Yak & Yeti Hotel
Kathmandu, Nepal
June 3, 2012

Namaste Family & Friends:

I have been stuck here in Kathmandu waiting for my bag to come down the mountain from the South side.  There have been no flights from Lukla for the last few days because of weather. Lots of trekkers, climbers and bags are stranded at Lukla. Tomorrow, I leave, with, or without, the bag.  I hate to leave the bag here for later shipment because it has lots of my film footage from the South side. But, I need to get home.

Before I leave, I want to thank all of you for following my incredible journey this year. It was a real treat to climb on both sides of the mountain, and the expedition was filled with adventure and excitement. When I get home, I will prepare the report I promised and will send along some photos and video. You will never know how much your prayers and support mean to me.

I also want to thank my wonderful family for supporting me on these adventures. I know it is stressful for them when I am away, and some of them probably wish I would take up a more customary hobby in my gray hairs, like golf or tennis. But, hard as I try, I have never been able to hit that little ball straight, and I am a terrible tennis player. I guess I like the extreme sports, which is why I own 3 motorcycles. So, I will continue to lobby for that family support I need so much and have always been able to count on.

I want to express my special thanks to my beautiful young bride waiting for me at home. We met when I was a senior and she was a junior at Burbank High School (yes, I robbed the cradle). We married in my first year of college and she gave me 4 beautiful children. In turn, they have given us 14 beautiful grandchildren. On June 17, Sharon and I celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary. Our plans for some travel to our favorite destinations (e.g., Hawaii & Hong Kong) will have to wait until Ollie’s condition is stabilized. He is our first priority right now. The wheels are slowly moving to have him admitted to Stanford University Hospital soon after I arrive home. Our return to the Stanford campus will be bitter sweet for Sharon and I since I attended Stanford Law School and one of our daughters (Lori) was born at the Stanford Hospital. I wish we were returning for different reasons. Thanks to all of you for your prayers for my little hero and Training Partner. And thanks to you Sharon for putting up with me all these years. I love you.

Bill