Costa Mesa, Ca.
June 12, 2014
Dear Family & Friends:
I have been terribly neglectful in not writing you sooner.
I arrived home on June 7 where my beloved family greeted me at the airport. I’m still suffering from jet lag, but it is worth it to be home enjoying my family, eating at our favorite restaurants and sleeping in my own bed.
My fingertips are healing nicely, and I will be retaining all my digits. I have also regained some of the 21-pounds that were lost to Mt. Everest. The need to put on some pounds is a nice problem to have at my age.
I shared photos and video with all my wonderful teammates. I ended up with over 3,000 photos and hours of video footage. The photos and video are absolutely stunning in quality. I have photos and video from the Northeast Ridge and the summit, including a 360-degree view from the summit. I can’t wait to share it with you.
Here is my plan: Over the next few days, I will be posting some photos on my website. I am also working on a DVD that will document the entire expedition, including my pre-climb paragliding and zip line adventure in Pokhara. The movie will be posted on my website in the next two weeks. I also plan to prepare a report of the North side climb, but that will take a little more time. Suffice it to say, the North side expedition was, by far, the most difficult and challenging of all my trips to Mt. Everest. The North side climb is far more difficult than the South side climb.
Once again, I want to thank you for your love and support. The thoughts and prayers you sent my way sustained me on the mountain. All of you summitted with me and have my everlasting thanks and love.
God is good!
Bill
Bill,
Great to hear from you! God indeed Is Great! take all of your time! We love your expeditions! specially now that My lil Julian was able to share it and experience it with his 3rd grade class!
Regards,
Julian & Lil Julian Buitrago
Union, NJ
Neglectful in not writing?
I beg to disagree! It will take you a month just to do the laundry.
P.
Bill,
I stand in awe of your accomplisment! So glad you are safely home in sunny SoCal and recharging the batteries. Enjoy — you deserve it all.
Can’t wait to see the photos and videos.
Continued blessings,
Mark R
Bill,
Thank you for taking us all on your incredible journey. Happy to hear you are in the process of allowing your body to recover from the rigors of your adventure. Looking forward to some incredible pictures and videos when they are available. Congratulations again to you and every person that contributed to a successful climb. – The Iceman
Welcome Home, Mr. Burke!!! Glad you are home safe and sound! God is truly good!!
Love and Blessings
Welcome Home Bill. I admire your tenacity.
appreciate all of the shares….so happy for & of you
Good to have you back in OC, Bill!
We look forward to seeing you photos.
C u soon,
Kevin
HOME has to be like heaven after your unbelievable journey to another world.
& I have to believe your best pal OLLIE can’t wait for one of those very special
motor cycle trips. Looking forward to your Cd’s & video’s but take your time….\right now soak up the joy & love of family for the Lord bringing you safely back to us. You are truly BLESSED.
Bill, it’s so good to hear you are home safely and recuperating from the rigors of your 2 moth adventure. I followed your every step and was thrilled being with you in spirit. Looking forward very much to the photos and video. God bless you!
So glad you are home. I saw the airport arrival picture and Sharon’s smile said it all. Very glad I and so many others were able to “share” the journey with you. Rest up, get fully recovered soon. Looking forward to the pictures and another DVD.
Susan
Bill We are all so thankful you are home safe and as I told you Wednesday because of you we have all climb Mt Everest with you and God was with you all the way Can’t wait to see the photos and videos
Bill
Congratulations on a difficult climb well done. You are an inspiration to me as I hike on in my 70’s.
Best wishes
Steve
Amen! I can’t imagine the high you must still be on. God has gifted you with unique skills which you freely share with us. Thank you for that.
I’m still recovering from the emotions of your climb. Looking forward to seeing the photos. Great news about your fingers.
We calmly await the announcement of your next adventure.
My sixth graders felt so very special and honored by your visit yesterday, Bill, and on our very last day of school! You are such an inspiration to all of us. Thanks from McPherson Magnet!
Bill, it is always a blessing when you come away from any major hike with no lasting injury–just good memories (thousands of them). You did all the work, but we are the beneficiaries–like the 6th graders at McPherson Magnet. Your outreach is your legacy.
Rockman
Dear Bill,
It is so wonderful to hear you are safely home and healing nicely. Your adventure was awesome as usual, but this time you had me in tears. I can not even imagine the difficulty & hardships you went through to accomplish your goal, but you never give up and I believe that God uses those who are willing. You are indeed one of His miracles. God Bless you & your family. Love & Hugs to you all.
Congratulations Mr. Burke on your stunning achievement, summiting the North Side of Mt. Everest!!! That’s interesting it was so much more difficult than the South Side. I’m happy you were able to achieve your goal and come back to your family safely, with all of your fingers and toes in tact! I love that picture with the American flag! Welcome Home!!!!
Happy Fathers Day Mr. Burke, Welcome Home..
Bill,
You are a unique adventurer and should be proud to be called a “two face man”. I especially liked the lag photo. It says a lot at a time when our national prestige is suffering. With Americans like you, we will always be at the top.
Martin Luther King said; “I’ve been to the mountaintop.”, but his mountain was metaphorical.
But you may have surpassed him because you have been to THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN and your mountain was real.
You are awesome and inspirational and you leave all of us wondering “What’s next?” We know there will be another “next”.You have been given what Peter Diamandis calls The Adventurer’s Gene”.
There will always be a 9th and 10th summit and beyond for you. Just knowing you is an adventure in itself.
Jay Foonberg