Costa Mesa, Ca.
January 29, 2014
Dear Family & Friends:
I have decided to return to Mt. Everest in 2014 to complete what I started some years ago–a summit from the North side in Tibet. I believe my prospects are good because I will focus all my effort and attention on just one goal–summiting from the North side–rather than a North/South double summit.
I considered lots of other adventures for 2014: a trek to the North and South Poles, running the Iditarod Dog Race in Alaska and the Triple Crown, which is a through-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, the John Muir Trail and the Continental Divide. These adventures are still on my list. But, in the end, I could not resist the pull of my old friend, Chomolumna. I summited this magnificent mountain in 2009 from the South side in Nepal. The North side is unfinished business.
I am training 6-days a week. Last year, I climbed Mt. Whitney multiple times and I travelled to Washington to climb Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier. Bicycling on Sunday with my Training Partner, Ollie, is my favorite training activity. Ollie has me well prepared this year.
When I return to Everest in early April, I will be 72. As always, I will move slow and steady and will make safety my number one priority. You can track me on my blog where I will post lots of photos, videos and messages. Be sure to register your e-mail address on my blog so you receive alerts of my expedition reports. If you have already registered your e-mail address, you do not need to register again.
In 2015, I plan to lead a group of family and friends on a trek to Everest Base Camp South. So, start saving your money. This is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Thanks for your interest and support over the years. This means so much to me.
God Bless You,
Bill
Uncle Bill, I will do the Iditarod with you!
Good Meredith. We’ll use your turkeys instead of sled dogs.
Uncle Bill
They are Olympic turkeys. Very strong and very fast. I’m confident we’ll make a great showing.
We are cheering you on, Bill!
By the way, we are looking forward to seeing the world premier of “Eight Summits” on Feb. 8th, at the Adventurers Club meeting.
k;-)
ps: All are welcome to the screening:
http://adventurersclub.org/calendar/feb2014.php#8
God Bless you Mr. Burk!!!! My thoughts and prayers will be with you as you train and when you are on the mountain. I hope to see you at the gym soon!!!!
Hi Bill
I too will be 72 in April. However, I was thinking more about France or Ireland. Best of luck on your new adventure. I love following your blog. John
Incredible!!! I’m looking forward to following along. Glad to hear Ollie is seeing and doing so much as you prepare for yet another adventure of a lifetime. Thank you for sharing your stories.
Hey, Bill,
My students and I will be following your trip up Everest again this spring. Please keep in contact with us. You are such an inspiration for not only my students, but for all of us. Our prayers go with you.
South Middle School
Salina, Kansas
Mr. Burke,
I am not surprised… you have been trying to figure out what was next and somehow I think you knew you’d go back… I am thankful you have the full blessing and support of your family. I’d better get busy, not only saving money, but training if I’m ever to keep up with you on even a local hike.
God bless you for living your dreams and showing the rest of us that we can too!
Debra & Bill Hall
Bill,
God Bless and Best Wishes on your wonderful adventure! Thank you for making us part of it..Once Again!!!
Julian
Union, NJ
What fortitude! I’ve been wondering when you were going to announce a North side climb again Bill. : )
Looking forward to getting your updates this spring.
Again, I am inspired. I love watching the Iditarod. While visiting Alaska last fall, we were fortunate to see the dogs and also, where the Iditarod begins.
God bless you are on your North side clime. Looking forward to updates.
Can’t wait for the 2015 trek to EBC! That is “unfinished business” for me!
Bill,
You are amazing and I wish you the best! I don’t think I could nver climb a mountain but always have been fascinated with the stories of those that have. I am looking forward to following you and will keep you in my prayers for a safe summit and safe return home. You are blessed with an awesome family that supports you in all your endeavors.
Pat MacMaster
NJ
Hi Bill, I remember well bumping into you on the miracle highway on Everest North side on your last attempt. Great to hear you are going back and all the best!
oh, wow!!!!!!….will be anxiously reading your newest climb!…take care!
God Bless you & your family on all your endeavors. I wish I was younger & could train like you do. I turned 80 on the 25th & think I will stick to treking down to the elementary school with my granddaughter & back up on this mountain I live on. I will be skipping around the garden thinking of you, LOL.
I will also light a candle from the Ananda Ashrama Temple for your safe trip & look forward, as always, to hearing about it.
Love & Hugs,
Betty
Mr. Burke,
I like your plan to only attempt one summit. I am looking forward to reading your blog as you move up the mountain.
Would love to trek to Base Camp again. It’s been 6 years since I’ve been there.
Best Wishes for a Safe Summit and Successful Trip Down!
Namaste,
Joni
Papa you are amazing! Can’t wait for the 2015 adventure!
MR.BURKE YOU ARE AN AMAZING PERSON….I REALLY THOUGHT YOU HAD GIVEN UP CLIMBING MOUNTAINS,I WILL BE ROOTING FOR YOU ALL THE WAY TOO THE TOP,HAPPY NEW YEAR TOO YOU AND MRS. BURKE 🙂 P.S. IM STILL WAITING ON THE MOVIE ABOUT YOUR ADVENTURES ANY UPDATES YOU CAN GIVE ME?
The documentary movie “Eight Summits: The Bill Burke Story” is finished and will be released in the next couple of weeks.
I will post an announcement on my blog when the movie is released.
Thanks for asking Sheena and thanks for your support.
Bill
Uncle Bill,
As always, you are my inspiration!! If you do the Pacific Crest Trail, please let me know as I would love the chance to do a portion of it with you.
Bill,
I’m looking forward to following your Mt. Everest adventure once again and thanks for sharing your brotherhood with Ollie. You are truly an inspiring individual. God Bless You and Be Safe!!
Kevin
Long Island, N.Y.
God bless you, Bill, we’ll be praying for you the whole way. You are an inspiration to all. Always listen to that same 3rd person that was with you the entire time on your last trip up the North side.Take care and God speed.
I’m curious to find out what blog platform you are working with? I’m experiencing some small security issues with my latest site and I’d like to find something more secure. Do you have any recommendations?