Dear Family & Friends:
This year, I will be taking some fabulous electronics to Everest which will enhance my reporting to you from the mountain. It has been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. So, take a look at this photo showcasing some of my electronics.
Here are the footnotes:
In my ears-ear buds connected to an i-Pod with my favorite music
In my right hand–Thuruya 2510 satellite telephone which will allow me to call home from anywhere on the mountain, including the summit
In my left hand–Sony IC recorder for keeping a daily log of events
Glasses–high definition camcorder video sunglasses
On my head–high definition Swann video camcorder with a laser pointer to pinpoint what I am filming and an lcd screen mounted on the back so I can see what I am filming and review what I have filmed
On the right side of my chest–Canon G10 still photo camera that was with me on the summit of Mt. Everest in 2009
Hooked to the carabiner on my backpack–Canon HV20 high definition video camcorder that was with me on the summit of Mt. Everest in 2009
Attached to the orange lanyard around my neck–Spot satellite tracking device that will pinpoint my exact location on the mountain which can then be posted on a 3D map on my website
Attached to the black lanyard around my neck–Kestrel 2500 pocket meter that measures temperature, wind speed, wind chill, air pressure, altitude and time.
Not pictured: (i) Sony DVD player for viewing movies in my tent, (ii) i-Pad, (iii) Kindle reader, (iv) HP IPAQ pocket computer for transmitting photos and video home for posting on my website, (v) portable battery pack for charging electronics at higher camps, (vi) solar charger for charging electronics and (vi) portable speaker for my i-Pod.
Filmmaker, Allan Smith, will bring his own electronics that will allow us to stream photos and video from the mountain for posting on our websites. The software also has a direct link to NBC, CBS, Fox & CNN.
I have posted two must view links below. I have also added them to the Links section of my website. First, I have added a link to Grant Rawlinson’s excellent website “Climb for Hope.” Be sure to check out Grant’s excellent 3D fly-in showing the North Side Climbing Route. Watch it in full screen mode. You can see where I turned around in 2010 (Second Step) and 2011 (First Step). So close! Second, watch the South Side Fly-In on the Human Edge Technology link showing the route on the South side. Click Full Screen and Fly-In for best viewing. Watch these stunning videos and you will feel like you have completed the double.
I hope to have a similar 3D map of both the South and North routes up and running before I leave for Nepal on April 3. As I move up the mountain, I will use my Spot satellite tracking device to pinpoint my location on the mountain.
Now, I am just counting the days.
Bill
Climb for Hope-North Side Route
Human Edge Technology-South Side Route
That is EXTREME multi-tasking!
Your paraphernalia is unbelivable. No one can accuse you of not being prepared. We wish you a safe trip and all of the success in the world. Looking forward to your updates.
Uncle Bill, You are very funny. Don’t get confused with all of those electronics, and use one thing for something else! I am excited for you and can’t wait to follow you again this year on your trip. Love you.
INCREDIBLE!!! Now I can sit in my comfy chair in front of my computer and actually experience the trip with you — without the discomfort of whirling winds or icy chill or exhaustive climbing and leg cramps and on and on and on…. But you can be sure we’ll be watching!
Will all of that equipment still work in the extreme temperatures on the mountain??
Bill:
I hope you haven’t forgotten anything. Can’t wait to hear and see
it all! I am so excited for you, I can burst. This is going to be a
spectacular year for you. I am praying the Weather God and I are
on the same page. I believe in positve thoughts. If anybody can,
you can do this.
John & Bobbie
Wow! just a matter of days… looking forward to seeing your adventure (and hearing from you on your website)….. praying for your safety and that of your team. I hope you don’t have to sacrifice any safety gear to make room (weight) for all of your fancy electronics!!!! 🙂 I am sure Mrs. Burke would rather you ditch the video recorder for another safety harness! but then how would you get all the cool footage for your testimonial film and inspire the whole world?!!!! 🙂 enjoy!
Bill, do you want me to come with and help you carry all that stuff??
This is a guy who cant find his car keys? I am placing the over- under on items lost on the mountain at four. The 3-D model was awesome!!! Confirmed once and for all that I will not be summiting Everest in my lifetime.
Bill, what would George Mallory think of you? By the way, you do have shoes and warm clothing I hope. Good Luck!
I like the camcorder video sunglasses and spot tracking device best. It will be fun to know exactly where you are on the mountain. Looking forward to your reports! I’ll be praying for you!
wow, you are certainly well equipped. Do you have to turn each item on and off separately? How much does this “stuff” add to your weight? Unbelievable that you can carry so much electronic equopment and still climb safely!
I think you are going to need a special “Electronics/Tech Sherpa.”
Gosh Bill, you’re such a Luddite. 😉 Though I don’t have nearly that much paraphernalia, you don’t have to convince me as to how much fun it all is. By the way, if you’d like I can record some tracks of me singing you could use on your iPod that’ll help with your success — listening to that you won’t be able to get down the mountain fast enough!
I don’t have to add anything – all of the above is so humorous it cracks me up…I hope
you’ll remember some of the comments as well when you start hiking up, up, and more ups again!
Almost forgot… remember to keep all the Dex in your own pack and don’t let let the sunlight hit the nitro.
Now you need a remote to work it all at the same time. You are so funny!!! It will be so fun to follow you again this year!! I am excited and we will be praying for you! Enjoy our God’s majesty in His amazing creation where He makes Himself known to the world!! How awesome to worship Him standing on the rock of all rocks and to know His love that is still higher and deeper and wider than the summit of Mount Everest!!
Can’t wait 🙂
As close to speechless as I get, this is jaw-dropping! Go for it, man!
nice going, bill!
Bill, that is great. It looks like too heavy. If you need my hand, let me know it.
I’m gonna with you. Good luck with you!!
All this from a man who still doesn’t have a smart phone! So glad you will be well connected.
Bill, so impressed. Just can’t figure out how you will watch your step while carrying and using all this great “stuff”. Best wishes on this next adventure. Nobody will be cheering for you more than I will.
You forgot to mention the green screen background where you project a picture of Everest to make it look you actually went! Best of luck on your ascent(s).
Nik
Thanks for coming to our class room and good luck climbing mount everest and we believe in you!!!!!
Even 007 didn’t have the electronics that you’re taking! Is “Q” your source?
Rock Man
Amazing!!
Bill, my tech-savvy sixth graders were “ooh-ing and aah-ing” at all of your cool gear! We are so excited to see you in action with all of that technology and we wish you well on your 2012 adventure.
BILL, SUCH ADMIRATION FOR AN -x- NEIGHBOR AND ALL OF HIS FAMILY!!
J.A.N
Dear Bill:
Thank you for sharing this photo of you with all your gadgets. It is sure to be the inspiration for the upcoming Bill Burke Action figure. 🙂 “Renaissance man” just isn’t big enough…how about the AARP Ever-Ready Bunny (keeps going and going) . Your story will be a kick in the pants for anyone contemplating retirement. All I know is WE ARE NOT WORTHY. God bless you on your journey and best wishes for Ollie and family.