Kathmandu, Nepal
April 3, 2014
Namaste Family & Friends:
After a very long flight from Los Angeles to Bangkok, an overnight in Bangkok, and a flight from Bangkok to Kathmandu, I arrived in Kathmandu on April 1. Check out “Where’s Bill” on my website.
I felt like I arrived once again at my second home. I am so excited to be back. Everything is the same: crowds, pollution and insane traffic. I am staying once again at my home hotel-the Yak & Yeti. Everyone here knows me.
Last night, we had a screening of my documentary at a restaurant owned by Dawa Steven, one of the owners of Asian Trekking. The guest list was largely people associated with Asian Treking, including many Sherpas. Mingma, my dear friend who summitted with me in 2009, and Gyulak, who is my Sherpa this year, were at the event. Everyone liked the movie.
I’m reconnecting with lots of mountaineering friends. The hotel is teeming with activity as the teams get ready to leave for the Mountain. Very exciting.
I will be spending the next couple of days getting my electronics to work. I think I will be the only climber on the North side team to have my own communication equipment, solar charger and weather reporting. I am trying to be totally self-sufficient.
I leave for Tibet on April 10. We cross the border at the Friendship Bridge and spend the night in Zangmu. On April 11, we drive to Nyalam. April 12 is a rest day in Nyalam, and on April 13, we drive to Thingri. April 14 is a rest day in Thingri. On April 15, we drive to Chinese Base Camp. I will fill out the climbing schedule in a later report.
My North side climbing team is listed below. I was honored to be asked to serve once again as Expedition Leader for the South side team, even though I will be climbing on the North side of the mountain. It’s largely a ceremonial title, but I was honored to be asked anyway. So, I will be meeting with officials at the Ministry of Tourism later in the week to go over the expedition.
Love & blessings to all,
Bill
North Side Team
Mr. Orlando Castro from Mexico
Dr. Atanas Skatov from Bulgaria
Mr. Krystian Oleksiak from Poland
Mr. Ryszard Pawlowski from Poland
Mr. David Kline from Hungary (the only person I know)
Ms Edina Torak from Hungary (I think this is David’s girlfriend who is not climbing)
Mr. Victor Bobok from Russia
Mr. Victorov from Russia
Mr. Baidya from India
Mr. Mukherjee from India
Ms Arnot from the USA
Pasang Sherpa from Nepal (I believe he is climbing with Ms Arnot and they are attempting a double, starting from the South side
Bill Burke from the USA
Mingma Sherpa, my 2009 Sherpa, is Sirdar for the North side team, so I am happy for him and for me since I will be spending lots of time with him this season.
We feel your excitement, Bill. GO, GO, GO!
I will look forward to reading your report. Thank you for brining us along.
Will keep you in my prayer.
Sang
Greetings from Canada, Bill. 🙂
So glad to have found your blog- It feels as if we are all right there with you on this fabulous journey.
It’s great to read all about your adventures on Everest ( and other mountains). You and Ollie are VERY inspiring, and this latest climb on the North Side sounds brilliant.
Wishing you all the best!!
Judy
The “Yak and Yeti” you write. So you don’t miss Motel 6, do you?
Paul from Hingham, MA
Bill,
On your climbing team, is Pasang Sherpa the same one who has set some climbing records already? I know it’s a common name, but was just wondering.
This is Bill’s daughter (who can’t easily reply when he is traveling)…I believe the record holder you may be confusing is Apa Sherpa who is friend of my Dad.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apa_Sherpa
Once again, I am amazed and excited to follow your adventure. Gook luck, hugs and prayers go with you. I’m looking forward to your posts and pictures. You are an inspiration!
And so the adventure begins. Climb safe and strong.
Hi Bill,
I hope you are well and enjoy being in KTM. We’ll arrive on Monday with David.
See you soon!
Edina Torok
Bill, your posts are always filled with anticipation and humor. Always good to have a doctor on your team and with Mingma as Sirdar on the north side, you will be well supplied.
Blessings,
Rick
God bless you Bill, we have you in our prayers til you get back home, Finish strong
Bill you continue to amaze. I am so proud I know you. Your gentle and kind spirit leave their trail with us left behind. My prayers for your exciting trip and safe return are constant. God Bless you all the way home.
Bill –
So glad you are back on the mountain this year and I am once again happy to follow your adventure from North Carolina. Thank you for sharing your joy, you are an inspiration to me. You will be in our prayers.