I’m hooked to Discovery Channel show, Everest: Beyond the Limit.
I can almost hear you asking, “Why is this blog-worthy?” Well, first of all, I’m TERRIFIED of heights. I have severe trouble dealing with a steep flight of stairs. I’ve been to the Grand Canyon and barely survived the Tower of Terror (ride of death) at Disney World but more about these events, and others, in a minute.
I have a mental list of things I want to do in my life. Many of them I am lucky to have already achieved. A few years ago I researched a trip to Everest. Now don’t get me wrong, actually climbing the mountain NEVER crossed my mind but travelling to Nepal would be the bomb. And how harrowing could “base” camp be, right? Doesn’t “base” conjure up images of “low”, “at the bottom”, “a place to start”? I learned that base camp is 17,500 feet above sea level, higher than any place in the US. One does not just go there on a whim. One must train and be in top physical condition. Okay, probably not the best trip for a person who can’t walk across the street some days!
But my fascination continues, and after watching 5 episodes of the show the other night, I understand why. It is a breathtakingly beautiful part of the world that few people have the pleasure of visiting. Those who set their sights on making a summit attempt focus on what most people would consider an unattainable goal with a passion that defies description. They push themselves physically and mentally to have a chance to stand at the very top of the world.
Despite mind-numbing fears, I’ve walked 500 feet or so, on a way too narrow trail, down into the Grand Canyon. I’ve ridden the amusement park ride that raises and drops thirteen stories. I’ve climbed the stairs in the Tower of London. I’ve stood on the upper deck of a cruise ship and looked down at whales in the ocean. I took a giant leap of faith and submitted a manuscript to a publisher.
My wish to all of you in the New Year is that you conquer your own Mount Everest.
Tessie
.jpg)
Happy New Year Tessie. I'm afraid of heights too - not natural ones though. I'll make an attempt at a mountain but don't ask me to step up on a chair! lol I've just bought the latest book by Sir Ranulph Fiennes - Mad Dogs and Englishmen: An Expedition Round My Family. He's one of the world's greatest explorers so you'll be well acquainted with him on Discovery Channel. And no wonder...did you learn the poem "Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross to see a fine lady upon a white horse. With rings on her fingers and bells on her toes. She shall have music wherever she goes! Apparently it should read "to see a Fiennes lady". Jane Austen also created some of the characters in Pride and Prejudice around members of his family. In this case, an entire family through the generations took your advice and strove to conquer their fears. I hope 2010 will be your best year yet!!
ReplyDeletePamela-Happy New Year to you, too! Let's all embrace our "inner explorer" and see where life takes us!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Tess! I too have a fear of heights, but when I turn 84, I plan to climb Everest - or at least make the attempt, and if I die up there, I die up there. Kinda pisses off my kids!
ReplyDeleteTessie we are hooked on this show also! It's a very compelling human story to watch as people risk all for 3 minutes of achievement at the "Top". A few years ago I backpacked in the Andes-I trained for months but nothing prepared me for the torture of altitude sickness. A rock slide and a wind storm trapped us on the mountain and it was nearly 2 days before My husband and brother could get me to a safe altitude. I "woke" up on a cot in the drunk tank of a Peruvian jail and I was damn glad to be there!
ReplyDeleteXXOO Kat
Julia - that is classic!!
ReplyDeleteKat- You need to write a book about your adventures - WOW!
ReplyDeleteIf I wrote a book about my real life, I would incriminate myself. I'll have to stick to fiction for now! lol
ReplyDeleteXXOO Kat