Happy spring everyone! Just wanted to take a few minutes to give a quick updates on prep and next steps.
First, we FINALLY saw a few sunny days in the PNW!!! Knowing they wouldn’t last I took the opportunity to get out in the mountains and kick my butt yet again. I threw on a 50 pound pack to make sure I didn’t feel too good and laced up the 8,000 meter boots I’ll be using on Everest above base camp. With taped heals, sunglasses, and some music I was able to knock out Mailbox Peak via the older steeper trail in just a few hours (4,000′ and about 3.5 miles). Despite some serious hot spots the tape did its job and kept blisters from reforming in the places I got them last time. #mountaineeringwin
I took the InReach SE+ with me to try it out and it looks like it did ok. You can use the “Tracking Map” link on my homepage to see my route. I still need to learn how to send/post messages on the map but on the whole it seems to work pretty well even in densely forested areas.
The next thing is final gear acquisition. You’d think that I’d have had almost everything I need for this trip already but as I lay everything out and go through things piece by piece (to include trying on different combinations of things I’ll be wearing) I’m having to make a few tweaks which means my REI dividend will continue to grow. I’m hoping to do a video walk through of all my gear before I leave so you can see what all I’m taking. We will see if time permits both the filming and editing.
Finally, with 10 days until departure I’m finally feeling like this thing may just happen. The first IMG team arrived in Kathmandu today and the posts on their blog (IMG Everest 2017) are really getting me excited. However, I’m glad I’ve got a few extra days to take care of a few last minute items and maybe let the Kumbu Valley warm up a degree or two. Plus, its a few extra days to continue to rest my body and keep up my ice cream training regimen.
Up with Wes 
I’m so excited for you buddy.
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Thanks Simon! Here’s hoping I get a tent mate half as good looking as you. I think they may have one more slot open if you want to join
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Well unless Pitt, Cruise or Clooney are closet mountaineers, I think you will be sadly out of luck 🙂 Just seeing first photos out of Lukla from other (lesser :)) friends on team 1. Its going to be hard viewing in absentia. I’m wishing you all the safety and strength in the world, in that order. Break a trail for me Wes…
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I don’t climb mountains, but I do know a thing or two about purposefully packing on pounds (from carrying twins)..milkshakes, milkshakes, milkshakes! Good luck my friend! Praying for your safe journey and return.
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Go get it, Wes! You’re going to love the Khumbu region! Enjoy your pre-climb ice cream and I’ll be thinking of ya on the mountain, as well as tracking your progress and adventure, living vicariously. Keep using your uncanny wit and enjoy the many views up there…and the yummy chiya.
Namaste.
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