October 23, 2007

Like so many of the days of this journey, today has filled me once again with a jumble of emotions. Here are but a few:

Elation..at the prospect of finally starting our return trip. After so many days of strenuous climbing, progressively grimmer accommodations, food poisoning, altitude sickness, insomnia, terrible jokes, pervasive cold…we awoke in Gorak Shep to another brilliant Himalayan morning with spectacular 360 degree views of snow-capped mountains and the happy knowledge that most of our subsequent steps would now be down.

Pride… There was a palpable giddiness as we suited up after breakfast and headed out..our mission..the world’s highest concert to date…and having used that remarkable event to foster greater awareness of cancer had been accomplished. This has not been an easy task and some of us paid more dearly for it than others. The physical toll was tremendous for our team and fitness had little to do with it. The cruel lottery of altitude took its toll on many but no one’s spirit has seemed the least bit diminished. We knew this would be tough and that’s what has made the sacrifice more than worth it.

Anticipation…The day also ignited us to share fantasies of comforts of home missed along the trail..Meals to be eaten: Sushi, Burritos, Pizza, Burger King, and even Pistachio-encrusted Lamb with leek and garlic mashed potatoes. Some of us apparently eat much better at home than others) This conversation seemed to go on forever as if we had been gone for months or even years … close behind were hot showers, clean sheets, clean clothes, a warm room, massages and most importantly, our loved ones that patiently wait for us back home.

And finally, in me at least, but I sense in many others a tinge of sadness in the realization that this adventure, this unique experience with such a truly astounding group will eventually come to its natural end in Kathmandu next week. In any situation when one spends literally 24 hours day - particularly under such challenging conditions - with a group of people, you can’t help but bond together. This group goes far beyond. Perhaps it is the common cause, perhaps the diversity of backgrounds and experiences that we each have brought to this mission, but as I look around our dining room this evening after today’s hike down over 3000 feet, our group is gathered talking, singing, playing cards, and laughing…always lots of laughing.. its become family and it feels like we’ve been together far longer than the meager two weeks it has been so far.

So much of this has been humbling to me: the climb; the incredible work of Shannon, James and everyone at the foundation over so many months that brought this improbable event to fruition; the commitment, talent and generosity of the Artists; the physical beauty of Nepal and the limitless kindness of its people; the mind-bending persistence of each and every survivor that made this trek.

It will be very hard to say goodbye.

Stan Sagner
Love Hope Strength
October 23, 2007
Pheriche, Nepal
14,107 ft, 4,300 m

Quotes of the day:
Alex Coletti: “This is the longest commute to work I have ever had.”

Alan: “Since when did a slope become a cliff, welcome to high altitude.”

Eran: “I stepped in yak dung”
Christine: “Now you’ve dung it!”