As planned, I spent most of my rest day catching up on replying to comments and questions on the website, and personal emails. It took a ton of time because I have received an overwhelming amount, but it was great to finally get caught up. I was even planning on challenging everyone to ask more questions. That was until, we had a team meeting to review the weather forecasts and Garrett moved our “summit push” up in the schedule.
At this moment, we are planning on departing the comforts of K2BC on the morning of Tuesday the 17th to begin our way to the top. By leaving on the 18th, we would target a summit on the morning of the 21st. Over the past couple of days, we had tentatively targeted the 19th as our day of departure but the weather forecasts are showing improving trends for the 20th and 21st.
To simplify this tentative schedule for everyone, here is the current plan with rough elevations:
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’)
Remember that Pakistan is exactly 12 hours ahead of California and with a targeted summit time of 6-9 AM on the morning of July 21st, this means that we would be pushing for the summit on Fridayevening in the States. I also want to caution everyone that this is all subject to change with the weather and other circumstances, as I’m sure those that followed my Everest expedition are well aware of. We will have more clarity around our plan tomorrow and will be sure to fill you in as information becomes available.
Until then, I suppose I should start organizing gear again and getting mentally prepared for the toughest challenge of my life to date. Few people actually have the opportunity to know when they face a life changing challenge and even fewer can say that it is something that they actually wanted. It makes me feel a little crazy…
PS – In my “1st Rotation” journal, I mentioned the names of my partner organizations in the “Leading from the Front” project and completely forgot to mention the awesome team at Taylor Farms! I’d offer to make up for it with a round of drinks for the entire team but that would be pretty costly, so I’m going to offer it up to anyone on the team who is following along! Thanks for the support, it means the world!
Looks like the days I’ve been dreading are fast approaching! As John and his team prepare for a summit attempt this week, I want ask everyone who is following along to send their prayers and words of encouragement to him! I know that communication with him will limited or nonexistent at this time. It will be a VERY tough week us here at home ( helpless would be the word I have in mind)!
I want to thank Jordan Wells again and again for the amazing Job he is doing with this website! I would have lost it already if I didn’t have this journal arriving online daily !
THANK YOU JORDAN!!!! You are the best!!!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE you John!
Stay safe, be brave,be smart!!!
Mom
Prayers sent. For John and all the team. Stay focused and enjoy this experience. Most importantly stay safe. And to your mom – we will have lunch on Thursday (I hope) and we will talk about your adventure and I will keep her positive.
We’re all with you John, we’re all praying for good weather, strength and more strength! Will be counting the hours and send you all good energy and positive vibes. You got this, John! Be safe!
John I have to say, following your adventure has been so intense, interesting and better than any novel I have ever read. The fact is, this is totally the true facts. I admire your inspiration, faith, and your aspirations to achieve such a major goal in life. Your in many of our prayers daily and may God give you all the will power, strength, and guidance you need to conquer this mountain. Wishing you all the best buddy. Be safe, alert, strong and know you are with us all in prayer. Godspeed my friend
JOHN, we have met only once, and briefly. But the Lundquist family has had a long relationship with the Stenderup family and we admire all of you greatly! We are praying mightily for you and your team…that you will be safe going up and coming down and that you will be successful…and that your mother and father’s prayers will be answered. God Speed!
Hey Favorite Nephew, I’m hoping that the good weather holds out so that you and the team have a successful summit this week. (It sure would be nice to see you and your smile walking out of that tunnel at LAX sooner rather than later.) I know that the training was a mental burden for this trip, but you are ready for this. Remember that you are an important member of a strong team. Keep up the good team work and practice patience and safety. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Geoff, Jesse, Garrett, the super important Sherpas, the HAPs, and the rest of the team. Now go conquer that darn mountain! Lots and lots of love from your Tante.
Hey John…praying for strength in your body and mind. And the same for those with you! Praying for your Mom and Dad to have the Peace that passes understanding! Lord, let John feel your Presence and our prayers and keep his focus on target, Amen!
Game Time! Not to disregard your Mom’s thoughts…..Lace ’em up and trudge on(walk with a purpose). You/we have worked long and hard for this. When that overwhelming moment appears, and it will, remember how much support you have across the world. C.H. Robinson, Cal Poly, all of your supportive Sponsors, Jordan, Rob, Cash, your Family of Valigores and Stenderups are with you every step. As you look towards the summit of that enormous mountain and question yourself, just ask Geoff Schellens and Siddhi Sherpa if they think you can do it. They know you. Be strong, be safe. Remembering Ed Viesturs’ words “to summit is optional, to get back down is mandatory.” Love, Dad
Sending all the love, prayers, and strength from the Johnston fam. We are with you every step of the way, and are so proud of and inspired by your hard work, John!
John: everyone in Modesto is eating a double ration of almonds to send all of the energy that we can your way. Take the best of care!
Your mom and dad have some good words for you.
I would add be alert and be with GOD. Or more importantly let GOD be with you. Let HIM guide every step from K2BC to K2BC.
Dear Heavenly Father I ask you now to be with John and is entire team. Keep them safe and in your hands. A happy reunion with mom and family soon. It is 5:47 am in North Carolina, so I guess it is 2:47 on K2 and you are making preparations.
Be sting, be safe, be smart, let GOD be with you.
Sorry: be strong not sting,
Fat finger error
Hey, Johnny!
Best of luck to you on this ultimate trek. Been following just like everyone else. Hopefully, and I’m sure it is the case, but hopefully you are wearing your V-Neck undershirts, because as a wise man once said, “Crew cut t-shirts just won’t do.”
Be blessed.
Schiff
John,
All the best and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your team. Be safe.
Regards,
Matt
John, Geoff and crew. Best of luck up there. Sending positive weather vibes and holding out hope for the route to be in great condition. Be thoughtful and concentrate on every move. You guys are great climbers. I know you will do great. Look forward to following your GPS again this year. Climb strong.
John, sending prayers your way for you and your team! Be safe, be strong, and stay focused. Good luck on this amazing adventure! God speed!
Hi John, I don’t know you but I’m Cheering and praying for you from NYC! I watched a documentary last night well this morning( 2 am) on K2 and while climbing any of the 8,000’ers is just a fantasy of mine, I admire your courage! I’m definitely following. I love your dad’s quote of making it back down safely being mandatory! And to your mom, I’m a mother and I can only imagine your nerves right now, I’m praying for you as well, just know that you have raised a strong willed, brave, and determined man. This is amazing!!!!!
Good luck on the summit push! Be safe.
John, Your Dad suggested that I try climb some of those sand dunes in Oceano to get a little feeling of mountains and hights. We have climbed some of those together when you were young, and you always had to help me, so I know “you can do it”. All good thoughts and prayers are with you every minute of the day. YOU CAN DO IT.
Love from your Farmor (Father’s Mother in Danish).
John, it literally seems like yesterday when you were here at C.H. Robinson’s corporate offices sharing your incredible journey and successful summit of Everest and Lohtse with all of us. I/we can’t wait to hear of your successful summit and descent of K2. My prayers go up to God every night for you and your team. I also ask my angel nephew, James, to keep an eye on you too! One step at a time, my friend. You’ve got the guts, the smarts and the determination. Now is the time to feed on the faith you have in yourself and the faith that we all have in you! May God and his angels surround you. Abundant blessings to you. Lauri
John,
Sending love and prayers. Thinking of you and your team. Godspeed. Teryl
Hi John, I just wish you a SAFE trip. Sending you all my best thoughts. Remember the “viking” in you.
Look forward to seeing your pictures – both fra K2 and from LAX.
John you are in our prayers .