 8000m down jacket.  Walking into the gear shops is like Toys ‘R’ Us for kids, I just can’t get over how the new season gear comes in such awesome colours, even pink.

We caught up with Sumit, our expedition leader and chatted about his successful summit of Everest.  We went through his photos and Allan and I were mesmerised by the beauty of this mountain, then my thoughts quickly shifted to the hard work that lay ahead next year.

We spent a few days with our great friends Rob and Di and met Craig and his wife Janine for dinner at the Spice Temple.  We had a fantastic night and sampled just about every offering on the menu.  Craig and Janine are holding a fundraising event for me later in the year on our return from Cho Oyu. Once I get the flyer I will put the event up on the website.

Stars all round

When we checked into our hotel we were so lucky to meet the beautiful Jacinta Campbell who was crowned Miss Universe, Australia.  She is a beautiful girl who will be a great Ambassador, representing our country for Miss Universe in August.  You go girl!

We also got the opportunity to watch a living legend.  Yusuf (Cat Sevens) has always touched me deeply and I would listen to his music on my IPod when I was going through treatment.  His music and lyrics are so calming and always made me feel just that little bit better.  He is an amazing, spiritual man and it was truly one of the best concerts I have ever been to. Sorry Rob Thomas, love you, but Yusuf now has the crown.

Off to Longreach on Friday for the annual Stockman’s Hall of Fame Pink Ride, can’t wait.

Satisfaction lies in the effort not the attainment.  Full effort is full victory. – Mahatma Gandhi

A Wedding in Broome

Time is certainly passing by at a rapid rate and the countdown is on until I take on my next challenge, climbing Cho Oyu.

I have been really focused the past few weeks, and trying to organise my life around my training schedule.  Some people find this hard to understand but the commitment and dedication I have and need in order to achieve my goals are foremost on my mind.

This does not mean I can’t have fun, and I always have time for my family.  Last weekend, Allan and I flew to Broome to attend my cousin Beck’s wedding and what a beautiful day it was.  Her and her partner Mick exchanged vows over one of the most stunning backdrops in the world, overlooking Cable Beach, with it’s breathtaking sunsets and perfect weather.  To see the red earth meeting the blue ocean is awesome, and a sight I will never forget.

It was really special for me to be with my family, many of whom I had not seen for many years.  To reminisce and listen to stories of the antics we got up to when we were younger was hilarious.

To Beck and Mick, we wish you both the best for the future and thanks for letting us spend this special day with you.

Training in Paradise

Even though Broome is so laid back, fitting in time to train was always on my mind and we managed to modify and improvise our training regime.

Training along Cable Beach was wonderful, and we ran for almost 2 hours.  I must admit, heading out on the hard sand was great, but with the tide coming in, and having to run back in the soft stuff, the going got a little tougher, but the scenery made it perfect.

We also found time to hit the dunes, which was great for the legs.  We added push-ups and squats at the bottom of each run, just to get that little extra burn.

I think it was from the smell of the coffee from Zanders that stopped me in my tracks.  I am a sucker for good coffee and can’t go past a long black done by experienced barista.

Anyhow, we are off to Sydney tomorrow to finalise gear for the Cho Oyu expedition and catch up with Sumit, our expedition leader and celebrate his successful summit of Mt Everest in May this year.

Only 7 weeks to go and the excitement is building.

Don’t let anyone steal your dream.  It’s your dream, not theirs.  – Dan Zadra