Relative Something

What might be the next best thing to climbing the mountain called Everest? I suggest, for the non-technical climber, it could simply be standing on a nearby summit to enjoy a first-hand view of the highest mountain on Earth. In Nepal the head of the sky is called Sagarmatha. In two weeks, I leave home in Minnesota, U.S.A. to participate in a 7-person, 3-week trek in the Solu Khumbu of Nepal with a goal of reaching Gokyo Ri (17,500 ft.) to view the Earth Mother.

For some perspective, let me point out that Nepal is pretty much on the opposite side of the northern hemisphere from me. I was born and raised in an area of approximate altitude of 700-950 ft. above sea level. I travel very rarely and have never experienced the degree of cultural and economic disparity that I can expect on this trip. This can be called a trek for me in more ways than one. Preparations have been in process for months, but it feels like it is getting down to the wire now and there is an increasing level of anxiety that is showing up.

Today, I picked off some of the little tasks. I laminated some ID and medical information and used a permanent marker to write my name and address on the inside of my bags. Every little step accomplished helps keep the task of preparing from feeling overwhelming. You know, as in, fooling myself. In the mean time, I am becoming increasingly  reverent about every visit to a toilet that offers a seat, to a hot shower of unlimited duration, to my bed; well in advance of how much I will grow to appreciate them in the weeks to come.

On Thursday, April 2, I fly to Los Angeles and then on to Bangkok, Thailand, and after a night’s layover there, to Katmandu, Nepal. After two days, we fly to Lukla, either by Twin Otter or helicopter (I’m leaning toward wanting a ride in a helicopter, but either one sounds “exciting”). We’ll tread the same path as those whose goal includes the death zone at the top of the world, visiting places like Namche Bazaar and Tengboche Monastery. There will be prayer wheels and flags and mantras of ‘om mani padme hum’. Our ultimate elevation will be higher (should I be allowed to achieve it) than Base Camp of the climbers of Everest. Cerebral Edema will not hesitate to take a life at lesser heights than this, if one disregards the signals.

I intend to actually write by hand in a journal during the weeks of the trek to capture details of our adventures. I am sincerely looking forward to being beyond the reach, and for me, subsequent lure, of my usual technologies. So, upon my return, I should hope you will find a series of posts on this site describing the wonder of it all and that you will be intrigued enough to return and explore them with me here.

Namaste.