Mothers Are The Best

I just got off the phone with my MOM (and Dad). It's Mother's Day! At Everest Base Camp, many of us are thinking of our Mothers. As my sister, Paula, says, "If it isn't one thing, it's your Mother!"

MOM, please stop worrying about me! (I know it's what you do, no matter what)

My Dad is faithfully reading Billi's blog (along with my exceptional blog, so full of information and photos!). When I told him I haven't had the energy to spend time on the computer, he said I don't have to write anything, only a daily post that I'm doing okay. I will try to post more often and I'll let Billi know the pressure is on! (I've already told her).

So here's another post to say I'M DOING FINE!

We are resting at Everest Base Camp, reading books, watching movies, playing cards, eating constantly, playing Scalextric and drinking afternoon beers. Everyday is still a bad hair day but we are having fun.

The hard work acclimatizing is done and the waiting game has begun. We have climbed as high as we will go without oxygen. Now we are waiting for the "weather window," when we can go for our summit push. It will be several days, so patience is key right now. As I sit in the White Pod looking around, it doesn't appear that anyone is suffering from impatience.

One of our team members, David Tait (see his blog http://www.davidtait.com/) has already reached the summit. I shouted congrats to David through my tent at camp 3, not realizing I wouldn't see him again. By the time I got back to BC, he was already gone!

So now we are all here at BC, resting. This rest time is giving my muscle time to recover. I am definitely improving and as I told my parents, I don't write about the tough stuff so they will worry - it's just what happens up here. Climbers all over this mountain have colds and coughs, altitude sickness, and all sorts of maladies. Many have left for home. Despite the tough environment, it seems our team is getting healthier and stronger. ME included.

What I enjoy most about this group is the international mix. The only complaint I have is several of the guys are suddenly into doing "Arnold" impersonations. I'm not sure where this came from but I hear enough of that in California! Kind of strange hearing it at Everest Base Camp.

Eugene, the saucisson was magnificent! You didn't want me to share it, did you? (kidding)

I bought an Amazon Kindle before leaving. It is great for mountaineering expeditions or any kind of traveling. The battery lasts for weeks, it's light and can store thousands of books. Having said that, the Kindle store did not have Kitchen Confidential, the book I am currently reading (borrowed from another climber). I did read The Book Thief (enjoyed it -thanks to Molly's friends).

I can hear the Beach Boys playing. Someone needs to change the music. It is snowing like crazy outside.

Love to family - Mom, Dad, Burke, Sandy, Mark, Paula, Will, Ronan, Mickey, Liza, Becky, Jim, Seamus, Fintan, Emily, Anthony, Dominic, Lucy, Brian, MaryLee, Sean, Marisa, Ryan, Katya, Colin, Kevin, Sue, Ashley, Shannon, Caroline, Molly, Pete, Allie, Kelly, Katie, Dan, Alexis, Chloe, James, Helen and Peggy. Did I get everyone? Misspellings? I took a big risk. This was an altitude test. It felt good to just write your names. Miss you!

Megan