(click picture to enlarge)
Bouddhanath
Buddhist Temple in Kathmandu, which is the birthplace of Buddhism in
Nepal. Traditionally Everest climbing teams visit the temple, always
walking around it in a clockwise direction, while spinning the prayer
wheels, to bring good fortune on the expedition.
Sherpa Man
Bahadur (right), also known as Gopal, is buying silk scarves for the
Buddhist Lama to place around each team member's neck, as well as prayer
flags, incense and rice, all of which will receive the Lama's blessing.
The incense, rice, juniper branches and other items will be burned in
a fire at basecamp. The Sherpas will not go on the mountain until this
ceremony is accomplished. The prayer flags, which have also been blessed,
will be flown the entire time we are on the mountain. Gopal has summited
Everest on three previous expeditions.
The Lama
blessed the team and prayer items for a safe climb and a safe return.
Journal
2: Greetings from Kathmandu!
by
Ed Hommer
August
13, 2001
Kathmandu, Nepal
The expedition arrived here in Kathmandu at 7:30 p.m. on the August 11 after about two days of travel with a one-night stopover in Hong Kong. There were some travel problems and moments of confusion, but we all arrived together with all of our bags. We certainly take that as a positive sign for this expedition.
As always, when returning to Nepal, our senses are pretty much overwhelmed by the many wonderful sights and sounds and the bustle of activity in the streets. Just going for a ride in a taxicab through the streets of this fascinating place is indeed an adventure in its own right.
Yesterday and today the team prepared for our departure to the Tibetan border on August 15. Tomorrow will be equally busy as we take care of last minute details. We hope to have our satellite communication system and our computer up and running in the morning. As soon as that is accomplished we will begin transmitting photos from here in Nepal and as we travel through Tibet enroute to the Everest basecamp.
I have to say that spirits are high with anticipation of what lies before us on this expedition. Initial reports, although not yet confirmed, are that there will only be one other expedition climbing on the Tibetan side of the mountain. We also understand that a Hungarian team will be attempting to climb the south side of the mountain, trying to push a climbing route on the Kanshung face. It seems that we’ll be able to sort of bask in the solitude of this great mountain.
I think I speak for the whole team when I say that we still find it a little hard to believe that we’re here and we’ll be enroute one day from now to the north face of Mt. Everest. It seems like only a veiled dream 14 months ago when the first planning stages began to make this climb a reality. Just getting here has certainly been one of the greatest challenges of my life.
The fact that we are here is owed to the overwhelming generosity of our wonderful sponsors. For me personally, that support has fulfilled a lifelong dream —a dream that I thought was forever dashed when I became a double amputee 20 years ago. The fact that I am here and about to embark upon the greatest climb of my life —and will realize my dream —leaves me at a complete loss of words to express my thanks and gratitude for all of the people who have made this happen for me.
Not only shall I climb upon the heights of Everest, I will do it with a man who fostered countless dreams of high and beautiful places in my mind as a young man many, many years ago because of his chronicled exploits. To go to Mt. Everest is one thing. To experience this mountain with the seasoned leadership of Jim Wickwire is just as good as it can be. I believe the entire team echoes my thoughts.
Well, I’ll close for now. We all send our love and greetings to our supportive family and friends. Again, we hope to begin transmitting photos to accompany our dispatches within the next couple of days. Good night from Kathmandu and we’ll be checking in again soon. Thanks everybody.
--Ed
