Tue 10 Feb
2004
K2 AND EVEREST
Ascending K2
His ascent begins shortly after 10:00 in the morning. I can only assume he's been planning this for a grand total of several minutes. It's a brisk Sunday morning.
Harp opens the door and wave of cold air hits The Little Man and I.
He ate earlier in the morning, a meal of soft solubles that are easily digested to allow the nutrients to speed along to his muscles for the climb. He begins to climb to an altitude of one step. Once there, he stays and shakes out his legs. Then straightens his arms to test his reach and the grip of his hands.
Satisfied, he climbs onwards. At an altitude of three steps, he reaches the landing. The climb had thus far, been in a southerly direction. The remainder of climb will force him to travel westward.
He sets up Base Camp. His partner has joined him and has brought some extra provisions.
Taaj is sitting at the landing of the stairs that lead to our living room. I've brought a nappy and some wipes because he'll need a change soon. I've also brought him the rest of his Gerber, banana flavoured, baby food. Hoping that he's willing to eat it here.
He gives a stoic look at his partner. It tells him, "we've been here before, you and I." It tells him that today he'll make his ascent to the summit of his K2. Everest is next, but today, it's K2. And so he begins with his partner just behind.
His efforts are on a monumental scale. He struggles onwards. The will of his mind always surpassing the will of his body. Climbing away, he fights for some measure of hope that today, will be the day where his body and mind will come together. He urges his arms to gain purchase. He thrusts with his legs to push ever higher.
At an altitude of eight steps, his partner can no longer go on. The two set up a second camp. His partner clasps his ankle.
I really need to watch where I step. My foot slipped following Taaj, knocking my ankle against one of the wooden posts that line the stairs
Staring into his partners eyes, he realizes the final ascent must be done alone. He sits up and then back down again. As if to test his body. To see what he has left. His breathing is quick. The air is thinner up here. Then suddenly, a blast of cold air hits him.
Harp has opened the door to the garage. I'm telling her to close it behind her.
His partner is howling something. He appears to be screaming at the wind. It spurs him on. With every ounce left in him he climbs.
After four more steps, he has reached the summit. K2 has been conquered.
Taaj looks down from the top of the stairs that is the living room. I can only see his face from the eyes up, but I can tell he's smiling.
A little later, he passes by the north stairs and looks at them. Everest is next...
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THINKING
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Yes it’s true .. i know Gorn and I also know ShoeGirl. Personally, I think he could have gone a lot more than 30 days.
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A 16 year old girl proclaimed she is an atheist. The reporter asked her why and she promptly replied, “I was born that way.”
Interesting ... she’s right, you know.
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CURRENTLY
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