 Mt. Vinson journal entry:
Nov. 17, 2008
“The
journey has begun. I am at the airport and want to shout to
everyone I pass…”I’m going to Antarctica!” Just the sound
of it is so amazing to me. I have dreamed of stepping foot
on this continent for many years. Now, in a few days, I
will begin my quest for summit #6. I am overwhelmed with
emotions. I am excited, nervous, hopeful, joyful, blissful,
and apprehensive all at once. The mountain doesn’t scare
me, but the cold is worrisome. I will be camping in
Antarctica for at least two weeks. Am I crazy?! Sometimes
I think I have lost my mind. Spending $40,000 to freeze my
body to bone chilling depths does not seem sane to me. On
the flip side, spending $40,000 to fulfill a priceless dream
makes perfect sense. So what drives me to these exotic, far
away lands? That pure pleasure that I melt into, when faced
with adventure and challenge. This climb will be extremely
difficult in many ways. The cold is an obvious factor. We
were told to expect tent temperatures of –25 and temps
outside could get down to –100, if wind chill comes into
play. Then comes the element of sled dragging. You can
train for it, which I did, but nothing prepares you for the
grunt work involved in pulling 50-60 pounds uphill, when the
air is thin. At times it is torturous, but finishing the
days work is exhilarating. Couple these factors with the
addition of a 50 pound pack, and you have the recipe for an
expedition. So my mind is set, my 52 year old bones are as
good as they are going to get, and my spirit soars…at least
for now. I am moved by the joys of my life at this moment
in time. I have gratitude in my heart for the gifts I have
been given. Family, loved ones, and health, are the riches
of my life. Time to dive in head first. Goodbye creature
comforts.” |
