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