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Bullfighting from 65 degrees Latitude?!
28 Jun, 09 -23:57
Fancy Pants and the Bull
Hemingway liked a good Bullfight...so I had to see what it was all about. Had to. =^]
It's been a while since we've done an actual podcast at SecretSpot.TV. We've been busy loading content at PhillMichael.com...from Nepal...often by satellite modem! B^o
We are now experimenting with all sorts of funky cameras. Some work better than others...but they all help us send a message. Blackberry devices...as well as our tried and true Sony apparatus were used for this video. Que bueno! =^)
Hit the play button or the download link(above) to see a MP4 version of the Bonus Bullfighting Episode
That 'Bonus Bullfighting' episode, that was just posted at SecretSpot.TV, whisks you away to a deserted Baja peninsula in May2009.
If you want to view or download a higher quality version of the video...I suggest you surf on over to SecretSpot.TV and do so! =^]
Chris and I decided that the swine flu was a myth...and that a bullfighting experience was in order. It was. B^]
Picador
The Latinos are hard on their animals...which I don't condone...BUT it is always good to better understand a culture by vicariously immersing YOURself in it.
YOU may never go to a Bullfight. Fortunately, by the miracle of the 'Google Box/Internets', you can virtually check it out with us...at least this once. I recommend it. =^]
Sometimes it is acceptable to enjoy other cultures from a distance...though, I must admit, I prefer the more intimate experience.
Chris Stanko and Phill Michael at 14200ft on Denali's West Buttress in June 2008
We are about to get very intimate on the Denali Freestyle Expedition. Virtually join us by subscribing to this blog! I invite you! B^)
Until Soon
Phill =^)
PHILL MICHAEL | Expedition Leader and Summit Climber
Everest Freestyle Expedition/Secret Spot Seven Summits
SecretSpot.NET
PhillMichael.COM
SherpaSchool.ORG
Hemingway liked a good Bullfight...so I had to see what it was all about. Had to. =^]
It's been a while since we've done an actual podcast at SecretSpot.TV. We've been busy loading content at PhillMichael.com...from Nepal...often by satellite modem! B^o
We are now experimenting with all sorts of funky cameras. Some work better than others...but they all help us send a message. Blackberry devices...as well as our tried and true Sony apparatus were used for this video. Que bueno! =^)
Download | Duration: 00:13:20
Hit the play button or the download link(above) to see a MP4 version of the Bonus Bullfighting Episode
That 'Bonus Bullfighting' episode, that was just posted at SecretSpot.TV, whisks you away to a deserted Baja peninsula in May2009.
If you want to view or download a higher quality version of the video...I suggest you surf on over to SecretSpot.TV and do so! =^]
Chris and I decided that the swine flu was a myth...and that a bullfighting experience was in order. It was. B^]
The Latinos are hard on their animals...which I don't condone...BUT it is always good to better understand a culture by vicariously immersing YOURself in it.
YOU may never go to a Bullfight. Fortunately, by the miracle of the 'Google Box/Internets', you can virtually check it out with us...at least this once. I recommend it. =^]
Sometimes it is acceptable to enjoy other cultures from a distance...though, I must admit, I prefer the more intimate experience.
We are about to get very intimate on the Denali Freestyle Expedition. Virtually join us by subscribing to this blog! I invite you! B^)
Until Soon
Phill =^)
PHILL MICHAEL | Expedition Leader and Summit Climber
Everest Freestyle Expedition/Secret Spot Seven Summits
SecretSpot.NET
PhillMichael.COM
SherpaSchool.ORG
Happy Birthday Marlboro Ron! =^)
22 Jun, 09 - 12:16
Marlboro Ron and Juan explore the Secret Canyons of the Baja...
An auspicious day today...the beginning of THE Summer...and Marlboro Ron's birthday!
As an avid supporter of Secret Spot, Ron Stanko still plans onliving about another 44,935 years! He still has to score that winningtouchdown for the Steelers in a Super Bowl...so here's wishing Ron manymore anniversaries of the day he landed on this planet! B^]
Ron Stanko today
If you want to get a glimpse into the complex mind of Ron...whileon one of his adventures...I suggest you surf on over to his 2004 Baja Narrative (that is part of 'Life Script')...and see him in action!
One of Ron's greatest future challenges will be toconvince his eternally beautiful wife, Rose, to spend a night sleepingon a beach! It's good to aim high! =^]
Ron and Rose dressed for their 'day jobs'! =^]
The Summer of 2009 has many 'New Beginnings' for us all...so let's enjoy them ALL! =^)
Until Soon
Phill =^)
PHILL MICHAEL | Expedition Leader and Summit Climber
Everest Freestyle Expedition/Secret Spot Seven Summits
SecretSpot.NET
PhillMichael.COM
SherpaSchool.ORG
As an avid supporter of Secret Spot, Ron Stanko still plans onliving about another 44,935 years! He still has to score that winningtouchdown for the Steelers in a Super Bowl...so here's wishing Ron manymore anniversaries of the day he landed on this planet! B^]
If you want to get a glimpse into the complex mind of Ron...whileon one of his adventures...I suggest you surf on over to his 2004 Baja Narrative (that is part of 'Life Script')...and see him in action!
One of Ron's greatest future challenges will be toconvince his eternally beautiful wife, Rose, to spend a night sleepingon a beach! It's good to aim high! =^]
The Summer of 2009 has many 'New Beginnings' for us all...so let's enjoy them ALL! =^)
Until Soon
Phill =^)
PHILL MICHAEL | Expedition Leader and Summit Climber
Everest Freestyle Expedition/Secret Spot Seven Summits
SecretSpot.NET
PhillMichael.COM
SherpaSchool.ORG
Reflecting upon the Prayer Flags...B^]
14 Jun, 09 -14:57
Dawa, Macura Manchi and Lakpa get some family time...while marveling at Dawa's new USA visa! B^]
For those of you who have been following along, you know that Dawa was indeed successful in getting his visa to come and be an integral part of the Denali Freestyle Expedition!
Caroline, Dana, and Phill (in Calgary, Alberta, Canada) communicating with Dawa (in Kathmandu) by Skype
That is great news from Kathmandu! B^]
We are working closely with Eric at the SatellitePhoneStore.com to ensure we have everything we need to capably communicate the Denali Traverse experience to you via BGAN satellite modems on the Inmarsat network! You can check it ALL out at www.secretspotalaska.com and get daily updates via the blog and/or the dispatch frame that populates many of the SecretSpot.NET site! B^]
By subscribing to the Secret Spot Seven Summit blog (www.phillmichael.com) you can virtually start to climb the highest peak in North America. I suggest you subscribe right now! B^]
It's the only way that you can start experiencing some of the remote and exceptional places we are visiting...and it's the only way that you can potentially win some of the precious mementos we are bringing back from these other Worlds. B^]
We received quite a number of comments on the blog regarding the prayer flags that I flew in Phuri's honour! I'm only posting the comments of the people who 'won' the flags...as I get images of them with the flags. There were two strings of flags...one flown at THE Monastery and one flown on the top of a very windy Peekay Peak on May 5th. Due to the volume of subscribers who were vying for these flags...I decided to turn the two strings into ten...each of the ten once having the colour that represents an earth element...as follows:
Blue-...Sky/Space
White...Air/Wind
Red...Fire
Green...Water
Yellow...Earth
Most of the 'winners' have been alerted to their 'soon to be at their door' gift...and one such fellow had his delivered by me personally.
(top) Davy Jones and the Prayer Flags from Peekay Peak (bottom) The
same Prayer Flags flying on Peekay Peak(4065m/13333ft) on May 5th, 2009
Davy Jones came out of his locker to accept the blessings and pray for goodness. You can see an image of him and his flags in this dispatch and/or blog mirror.
I've managed get a few minutes with my Mom...as I roll through Kanadia...and she's excited and exercising for the Kilimanjaro Freestyle Expedition . You can read all about that at www.secretspotafrica.com ! A wise man, by the name of Bill Frick, once reminded me that, "Good Men honour their Mothers."
Indeed...they do. =^)
Phill and his Mom(Gina) smile about the future! B^]
Alberta, Canada is absolutely beautiful this time of year. It's hot and almost tropical. This year is a little dry...but I am loving it. It's much warmer than Denali is going to be...so I might as well enjoy this before spending more than a month at high altitude...just below the Arctic circle! =^o
I hope to bend some Time with the Time Machine before I head to the highest peak in North America...but Time...as always...will tell...
Onwards and upwards...B^]
Until Soon
Phill =^)
PHILL MICHAEL | Expedition Leader and Summit Climber
Everest Freestyle Expedition/Secret Spot Seven Summits
SecretSpot.NET
PhillMichael.COM
SherpaSchool.ORG
For those of you who have been following along, you know that Dawa was indeed successful in getting his visa to come and be an integral part of the Denali Freestyle Expedition!
Download | Duration: 00:00:26
That is great news from Kathmandu! B^]
We are working closely with Eric at the SatellitePhoneStore.com to ensure we have everything we need to capably communicate the Denali Traverse experience to you via BGAN satellite modems on the Inmarsat network! You can check it ALL out at www.secretspotalaska.com and get daily updates via the blog and/or the dispatch frame that populates many of the SecretSpot.NET site! B^]
By subscribing to the Secret Spot Seven Summit blog (www.phillmichael.com) you can virtually start to climb the highest peak in North America. I suggest you subscribe right now! B^]
It's the only way that you can start experiencing some of the remote and exceptional places we are visiting...and it's the only way that you can potentially win some of the precious mementos we are bringing back from these other Worlds. B^]
We received quite a number of comments on the blog regarding the prayer flags that I flew in Phuri's honour! I'm only posting the comments of the people who 'won' the flags...as I get images of them with the flags. There were two strings of flags...one flown at THE Monastery and one flown on the top of a very windy Peekay Peak on May 5th. Due to the volume of subscribers who were vying for these flags...I decided to turn the two strings into ten...each of the ten once having the colour that represents an earth element...as follows:
Blue-...Sky/Space
White...Air/Wind
Red...Fire
Green...Water
Yellow...Earth
Most of the 'winners' have been alerted to their 'soon to be at their door' gift...and one such fellow had his delivered by me personally.
Davy Jones came out of his locker to accept the blessings and pray for goodness. You can see an image of him and his flags in this dispatch and/or blog mirror.
I've managed get a few minutes with my Mom...as I roll through Kanadia...and she's excited and exercising for the Kilimanjaro Freestyle Expedition . You can read all about that at www.secretspotafrica.com ! A wise man, by the name of Bill Frick, once reminded me that, "Good Men honour their Mothers."
Indeed...they do. =^)
Phill and his Mom(Gina) smile about the future! B^]
Alberta, Canada is absolutely beautiful this time of year. It's hot and almost tropical. This year is a little dry...but I am loving it. It's much warmer than Denali is going to be...so I might as well enjoy this before spending more than a month at high altitude...just below the Arctic circle! =^o
I hope to bend some Time with the Time Machine before I head to the highest peak in North America...but Time...as always...will tell...
Onwards and upwards...B^]
Until Soon
Phill =^)
PHILL MICHAEL | Expedition Leader and Summit Climber
Everest Freestyle Expedition/Secret Spot Seven Summits
SecretSpot.NET
PhillMichael.COM
SherpaSchool.ORG
W(h)ining in Calgary, Alberta, Kanadia...=^P
11 Jun, 09 -23:43
Oh ya...=^P
Caroline, Dana and Phill reflect upon the 2008 Secret Spot Tilman Trek
Until Soon
Phill =^)
PHILL MICHAEL | Expedition Leader and Summit Climber
Everest Freestyle Expedition/Secret Spot Seven Summits
SecretSpot.NET
PhillMichael.COM
SherpaSchool.ORG
Dawa is.....
Just a quick update...for those who were concerned about Dawa and were having problems viewing the video in the previous post, the video now should be working just fine!
Cheers for now!
-Chris
CHRIS STANKO | Base Camp Manager
Secret Spot Seven Summits
News from Dawa! =^)
3 Jun, 09 -10:32
Hectic times in California...B^)
Southern California has been hectic...and all about re-connecting with folks after 7.5 months in Nepal! =^o
More about that later this week! B^]
It is all good! =^)
We'll likely be adding another member to the Secret Spot Seven Summits Team shortly. They are super keen! Joy! =^)
Secret Spot Seven Summits might have a new member soon...=^]
I suggest surfing on over to the Secret Spot Seven Summits blog (www.phillmichael.com) to check out a snippet of our soon to be released 2009 Baja Bonus Episode at SecretSpot.TV!
It tells you what happened to Dawa...
Click on the play button to hear what happened to Dawa!
Until Soon
Phill =^)
PHILL MICHAEL | Expedition Leader and Summit Climber
Everest Freestyle Expedition/Secret Spot Seven Summits
SecretSpot.NET
PhillMichael.COM
SherpaSchool.ORG
Southern California has been hectic...and all about re-connecting with folks after 7.5 months in Nepal! =^o
More about that later this week! B^]
It is all good! =^)
We'll likely be adding another member to the Secret Spot Seven Summits Team shortly. They are super keen! Joy! =^)
I suggest surfing on over to the Secret Spot Seven Summits blog (www.phillmichael.com) to check out a snippet of our soon to be released 2009 Baja Bonus Episode at SecretSpot.TV!
It tells you what happened to Dawa...
Download | Duration: 00:01:25
Click on the play button to hear what happened to Dawa!
Until Soon
Phill =^)
PHILL MICHAEL | Expedition Leader and Summit Climber
Everest Freestyle Expedition/Secret Spot Seven Summits
SecretSpot.NET
PhillMichael.COM
SherpaSchool.ORG
Memorial Day! B^]
25 May, 09 -22:14
(top) Lunch at Long Beach, California, USA with Tom and Tina from
HumanEdgeTech.com (middle) Leatherwork for the SecretSpotStore.com
(bottom) Playmobil Bajee Dawa snuggles into his Zulu 9 parka at 17500ft
camp on the 2008 Denali Freestyle Expedition
A fitting day to reflect upon the last week or so in North America.
Memorial Day.
Chris and I have been connecting with people and making all sorts of plans beyond the 'soon to occur' Denali Freestyle Expedition! It's been great...and will likely continue to just get better. =^]
We just need to hear that Dawa's Visa interview goes smoothly...so we can get him over here! B^)
America misses Playmobil Bajee Dawa!
We've also been harvesting more product for the SecretSpotStore.com! It's amazing what some people can make with leather! =^o
You'll see soon enough...if you are paying attention...
Chris and I have been paying attention to all sorts of events. He is rocking the iPhone...while I marvel at the abilities of my new Blackberry Bold. I missed the Crackberry service while on a 7.5 month journey in Nepal...but now I am back to Thumbdiddling away! =^]
Modern communications technology makes our lives better. Period. It brings us closer to the ones we love. =^)
We were down at the Long Beach Aquarium last Thursday...meeting with Tom and Tina from HumanEdgeTech.com . What an inspirational couple...and just all around good people! They are planning on going to Mars within the next decade. For real! =^o
Maybe my own future children...and the kids at the SherpaSchool.ORG will video conference with Tom and Tina from Olympus Mons?! Time will tell...as it always does! =^]
Closer to home and the present...we'll be communicating from Alaska via some Immarsat's BGAN network next month. We will be bringing the experience to you in real time. It's going to be very cool. Eric Talman at the SatellitePhoneStore.com is working with us to pioneer some innovative communications from North America's highest peak.
The 'Corrida de Toros' in Tijuana, Mexico in May 2009...Ole! B^)
Does the word 'cool' describe yesterday's visit to Tijuana, Mexico?! Indeed...it does. The bullfight was very interesting...although...some would say that Latinos are a little hard on their animals. This is especially poignant to me...with the juxtaposition of recent venues...namely rural Nepal and urban Mexico. The culture of the former wouldn't (couldn't) hurt a fly!
Regardless...the bullfight was a fascinating cultural experience...and I would do it again...in a heartbeat. There will be an entire entry dedicated to our 'Corrida de Toros' experience in the very near future. I'm thinking I might need to visit the Spanish Nuns/Bhaktatourists in Spain sometime...and see what Hemingway was raving about. I need to do that retro dispatch about Peekay Peak first...=^]
The media has been describing Nepal and Mexico as dangerous places to go. Those who continue to think that way are just missing out. Oh well...I'll continue to explore these beautiful places in their honour. It is my pleasure. B^)
(top) Ron and Rose Stanko at the Irvine ClaimJumper (bottom) Part of the Memorial Day feasting
crew
It was also my pleasure to ingest vast quantities of meat and potatoes at the Stankos on this Memorial Day!
Ron cooked up some succulent steaks...while Rose poured some delicious wine and served some decadent food.
Memorial Day...indeed! =^P
Until Soon
Phill =^)
PHILL MICHAEL | Expedition Leader and Summit Climber
Everest Freestyle Expedition/Secret Spot Seven Summits
SecretSpot.NET
PhillMichael.COM
SherpaSchool.ORG
A fitting day to reflect upon the last week or so in North America.
Memorial Day.
Chris and I have been connecting with people and making all sorts of plans beyond the 'soon to occur' Denali Freestyle Expedition! It's been great...and will likely continue to just get better. =^]
We just need to hear that Dawa's Visa interview goes smoothly...so we can get him over here! B^)
America misses Playmobil Bajee Dawa!
We've also been harvesting more product for the SecretSpotStore.com! It's amazing what some people can make with leather! =^o
You'll see soon enough...if you are paying attention...
Chris and I have been paying attention to all sorts of events. He is rocking the iPhone...while I marvel at the abilities of my new Blackberry Bold. I missed the Crackberry service while on a 7.5 month journey in Nepal...but now I am back to Thumbdiddling away! =^]
Modern communications technology makes our lives better. Period. It brings us closer to the ones we love. =^)
We were down at the Long Beach Aquarium last Thursday...meeting with Tom and Tina from HumanEdgeTech.com . What an inspirational couple...and just all around good people! They are planning on going to Mars within the next decade. For real! =^o
Maybe my own future children...and the kids at the SherpaSchool.ORG will video conference with Tom and Tina from Olympus Mons?! Time will tell...as it always does! =^]
Closer to home and the present...we'll be communicating from Alaska via some Immarsat's BGAN network next month. We will be bringing the experience to you in real time. It's going to be very cool. Eric Talman at the SatellitePhoneStore.com is working with us to pioneer some innovative communications from North America's highest peak.
Does the word 'cool' describe yesterday's visit to Tijuana, Mexico?! Indeed...it does. The bullfight was very interesting...although...some would say that Latinos are a little hard on their animals. This is especially poignant to me...with the juxtaposition of recent venues...namely rural Nepal and urban Mexico. The culture of the former wouldn't (couldn't) hurt a fly!
Regardless...the bullfight was a fascinating cultural experience...and I would do it again...in a heartbeat. There will be an entire entry dedicated to our 'Corrida de Toros' experience in the very near future. I'm thinking I might need to visit the Spanish Nuns/Bhaktatourists in Spain sometime...and see what Hemingway was raving about. I need to do that retro dispatch about Peekay Peak first...=^]
The media has been describing Nepal and Mexico as dangerous places to go. Those who continue to think that way are just missing out. Oh well...I'll continue to explore these beautiful places in their honour. It is my pleasure. B^)
It was also my pleasure to ingest vast quantities of meat and potatoes at the Stankos on this Memorial Day!
Ron cooked up some succulent steaks...while Rose poured some delicious wine and served some decadent food.
Memorial Day...indeed! =^P
Until Soon
Phill =^)
PHILL MICHAEL | Expedition Leader and Summit Climber
Everest Freestyle Expedition/Secret Spot Seven Summits
SecretSpot.NET
PhillMichael.COM
SherpaSchool.ORG
Everything is Impermanent...=^]
20 May, 09 -23:51
Cruising the deserted Baja roads
Sooooo..Baja was deserted. We only saw 2 other tourists over the entire 500km of Mexican road we traveled. =^o
I guess people are scared of the Swine Flu and the Narcos. I did not see any evidence of either?!
Our quick trip to my favorite peninsula was stellar...and we enjoyed empty streets, smiling people and quiet beaches. The wrecked Isla Carmen has deteriorated since the first day I saw it...almost 20 years ago. More proof that everything is impermanent! =^]
We got a flat tire while collecting wood at night...which was promptly fixed by a friendly soul for under $5USD. I love the Baja! B^)
Our excursion was so good that we are heading back to Tijuana this coming weekend. The Bullring by the Sea is our destination. I can't wait!
That will be another cultural experience that will be vastly different than the Sherpa Country experience!
(top) The Isla Carmen today (middle) The Isla Carmen in 1991 (bottom) Chris enjoys a restful sleep on the Baja beach
It's not that odd to be back from Nepal. The monsoons have started over there, so Dawa is getting rained upon on daily basis...and looking forward to coming over to North America for the Denali Freestyle Expedition! B^)
I'll do a retro dispatch about Peekay Peak shortly.
I've been enjoying the culinary delights of our First World culture...and missing the Dahl Bhat. For real!
The Stankos and I had a Shrimp Feast on Tuesday night. My stomach is still distended from that. Yum! =^P
(top) Phill loves the Baja! (bottom) A Shrimp Feast at the Stankos
We've got a plethora of things on the stove top right now...both literally and figuratively...so onwards we roll! B^]
YOU probably ought to leave a comment for this blog entry?!
If YOU are a subscriber to the Secret Spot Seven Summits blog (www.phillmichael.com) ....and leave a comment....YOU could win some prayer flags that we flew at THE Monastery and/or Peekay Peak!
Do it now! =^]
Until Soon
Phill =^)
PHILL MICHAEL | Expedition Leader and Summit Climber
Everest Freestyle Expedition/Secret Spot Seven Summits
SecretSpot.NET
PhillMichael.COM
SherpaSchool.ORG
Sooooo..Baja was deserted. We only saw 2 other tourists over the entire 500km of Mexican road we traveled. =^o
I guess people are scared of the Swine Flu and the Narcos. I did not see any evidence of either?!
Our quick trip to my favorite peninsula was stellar...and we enjoyed empty streets, smiling people and quiet beaches. The wrecked Isla Carmen has deteriorated since the first day I saw it...almost 20 years ago. More proof that everything is impermanent! =^]
We got a flat tire while collecting wood at night...which was promptly fixed by a friendly soul for under $5USD. I love the Baja! B^)
Our excursion was so good that we are heading back to Tijuana this coming weekend. The Bullring by the Sea is our destination. I can't wait!
That will be another cultural experience that will be vastly different than the Sherpa Country experience!
It's not that odd to be back from Nepal. The monsoons have started over there, so Dawa is getting rained upon on daily basis...and looking forward to coming over to North America for the Denali Freestyle Expedition! B^)
I'll do a retro dispatch about Peekay Peak shortly.
I've been enjoying the culinary delights of our First World culture...and missing the Dahl Bhat. For real!
The Stankos and I had a Shrimp Feast on Tuesday night. My stomach is still distended from that. Yum! =^P
We've got a plethora of things on the stove top right now...both literally and figuratively...so onwards we roll! B^]
YOU probably ought to leave a comment for this blog entry?!
If YOU are a subscriber to the Secret Spot Seven Summits blog (www.phillmichael.com) ....and leave a comment....YOU could win some prayer flags that we flew at THE Monastery and/or Peekay Peak!
Do it now! =^]
Until Soon
Phill =^)
PHILL MICHAEL | Expedition Leader and Summit Climber
Everest Freestyle Expedition/Secret Spot Seven Summits
SecretSpot.NET
PhillMichael.COM
SherpaSchool.ORG
Under a Virgo Moon...again! B^]
(top) The front desk of the KTMGH (middle) Phill, Willie(Chief Engineer at Surefire) and Chris get their Soup Plantation on! =^P (bottom) Phill, Ron and Rose Stanko and some regulars at the Irvine ClaimJumper
The fog is pervasive on this Sunday morn...fortunately my mind is clear...and my level of excitement is high! Southern California (SoCalifornicia) is sensible at this time of year...indeed! B^]
The Kathmandu Guest House (KTHGH) almost feels like a distant memory...although I only left there a few days ago. My profuse thanks go out to the folks at the KTMGH for providing me with an exceptional base of operations during my last (long) stay in Nepal!
Chris and I are heading down to Baja California Norte this morning...just for a quick jaunt...to a Secret Spot that we visited in January 2008. If you surf on over to www.secretspot.tv , you can check out the Baja Bonus episode...and see what the heck I'm talking about. We are cruising down there: to possibly do some ocean fishing...to shoot a SecretSpot.TV podcast...to do a SkypeVidCon with Eric at the SatellitePhoneStore.com ...and to just generally enjoy the Mexican culture. Que bueno! B^]
It's going to be another busy 24 hours! B^)
I returned to North America on Thursday night...after a very pleasant 24 hours of travel from Kathmandu with Thai Air. No complaints there...except for my record setting baggage charge of $714USD! =^o
The Thai Air agent who was weighing my baggage just kept muttering, "Oh my God..."...as my monstrously heavy North Face bags almost broke the scale.
These days, I suppose having over 250lbs of luggage is expensive...no matter where you fly?! It was all for a good cause. Just ask some people who received some pretty 'skookum' gifts from me. Prayer flags aren't heavy...but prayer stones ARE! So are Tibetan Singing bowls and bronze tableware! =^o
Speaking of volume, Ron and Rose Stanko re-acquainted me with the Claimjumper's(CJ's) Long Island Iced Teas upon my glorious descent into SoCalifornicia. Uhhhh...yum. %^P
The manager of the Irvine CJ's location, Kevin Murray, gave us some nice shirts and hats. I'll likely wear the former until the sun melts it off my body. You should see my old CJ's t-shirts! Paper thin from sun exposure and heavy use in NepaliHinduStan! It was time for the upgrade! %^]
Chris and I also hooked up with Chief Engineer Willie of Surefire on Friday. We had plate...after...plate...after plate of salad. Oh...yes...we...did! =^P
Do I miss Nepal?! You bet! I'll be back in the not so distant future though. The SherpaSchool.ORG is growing...
Also, Dawa is winging his way over here in a month...so we can get started on that Denali Traverse. The Denali Freestyle Expedition is going to be lovely. I can't wait to be freezing my appendages off...at 65 degrees latitude...under a Midnight Sun! Doesn't that sound great?! You will have to follow along at www.secretspotalaska.com and/or www.phillmichael.com ! I invite you to virtually end your Spring and start your Summer climbing to North America's highest peak...from the warmth of your own home or office! B^)
Subscribe to the Secret Spot Seven Summits blog (www.phillmichael.com) and you can be a part of it all. If you haven't subscribed yet, I am once again compelled to ask you, "WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!?!?". Do it! B^]
We slept under a Virgo Moon last night...not literally...but figuratively. We are currently enjoying the rapidly clearing morning at Mary's Chili House. Mary is the heart and soul of www.virgomoon.com . She was gracious enough to make our Buddha Eye Amulets. I recommend cruising over to www.virgomoon.com and see exactly what I am talking about. You won't be sorry...B^)
We are busy discussing the production of some custom items for the SecretSpotStore.com that Mary is creating. You'll have to wait until the end of Summer 2009 to see the final products! I suggest 'bipping' on over to the store to check out our placeholder. The image is almost as beautiful as the person who inspired me to use it. =^)
Mmmmm...omelets are cooking. Mary is an unbelievable cook. She is so technical and incredibly intelligent that these meals will actually make Chris and I smarter...just by association! It's true. We need all the help we can get! =^]
I'm listening to a good song right now. It is directed at someone who knows exactly who they are...=^]
Download | Duration: 00:00:00
Hit the play button to hear Sade's 'Love is Stronger than Pride'!
Until Soon
Phill =^)
PHILL MICHAEL | Expedition Leader and Summit Climber
Everest Freestyle Expedition/Secret Spot Seven Summits
SecretSpot.NET
PhillMichael.COM
SherpaSchool.ORG
Coming Home...
13 May, 09 -23:57
(top) Dawa and Phill on the Mini Time Machine near Patan (middle) More
goods for the SecretSpotStore.com (bottom) Patan Durbar Square
Very rainy days in Kathmandu have made for some muddy and slippery roads. The Mini Time Machine has been saying, 'Slow Down!'...so I have very willingly complied...sort of. B^]
We did a pile of running about for the last couple of days...including the acquisition of some goodies for theSecretSpotStore.com! Joy! B^]
We were also in Patan. That is one of the three 'cities' that were kingdoms in the Kathmandu Valley. Patan is lovely in the Spring...or anytime...really. I have some great memories of Midnight cruises there, in the pitch darkness, on the Mini Time Machine. B^)
Dawa had a little stress and echo test of his own on Sunday...and the results proved that his heart is strong...and his resolve to enjoy life is even stronger. =^]
We were back at the Shahid Gangalal Nation Heart Center on Tuesday...to get Dawa's test results...and to connect with Dr Rabindra Tamala. Rabindra was good enough to capture some images of Phuri's surgery for me. Are they too graphic for this Secret Spot media?! You tell me...
Here are some scenes from his new Aortic Valve being installed. Amazing!
Phuri's heart sugery under the guidance of Dr Rabindra Tamala
I visited with Phuri on my last day in KTM...and his countenance was one of awe...when he saw the pictures. I also delivered some Dzo/Yak cheese that I acquired from the village of his birth (Gorakhani) for him. That way he will get to enjoy the start of his new life with a familiar flavour. =^
Speaking of Gorakhani...the new and improved SherpaSchool.ORG website has been posted. Check it out! B^]
Ahhhh...last day in KTM...for now. I'm coming home. There is plenty for me to do on the other side of the planet...and the Denali Freestyle Expedition is coming up soon! B^)
When Chris mirrors this dispatch in the Secret Spot Seven Summits blog (www.phillmichael.com) ...a very fitting song will be available for your listening pleasure. Fill your ears with goodness please. =^] Click below to listen!
Click to listen to 'Comin Home' by City and Colour
We've had a surprising number of blog subscribers leave comments for the last two entries...in the hopes that they will be drawn for the prayer flags. You can only potentially win them if you are subscribed and leave a comment. .I suggest you do so right now!
These prayer flags could be yours!
I might even post a comment or two...and I'll do the draw sometime towards the end of this month...
Until Soon
Phill =^)
PHILL MICHAEL | Expedition Leader and Summit Climber
Everest Freestyle Expedition/Secret Spot Seven Summits
SecretSpot.NET
PhillMichael.COM
SherpaSchool.ORG
Very rainy days in Kathmandu have made for some muddy and slippery roads. The Mini Time Machine has been saying, 'Slow Down!'...so I have very willingly complied...sort of. B^]
We did a pile of running about for the last couple of days...including the acquisition of some goodies for theSecretSpotStore.com! Joy! B^]
We were also in Patan. That is one of the three 'cities' that were kingdoms in the Kathmandu Valley. Patan is lovely in the Spring...or anytime...really. I have some great memories of Midnight cruises there, in the pitch darkness, on the Mini Time Machine. B^)
Dawa had a little stress and echo test of his own on Sunday...and the results proved that his heart is strong...and his resolve to enjoy life is even stronger. =^]
We were back at the Shahid Gangalal Nation Heart Center on Tuesday...to get Dawa's test results...and to connect with Dr Rabindra Tamala. Rabindra was good enough to capture some images of Phuri's surgery for me. Are they too graphic for this Secret Spot media?! You tell me...
Phuri's heart sugery under the guidance of Dr Rabindra Tamala
I visited with Phuri on my last day in KTM...and his countenance was one of awe...when he saw the pictures. I also delivered some Dzo/Yak cheese that I acquired from the village of his birth (Gorakhani) for him. That way he will get to enjoy the start of his new life with a familiar flavour. =^
Speaking of Gorakhani...the new and improved SherpaSchool.ORG website has been posted. Check it out! B^]
Ahhhh...last day in KTM...for now. I'm coming home. There is plenty for me to do on the other side of the planet...and the Denali Freestyle Expedition is coming up soon! B^)
When Chris mirrors this dispatch in the Secret Spot Seven Summits blog (www.phillmichael.com) ...a very fitting song will be available for your listening pleasure. Fill your ears with goodness please. =^] Click below to listen!
Download | Duration: 00:05:05
Click to listen to 'Comin Home' by City and Colour
We've had a surprising number of blog subscribers leave comments for the last two entries...in the hopes that they will be drawn for the prayer flags. You can only potentially win them if you are subscribed and leave a comment. .I suggest you do so right now!
I might even post a comment or two...and I'll do the draw sometime towards the end of this month...
Until Soon
Phill =^)
PHILL MICHAEL | Expedition Leader and Summit Climber
Everest Freestyle Expedition/Secret Spot Seven Summits
SecretSpot.NET
PhillMichael.COM
SherpaSchool.ORG