Wow, so this is happening. It feels as if it was just yesterday that I was writing to you about gearing up for an assault on Everest and Lhotse. I vividly remember the fear and anxiety that was coursing through me as I typed out each word, unsure of what lay ahead. Now, almost 14 months later to the day, I find myself in the same position with that same anxious excitement in my gut.
So without further ado, here is our planned schedule for our summit attempt of K2. It remains the same as yesterday but for those that may have missed it, here you go:
- July 17th: K2BC > C1 (20,000’)
- July 18th: C1 > C2 (22,000’)
- July 19th: C2 > C3 (24,000’)
- July 20th: C3 > C4 (25,000’)
- July 21st: C4 > Summit (28,251’) > C3 or C2
- July 22nd: C3 or C2 > K2BC
If you are following me on GPS and want to watch our push to the summit on the morning of the 21st, we will depart July 20th around 10 PM Pakistani time and hope to summit between 6 and 9 AM. I am 12 hours ahead of California/Pacific Time, 11 hours for MDT, 10 for CDT, and 9 for EDT. For those following from outside of the United States, particularly Denmark, I’ll leave the math up to you. I encourage everyone to grab some popcorn on Friday evening and watch my progress to the top of K2!
Alright, enough about the logistics and scheduling, let’s get real and a tad bit quotey… This mountain scares the hell out of me but I know that I am ready and that I belong here. I’ve put in the work to get here, but as Winston Churchill once said, “You must put your head into the lion’s mouth if the performance is to be a success.”
I’ve set the stage and now it my time to rise to the occasion, even though it is difficult to wrap my head around the fact that something I have dreamed of for years brings me so much fear. I suppose that life’s greatest accomplishments should bring us fear. It’s that fear that provides the opportunity for personal growth. With that in mind, I will embrace it, move upward, and continuously remind myself of Joshua 1:9… “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Lastly, I want to leave you with some closing thoughts… About a month before my departure from LAX, I was trail running in the hills behind Berkeley. My anxiety level was high and I was having one of those days that cause you to question your own sanity. All of a sudden, a thought sprang to mind that provided a sense of peace and I have used it in moments of doubt ever since…
“If something should happen and I don’t make it back, I want you to know that it isn’t because I failed, it’s because I tried.”
We all have dreams, some crazier than most, and it is almost always the fear of failure that prevents us from chasing them. For a long time, this same fear haunted me, until I realized that one thing scared me more, the regret of not giving myself the chance to succeed. It is my hope that you will take this thought to heart and that through my adventure, you might find the inspiration to chase your own dreams. It’s not failure if you give it your all.
Summit or not, the journey has been incredible. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to each and everyone of you for all of the love and support along the way. You inspire me.
God Bless,
John
John, discussing failure is futile. You have already succeeded. This week you and your team will take what the mountain gives you. You have done the training, applied the strategy and now embark upon the best week of your life. We are all with you. Love, Dad
Failure and you are incompatible . Just being there is a success, John, you are the stronger one and the most stubborn one. Just be YOU and is enough! We are praying for good weather and excellent health, follow your dreams, child!
I will have to write something later after I compose myself !
Right now , I must have a good cry and figure out how I will get through this week!
Thank you to everyone for the love and support you have shown our amazing, crazy, articulate little boy!
John, I love you with all of my heart and soul!!!
Just spoke with John before his departure and we said our tearful goodbyes. His GPS is ON and they are on the move. You can track him now. What’s really unnerving is clicking on the satellite mode….NOT good for a Mom!
hi to John’s “Mom”…I just want to say that my thoughts are with you. I understand more that you can imagine. I am Anders mom, Judy…and our crazy, adventurous, wonderful sons climbed Everest together! And they really were amazing, weren’t they? They became such good friends and soul mates in their endeavor and all that they experienced. Our whole family is following John and we are sending the same love and positive energy that we sent them on Everest. John is amazing; he is so strong. He will figure out how to do this thing and stay safe and strong. Much love from all the Christoffersons. We are truly with you in spirit!!
Be with GOD
GOD be with you.
I Sssoooo understand your comments trying, succeeded, etc
I will share with you when you are back home
You are doing great John! Keep strong, keep motivated, keep healthy, keep safe! Natalie is saying “hi”…God bless your way!
John, I’m sure that you can feel the love and support that is following you up that beast of a mountain. How can you not? You have so many people riveted to their computers and smartphones with your journey. You can’t even imagine how many people are following you. We are all sending prayers, thoughts, good wishes, whatever floats our boats, your way. A number of us are doing this with upset tummies and shaky sweaty hands. I hope that means that we are somehow absorbing your fears and nerves so that you can focus fully on the climb. I want you at your most focused so I’m doing my best to help out, but when you get home I might just bop you on the head. LOVE YOU!!!!!!
Praying for safety for you and your entire team! We’re rooting for you and can’t wait to track your climb! You’ve got this!!!
All our love and prayers are going out to you and all of your team for a safe and successful summit. We will be following you all along the way; that we can assure you!
go john- great words of true wisdom.
this is mike- ander’s uncle.
BLESSINGS- will light incense all the way
John, you are again inspiring so many people who are following along on your journey. So many of us will never reach base camp, much less make it up the mountain but we can do it with you, praying for you, pulling for you, wishing for you all the way up to the top and then safely back down. Your journey has been amazing to watch unfold and quite the learning process for the rest of us as well who have never climbed a mountain! 🙂
Thank you for always being honest and for putting yourself out there about your fears. We all have fears, maybe not of the K2 kind still mountainous in our own minds for sure. However, you are showing us all how to deal with them, straight and head on. Please remember, we all have your back. You just have to do the climbing (JUST!) and we will literally pray you up there and then back down again.
Thanks for taking us along on this next adventure. You make me laugh, tear up, and then laugh again. Enjoy this next week and go with God. He is with you all the way.
We are all rooting for you back home. Don’t let fear stand in the way. We know how hard you’ve trained. You’ve got this!!! What an amazing adventure you’ve been on this far and that in itself is an accomplishment enough. Wishing you a safe and successful summit. Remember to have some fun too!
We’ll have to restock your wine when you’re back so we can celebrate 🙂
Hi John,
Frikadeller, Carlsberg and Danish chocolate cake will be served when you come to Denmark.
Please remember the Viking in you.
I send you my very best thoughts – and wish you a safe and successful “walk” to the summit.
Lisbeth
Go get it uncle John! Love you!
Oh great I just read this and now I’m crying at my desk at work…Thank you for being such an amazing inspiration to all of us. I’ve said it many times and I’ll say it again – You’ve got this brother!! I love you!
im Pretty sure I quoted this during your Everest climb but I’ll say it again… the opportunity for greatness is when preparation meets opportunity. You’ve put in the work and the stage is set. Be great, my friend! Wishing all of the best to you and your team. Climb like the wind!
I’ve been waking up and tuning in, I feel like a stalker lol checkingyour GPS, I go to satellite I’m living vicariously through you!!! Praying for safe summit and safer travel back down. Thank you for sharing such a courageous moment!