Damn, I love routine! That might sound crazy coming from someone who intentionally puts himself into chaotic circumstances (E.g. trying to climb the “Savage Mountain”), but there is something incredibly satisfying about finding and creating order in these situations. For those that know me best, they know exactly what I’m talking about. Sure it creates what some may consider an unhealthy amount of stress but what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger, right? In my current situation, just days away from our first trip up one of the most dangerous mountains in the world, I find peace in my morning coffee and breakfast routine. It sounds silly to think of something so simple acting as a psychological anchor when facing such a complicated obstacle, but it truly does. We all face our own “K2’s” in our rite and we all have our “morning coffee” to provide stability, just think about it…
K2 remains mostly hidden but weather continues to improve
This morning, while enjoying that coffee, I was strategizing how to improve another important calming mechanism, my satellite modem. Up until this point, I have been having issues with getting it running efficiently and have been leaning heavily on Jordan being able to upload compressed photos to the website. While I have heard that my journals are colorful, I feel that they would be lacking without visuals. With the help of my teammate, David Liano, and Jordan, we were able to download the software updates and properly configure the modem. You would think that a $3,000 device that costs almost $4,000 for data would run itself and give you a back massage in the process, but that’s far from the case. Nevertheless, after 4 days of battling technology, we were victorious! Now I can safely rely on both coffee and my modem to anchor my sanity.
Geoff and Rob use our expedition banner to demonstrate the big task ahead. Rob seems to be more optimistic than Geoff.
We all have a tendency to take for granted how easy it is to stay connected in the modern world and many would probably argue that they wish they were less connected. I would be one of those people, except when I’m on a mountain. Here, the situation is reversed, as connectivity to the outside world is difficult but oh so valuable in maintaining morale. I’m not sure how the first pioneers of the 8,000 meter peaks in the 50’s were able to cut ties with the outside world because the feeling of isolation in this environment is overwhelming. My ability to stay connected while on the roller coaster expedition to Everest and Lhotse last year, was one of my most important sources for strength in the tough times. While I hope that this expedition is much more boring than the last, I have no doubt that my ability to communicate with you will be equally valuable to me.
Anyway, as with any victory, it is important to celebrate and Geoff and I did just that by treating ourselves to an afternoon viewing of Ghostbuster’s 3. We set up my Bluetooth speak on a hook in my tent and we were living in luxury! I enjoy climbing days but have come to truly enjoy our rest days because it gives me an opportunity to calm my nerves. I guess one person’s beach in Hawaii is another’s tent on a mountain. What a great day of victory, routine, and psychological recovery…
From one coffee lover to another amen to that first warm, soothing, peaceful sip…ahhh! #goodlife
The real trick is filling my thermos with hot water and a Starbuck’s Via the night before, so I can roll over in the morning and have a sip before I open my eyes. It’s always the perfect temperature by then!
I agree: coffee is an absolute necessity. Every morning, first thing. Coffee calms me for prayer and Bible study. Currently my K2 is a 8 month old little girl. Sometimes we drink together: milk for her, coffee for me.
Continuing to pray for you and your team.
It’s the simple things in life that make the rest a little less complicated! God bless!
Yes! Order – coffee, modems, etc – is very important and your perspective and self-awareness is pretty spot on. 🙂
Sending you positive vibes and glad to hear morale in the group remains high… Who you gonna call!?
You will be happy to know that I admitted to the team that I was looking forward to getting to Basecamp so that I could organize my tent. They were in shock but I was proud to admit it!
Just woke up and put on a pot of coffee and opened an email from Rita, your aunt. So excited about your new adventure and happy I will be able to follow it. Hope to meet you if you are ever in the tiny Appalachian Mountains. Thanks for allowing us to climb that mountain with you. Now on to my coffee.
Ann, thank you for following along and writing! It’s great to have support from beautiful NC, it means the world! You should probably know that my Aunt Rita is a huge inspiration of mine and I’m blessed to have her as my Godmother! As for a visit, I will be there in October to celebrate my Grandparent’s 70th Anniversary. Hope we have the chance to meet over some coffee!
What a huge relief for you to get that darned modem up and running John! I just had computer issues at work that took literally three days to get fixed and I understand the frustration of not being able to get it figured out! Now my world is restored and yours is as well. Enjoy these rest days when you can and continue to take in the beautiful scenery on this amazing journey you are on. I am in awe of your strength, determination and positivity. I bet your fellow teammates just love your attitude! You definitely bring the “fun”. You all continue to be in my prayers as you get ready to continue the climb of a lifetime! Peace!
Becky! Great to hear from you on another of my crazy adventures! You are right, I’m definitely the clown of the group and I’m proud of it. It’s important to keep the mood light when faced with such a daunting obstacle. Anyway, keep spreading the good word at CHR and hope to hear from many more of our teammates! Looking forward to another slideshow and story time 🙂