Our last night in Lukla was amazing, and it was a deeply enriching and a heart-warming experience, presenting our great group of porters with their tips.  We also held a lottery of gear that had been donated by the group, and one lucky guy was the proud and ecstatic winner of a sleeping bag, which was kindly donated by Beau.

Along with a few drinks and a banquet of local specialties, the night was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to reflect on the trip, and soak up the traditional activities, complete with dancing and singing.

From the vibe and individual feedback, this trip has been an amazing success, and people have been able to not only reach an amazing pinnacle in their life, by standing at the base of the highest mountain on earth, but also immerse themselves in a culture that is so respectful and kind, and also form life-long friendships.

Our boys, Tanka, Depak and Mingma were brilliant, and ensured that everyone’s needs were attended to at all times.  Sumit, who is without doubt one of the best guides and expedition leaders in Nepal, ran a trip that was first rate.  His knowledge during the days which were difficult with group members succumbing to a range of sickness was comforting, and he also allowed Allan to co-ordinate the proceedings and keep the group informed during the advance towards Everest Base Camp.  We have a great team of guys, and with the ongoing support and assistance from Sumit and Lakpa, through their company Himalayan Ascent, and now feel this is a trip where clients can speak and be led by people who have climbed the mountains which feature on the trek, and share their personal experiences and hardship’s.  Along with the unique opportunity to spend time in Base Camp, it is these features that make this trip so different and special than standard treks.

On behalf of Allan and I, we would like to reinforce the incredible spirit and determination that we saw in 11 people who dared to venture to the top of the world.  We hope that this will be a memory that will live on with you for many years to come.  Your family and friends should be so proud of the amazing achievement by each and every one of you.

Thanks again and all our love

Sharon and Allan

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams – Eleanour Roosevelt

As we neared the top of the final ascent, with distant views of Everest Base Camp, we were greeted by Mingma Sherpa, who beared hot drinks and pasta.  The meal was superb, and we enjoyed the opportunity to re-fuel whilst sitting in such an impressive, rugged environment.

After almost 7 hours of trekking up, down and around through the massive boulders, we eventually reached the official start of Everest Base Camp.  This was a wonderful moment for all of us, and the group shared big hugs, celebrating such a wonderful achievement.  This was an incredibly tough journey, and the personal satisfaction was beaming on everyone’s face.

The team in EBC

For Sharon and I, on a personal level, it was so gratifying watching an amazing bunch of people, who during the course of the journey, formed such a great bond, be given the opportunity to fulfill a personal goal.  It is a difficult trek, and each step of the journey, as we rise in altitude, creates a new challenge.  There are brilliant days, and days you may wish to forget, but this is exactly what makes it so special.  You have to work hard to achieve success, and these guys should feel so proud of their efforts.

Needless to say, after such a strenuous day, bed is the first thing on your mind, and everyone nestled into their tents, spending the first night sleeping directly on the glacier.  This is a totally unique experience in itself, with the ice cracking below you, and the rumbling of avalanches crashing down from the nearby peaks.

A day to relax and explore (9th of May 2012)

We all woke to a glorious sunny day, with a layer of snow covering the landscape.  Sitting outside in the warmth, we drank coffee and took in the views of the  Khumbu Icefall.  Looking up through the myriad of ice formations and towering pinnacles, I tried to mentally navigate a safe path through it, which brought back some fond and not so fond memories of last year.

After a difficult night thinking about what was happening back home, Jenny and Geoff made the decision to return home.  They had both set out on a glorious journey to trek to the base of the highest mountain on earth, and they achieved this. It was sad to see them leave, as they both brought so much humour, entertainment and compassion to the group, but it was the right decision. As with life there is always a positive and Jenny & Geoff’s was to experience another one off and depart via helicopter taking in the spectacular views of the Khumbu Icefall on a perfect day.  Everyone misses you both, and sends their love and support during this difficult time.

For the rest of us, we just plodded around at our leisure, including a visit into the lower reaches of the Khumbu Icefall, an area where trekkers do not normally have access to.  It was a great opportunity to appreciate the sheer scale of the glacier, and the intricacy of the  icefall, whilst having the pleasure of witnessing some of the finest snow angel maneuvers Everest Base Camp had to offer.

Jenny and Rachael, who we met last year, and who have returned again to volunteer their services as doctors at the ER tent, gave the group a quick tour and explanation of what they do and what equipment they have available to them on the mountain.  Along with Ashish from Nepal, they work extremely hard, and have treated over 400 patients so far during this season and we made it 402, but they were given a clean bill of health.

On our final night in everest base camp we experienced minus 15 (in our tent), needless to say the night time toilet activity was kept to a minimum. All these challenges were bearable however, with the other luxuries including our personal chef Rabin, Persian rugs in our heated dining tent, home made chocolate cake and yoghurt and KFC style chicken.

Time to head down (10th of May 2012)

We had planned to leave early for an ascent of Kala Patar, but the forecasted inclement weather was accurate, affording no view of Mt Everest.  We decided then to skip the climb and slowly meander back down the valley, ending up in either Lobuche or Pheriche.  The going was slow, due to snow and ice on the rocks, and the bad weather intensifying, so we decided to stay in rocking downtown Lobuche.

In Deboche (11th of May 2012)

After a 6 hour trek, dropping almost 1100m in altitude from Lobuche, we arrived at the Rivendell Lodge at Deboche.  This is a really nice place, with good food and comfortable rooms.  It also has showers, so we all took advantage of a quick 7 minute wash.  Everyone is feeling stronger the further we descend, and by the time we approach Lukla, we will all be running.

We had a great night and everyone had a chance to watch our Everest film.  We also met a fantastic group of girls from Saudi Arabia, who are actually climbing to Everest Base Camp to raise funds for breast cancer.

Today, we left reasonably early, and spent some time inside the Tengboche Monastery, before commencing the long steep drop and then back up into Namche Bazaar.  The Saturday markets were on, and we had a chance to observe the trading activities between the Nepalese from all around the region as well as people from Tibet, who carry their goods across the border.  All kinds of items are on offer here, from food, to livestock and clothing.  It is a pretty interesting experience, and we will be able to walk through the chaos before continuing our descent to Monjo.  Before we leave though, we will have just enough time to devour a few pizza’s and cake in Namche.

At this stage we are a day ahead of our schedule, and will probably fly out of Lukla on the morning of the 14th, arriving back at the Hotel Tibet in Kathmandu around lunchtime.

It has been a real struggle to find any access to the internet, hence the delay in posting our progress on the net.

All going to plan, we will post another blog when we arrive in Lukla tomorrow.

Until then, speak soon.  To all family and friends who have been posting messages, everyone has been getting them and loves hearing of the news from home.

We are all doing well and can’t wait to see you all when we get home.

Cheers

Allan and Sharon

We headed off early this morning to a beautiful sunny day on the ascent to Lobuche.  After a quick climb out of Dingboche, we entered a glorious valley with views around us of Ama Dablam and Lobuche East at the head of the valley, guiding us in toward our eventual destination later in the day. 

After a few hours of walking, we arrived at Duhkla, a small two teahouse stop.  After a cup of ginger lemon tea we continued up a steep valley, working our way through the rocks that lead up to a plateau where many memorials have been built in memory of the climbers who lost their lives on Everest.  This is always a special place for us to sit and reflect, and a chance to show our respect.

The terrain levels out from here, and gradually rises into Lobuche.  We arrived in the early afternoon, after a fairly tough day.  Having risen more than 500 metres, which at altitude is a big day, it was our last opportunity to have some rest and re-energise before our final push into Everest Base Camp tomorrow.

This is going to be our toughest day, and we have allowed ourselves 8 hours, with a light lunch in Gorak Shep, and then continue up the valley for a 2nd lunch on the trail.  Rabin, who has been our amazing expedition cook for many years, is going to head down from Base Camp to meet up with us and treat everyone to a little alfresco dining Everest style.

Hopefully we can post another blog from Everest Base Camp.  Everyone is travelling well, and looking forward to getting into EBC.

Speak soon

Allan and Sharon

A lot of special love being sent from Geoff and Jenny to Jenny’s father Tony Davis.  Love you big time Dad xoxoxo

That climb will be a lot more fun on the way down – Jenny    

We arrived at the Snow Lion lodge, and it was the busiest lodge we have been inside.  After a few quiet words, and a little bit resorting, there was enough room for us all, and we settled in to the best food to date.  This was our first opportunity to head up into the village, and check our emails in one of the four internet huts.  The walk was interesting to say the least, seeing a new born foal, Nepalese children with rosie cheeks playing on the trail, and dodging the yak trains heading down the village.

One of the local yak’s invaded the one and only shower, however after a quick response by the local lady of the house, who managed to accurately throw a few rocks at the beast, he was soon on his way.

Before retreating to the ice cave’s (bedrooms), we enjoyed an hour or so of warmth, courtesy of a glowing yak dung fire.

Today, as a rest day, we were afforded a little luxury, with a sleep in until 7.00am.  After breakfast, we ascended the ridge behind the village for a Sunday afternoon stroll.  We managed to get some great photos, before finally reaching a height of almost 4900m.  We watched the locals erect new prayer flags, burn incense and throw rice.  After inquiring with one of the Sherpa’s why they did this, we were informed that there would be a reason.

After our little adventure, the crew were looking forward to a lamb roast, but had to settle for spam burgers and chocolate brownies.  There is now a bit of a jostle for the showers, and we are preparing ourselves for the final two day push before we reach Everest Base Camp.

The next few days will be a constant push up hill, with a some long days.  The effort will all be worth it when we finally arrive in Base Camp.  Everyone is managing the altitude really well, and apart from a few headaches, and mild nausea, which seems to get fixed with a hot chocolate or two, and the odd diamox, we are travelling well.

We have heard that there was a massive avalanche in the Annapurna region.  We are a long way from this region and our thoughts go out to the families and friends who lost loved ones.

Everyone is safe and well and sends their love back home.

To family, friends and children, remember you can send your messages via the email and they will be passed on.

Speak soon

Sharon and Allan

Everest – It will bring tears to your eyes and leave them frozen to your face

As with any trek of this nature, it can sometimes be difficult to follow the scheduled itinerary, particularly when considering issues such as the weather or the health of individual members.

This has certainly been the case, with quite a few of the team experiencing some particularly difficult days due to illness.  Incredibly though, we are still on track, despite all that has been thrown at us, which is a true reflection of the tenacity and resilience of our group, and also the camaraderie and mate-ship that has developed along the journey.

Where have we been beside the drop toilet?

On the night prior to leaving Namche Bazaar, a few of the guys were feeling pretty sick. We had an early start scheduled, but decided it would be best to assess the wellness of the team in the morning before making the final decision to continue toward Base Camp.  Having a reasonable level of flexibility and contingency days in the itinerary, this wouldn’t have been a problem.  Not surprisingly though, everyone wanted to push on, and so the decision was made.

The traditional route out of Namche involves a steep climb into Tengboche, home of the largest monastery in the Khumbu region, but we opted for the less travelled trail on the other side of the valley to Phortse.  It is a beautiful walk that eventually leads down to the river, with one final steep push into the village, which sits at around 3800m.

We settled into a comfortable tea-house where we were treated to some warm family hospitality whilst it snowed outside.  We sat around the warm stove, drinking tea and listening to Geoff’s jokes.  Jenny ordered a hot lemon tea in Nepalese, and ended up with three beers whilst Beau and Anais disappeared outside to explore the village and build a snowman, as this was the first time Anais had actually seen snow.

Later in the evening, after eating dinner, and one final discussion on bowel movements whilst Tim sampled the local Khukri rum, everyone retreated to the warmth of their sleeping bag.

Waking in the morning, we were greeted to a total transformation in the landscape, with the trees and nearby slopes covered in snow.  It was a great opportunity to walk through the snow whilst the sun was shining as we ascended out of quite little village of Phortse.

The views today were stunning, as we looked across the valley to Tengboche and the trail we will be following on the way back down.  After traversing the ridge, which involved a few steep climbs, we eventually descended into Pangboche at 4000m.

After lunch, we headed up to the Monastery where we had our Puja ceremony, granting the group safe passage during the trek.  We presented the Lama with a few cans of beer, some whisky and biscuits, which he offered to the gods.

Everyone is now feeling healthy, and excited about the next phase of the trek.  Tomorrow we head to Dingboche, where we will spend the following day resting, which will include an acclimatization walk to almost 5000m.

Apologies about the delay in getting the blog out however there has been no internet, which has made things a little difficult.

Hopefully we can get the next blog should out on the 6th of May from Dingboche, which will be a combined effort.

Speak soon

Allan and Sharon

It’s not solid but it’s hanging together – Tim

It was a pretty rough night for some of the team who had picked up a nasty bug in Kathmandu.  As Allan and I know only too well, after having been sick on previous trips, this is one of the biggest risks before the trek, and it certainly makes for an unpleasant experience.

The following morning, after a reasonably early start, we entered the Sagamatha National Park, and trekked down to the river, before commencing the long steep ascent of almost 800 metres to Namche.  Everyone coped reasonably well with the altitude, although it made the progress fairly slow.  It was a really strong effort by everyone, and for those who were still feeling pretty ordinary and energy depleted, they really had to dig deep.  We were so impressed, and the determination shown was awesome.

Resting in Namche Bazaar (2nd of May 2012)

We are currently enjoying a beautiful sunny but cold day in Namche, after having returned from our acclimatization walk to the Everest View Hotel above the village at 3800m.  The weather was perfect with a fresh breeze and clear skies, affording us an incredible view of both Mt Everest and Ama Dablam.

We will have some down time this afternoon, and probably head down into the village for coffee and cake, before packing to get ready for tomorrow’s trek up to Phortse.

The team have really bonded and there is a great spirit amongst the group.  We couldn’t have asked for a better bunch of people, and look forward to the weeks ahead.

Everyone sends their love to family and friends, and appreciate all the emails from home.

Speak soon

Sharon and Allan

After getting through the haze in the lower reaches of the valley, we were treated to spectacular views of the Himalaya’s.  As per normal, the landing was interesting, with a loud roar of excitement on a successful touchdown.

Our porters are almost set, and we will start the walk to Monjo, leaving Lukla (2820m) at around 9.00am.  We will be walking for around 5 hours today, which is a good introduction to the next 18 days.

Everyone is super excited and ready to get going.

Speak soon

Allan and Sharon

After a quick discussion on staying healthy in Kathmandu, everyone chilled out for a few hours, settling into their new home.

We all walked into Thamel, where we spent a great night eating pizza and pasta and having a few drinks in one of the rooftop restaurants.

Today, the group have headed out on a half day tour of some of the sights of Kathmandu, whilst we finalise the permits and flight details for Lukla.  We will have the opportunity to do a shop this afternoon, and pick up any last minute trekking gear and little luxuries like chocolate.

It will be early to bed tonight, as we have a 4am start.  We are on the first plane out and will arrive in Lukla around 7.00am, ready and eager to get started on our great adventure.

Everyone is doing well, and sends their love back home.

Speak soon

Sharon and Allan

If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there – Lewis Karroll

One in All in Ball – Sydney

We were in Sydney on the 24th of March for the One in All in ball at the Hilton.  It was an incredible night, and we had the pleasure of meeting Alyson Walter and her committee, who, after a year of planning, put together a phenomenal world class event.  Alyson, a beautiful, confident 24 year old lady, lost her mother to breast cancer 4 years ago , and through her sad loss made a decision to raise funds for cancer research.  The  night was a great success, with a huge amount of money being raised, and subsequently donated to the Australian Cancer Research Foundation.  

Thanks guys for making Allan and I feel so welcome, it was a pleasure meeting you all.

Food Bank

Allan and I headed down to Brisbane for a few days, and spent a few hours at the Lakes Pantry.  This is a wonderful program, which was started by Lee, an energetic, warm hearted man, who dedicates so much of his time to making sure people have access to free or really cheap quality groceries.  Mum volunteers her time there a few of times a week, and it was great for us to turn up and be a small part of it.  It is people like Lee and his off-sider Lois, who don’t seek recognition or praise for the amazing job they do, and are only driven by a desire to help others.

The NSAA UnConvention

We spent a few nights on the Gold Coast at the National Speakers Unconvention.  It was a fantastic weekend, and a great opportunity to witness some incredible speakers in action.  We took part in workshops, networked with talented people and shared our story.  The highlight for us was the Gala event, and seeing a wonderfully talented man, Allan Parker, being recognised for his outstanding contribution to the speaking industry over the years, after having gained so much respect and admiration from his peers and the people he has mentored and helped.

Our mate Tara Diversi, who was in charge of co-ordinating the exercise program each morning, with a light run along the coast, somehow convinced me, with the encouragement of Darren, that Allan and I were going to do the Gold Coast Marathon with them.  I, without much thought agreed, and later told Allan that he would be running 42 km’s in July.  After he picked his jaw up off the floor, we accepted the challenge.

Channel 7

Channel 7 News from Brisbane flew up on Saturday the 27th of April to do a story on Allan and I and the Everest Base Camp Trek.  Reporter Carly Waters and cameraman Jimmy Cannon were superb and run interviews with Allan and I and Geoff and Heather, who are trekking from Cairns.  We had planned to summit the Pyramid that morning, but due to horrid weather, settled for the Red Arrow.

No matter how many times you rock up in front of the camera, it is always unpredictable, I just never know what I am going to say.  We are heading for Nepal on Monday and will miss the story, but it will be on the Channel 7 News (Queensland) on Tuesday night.  There should be a link on the website if you are interstate or overseas and want to have a look.

Everest Base Camp

The Everest Base Camp trip starts in only 4 days.  Everyone is so excited, and we cant wait to see the team in Kathmandu.  The first few days are going to be fairly hectic, running around grabbing the last of the gear and a few treats, but once we are in the mountains, the pace will change.  It is a place where your everyday worries take a backseat, where you appreciate your surroundings and contemplate life.  We can’t wait to get going.

This post is dedicated to Pete Shoemark, who on the 15th of April 2012, at only 53 years of age, sadly lost his battle with cancer.  Pete is the friend and brother of our best mates Rob and Di.

Men often become what they believe themselves to be.  If I believe I cannot do something, it makes me incapable of doing it.  But when I believe I can, then I acquire the ability to do it even if I didn’t have it in the beginning. – Mahatma Gandhi

I had the most amazing opportunity to speak to all the wonderful leaders from all over QLD who run a great fundraiser.

Relay for Life stands to Celebrate, Remember and fight back and sharing my story with the group was truly rewarding.

The theme at this year leadership summit was “the Greatest show on Earth”  a magical circus and they introduced me as “the strongest Woman”. How funny!

A big thank you to Amanda Beardmore and of course the lovely Natalie Wurst. These two incredible women work tirelessly to help keep Relay fun and an outstanding success throughout QLD each year.

Thank you so much for sharing your story with everyone. You are truly an inspirational person.-Amanda Beardmore, senior co-ordinator Relay For life

Relay is truly a magnificent event and if you are interested in participating or getting a team together head to their website and find out more.

www.relayforlife.org.au

So who do you relay for?

Sharon

x

It is always a treat to catch up with mum whenever I am in Brisbane. She is my biggest fan and always makes me smile! Love you!