January 12, 2012
Dear Family & Friends:
In April of this year, I will be returning to Mt. Everest one last time to attempt a double ascent, which has never been done: ascend and descend on the South side in Nepal, travel to Tibet and then ascend and descend on the North side. This will be my sixth trip to the mountain of my dreams.
I will be climbing from the South side first because the lines are fixed on the South side much earlier than they are fixed on the North side. This will give me the opportunity to summit early in the season on the South side and then travel to Tibet and complete the double summit.
My expedition organizer this year will be Asian Trekking. This will be my fifth year with Asian Trekking. I have not yet selected a Sherpa for this trip, and it is possible I will have a different Sherpa on each side of the mountain. Some of you have asked about Mingma, who was my Sherpa for the last 4 climbs. Our relationship is as strong as ever. My family feels the same way about Mingma, and we hope some day he can come to America to visit us.
Thanks to Ollie, I am getting back to fighting form with my training regime. At this point, I am about 10 pounds overweight. But, this is about where I want to be when I leave for Nepal on April 3 as it gives me a comfortable margin for the 20-plus pounds I will lose on the mountain.
If you are interested in following my 2012 double summit attempt, please register on my website (eightsummits.com) and you will receive e-mail alerts when I post expedition reports from the mountain. If you have already registered, you do not need to re-register.
My good friend Alan Arnett, who summited Mt. Everest in 2011, has one of the best websites covering Mt. Everest and other mountains. He has just posted an interview with me which you may find interesting. Here is the link: http://www.alanarnette.com/blog/2012/01/11/everest-2012-interview-with-bill-burke/#utm_s
I turn 70 years young in March.
God is good.
Bill
If you fail don’t make it your last attempt as long as you feel healthy and have the energy to do it.
Hi Mr. Burke!
I love the comment ‘one last time’…. I am pretty sure those words only came out of your brain onto the page with the urging of your beautiful Bride Sharon 🙂 70 years young is right! You are such an inspiration to everyone you and your story touches. I wish you all success in this adventure and will be following your posts closely and keeping you in prayer.
Blessings,
Debra & Bill Hall
Orange, CA
Looking forward to following your adventure. You are an inspiration to all us “old folks”. Keep it up.
I’ll be watching!
Our members sure you will be success both up and down. Good luck to you!!!!!!
Can’t imagine this time of the year without getting to read and enjoy your climbs. Looking forward to it. All the best to you this year! 😀
Bill…in Ecuador climbing and thinking of you…getting in great shape…this will be your year…will try to get us all together before you leave.
One day at a time,
John
Looking forward to your next climb. You are an inspiration to all.
Looking forward to following another journey with you to the top of the world. You are an incredible inspiration.
Much love always
Looking forward to following your adventure. Your pictures and descriptions make Mt. Everest come alive. Very best wishes for a successful, safe trip. Much love to you and Sharon.
Susie Jasper
welcome back bill, i will be pray for you, hope to see you in nepal.
enjoy the climb vicariously with you….thanks for sharing……enjoy & be safe
I’m so looking forward to April and following you on your trip. I’ve been waiting anxiously since I learned you were planning another adventure. Good luck; I’ll be there with you in spirit. God bless you and keep you safe.
GO Bill GO! We’re looking forward to hearing about your 2012 adventures on Everest!
Thank you so much for your update. I love to hear from you.
One of my friends in Burbank called me the other day to say you would be at the Burbank Museum February 18, 2012. I was so thrilled. I called Mary D & she was going to get in touch with Nancy & Dorothy Barnes (the only living neighbors from Groton Dr. that I know of) & we are going to try to be there by 2 PM to hear you speak of your adventures. I will also let Jerry know. Looking forward to seeing you again. Love & Blessings, Betty
Thanks you so much for your program today. I loved it. I’m looking forward to following your next adventure. I will be praying for your safety, your family, and your fellow climbers.