Saw a poster today that read, "We don't conquer mountains, we conquer ourselves." Inspiration indeed...just 6 hours late. Apparently, I'm still working on that aspect of myself. After trying to procure roughly $1200 USDs in 2 days in a 3rd world country, I've scrapped the Island Peak climb. I'm just glad nobody I know is being held hostage here because, yeah, good luck trying to drum up the ransom money. But, it's not just the money. There's a bit of a fissure in my fortitude.
With that being said, here's the new plan. After the group departs from the trek on the 23rd I'm going to stay in the mountains for another 8 days and trek to several different monasteries. Just me and a porter. To get to one of the monasteries, Thame, does give us the chance to summit Gokyo Ri which registers in around 18,500 ft. Island Peak is at 20,000 ft. and the last 800 ft. require crampons, ice axes, ropes and the $700 climbing permit. Gokyo Ri is free and, according to many, offers comparable views.
So, the technical portion of the trip has been nixed but I do plan on spending plenty of time in the monasteries for some much needed mental clarity and peace. That, and my Kilimanjaro climbing money remains intact.
Alright then, until December 2nd....
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1 comment:
I think you made the right choice. Better to climb a mountain that people have heard of, ie, Kilimanjaro. Have fun, enjoy the silence, and don't sleepwalk.
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