10 Jul, 09 -17:12



WELLLLL...we were on the verge of heading off on the Denali Freestyle Expedition...but rational, sensible behaviour prevailed (as it always should...ha ha...hehheh...hmmmm)...and we've decided to shift focus onto the Kilimanjaro Freestyle Expedition. It's less than six months away! B^)

Ambitious plans need to be tempered with intelligence...and a good sense of timing. As much fun as it would be for us to be the last climbers of the season to be dropped off on the melting Kahiltna glacier...we've got other commitments to take care of...and schedules to meet in August.  As I've previously mentioned in blog....fools rush...=^]

Alex Mondau and Chris Stanko taking a quick break at Windy Corner (13,200ft/4024m) while descending the West Buttress of Denali in late June 2008

In any situation...it is better to be wining...than whining. Period. Know whud I mean??!? %^P

It also might not be a bad idea for Dawa and I to spend some time at our respective homes for a change. It's been quite some time since I've done that. =^]

Ang Dawa Sherpa and Phill Michael just above Washburn's Thumb (16,800ft/5122m) on Denali's West Buttress in June 2008. Pretty far from home. B^]

My shimmering Muse has informed me that she is still proud of me...even if I don't pull a 110 pound sled (attached to a 50 pound pack) up a mountain this month...so it's all good. B^)

Our prayers have been answered...and earth elements flutter in the breeze...in more than one location. Almost all of the 'winners' of the Prayer Flags I flew in Nepal are admiring their gifts in far away places.

Colleen flies her Prayer Flags at the Coral Sea

One such kindred spirit is Colleen Van House.  She's a dedicated 'Medtronicon'  who has been virtually traveling with us since the inception of the Secret Spot Seven Summits blog. (www.phillmichael.com).  It's our extreme pleasure to have her on board...and we are looking forward to her positive vibes propelling all of us to the roof of Africa! B^]

COLLEEN...that's a beautiful image...and I'm most pleased that the energy we expended in early May in remote Nepal, at the time of Phuri's surgery, has been transferred into sweet goodness on this side of the World.

Eric Talman (in Florida) communicates with Ang Dawa Sherpa and Phill Michael (in remote Nepal) via the Inmarsat network and a Hughes 9201 BGAN terminal

We'll be continually beaming dispatches using Contact software (www.humanedgetech.com) from Tanzania via our tried and true Hughes 9201 BGAN terminal(s). Eric Talman from the SatellitePhoneStore.com is planning on sharing the Kilimanjaro experience with us...live and in person. We are pretty excited about looking over the plains of Africa with him...other fine people...and my Mom!

Gina (Phill's Mom) enjoys the early summer in an unusually arid Edmonton

Gina has been pounding the pavement of Alberta to ensure she is fit enough for the challenge. Good idea. =^]

Last month, a brief rest from the hectic training schedule took her and Paul away to the hamlet of Water Valley, Alberta. Our long time friends, Jan and Grant Fraiser, reside there. Grant is an exceptional artist. More about him in a future dispatch.

Gina relaxes in Water Valley, Alberta, Kanadia amongst Grant Frasier's artwork

A warm but fickle Summer in Alberta, Kanadia is avoiding Dana, Caroline, Ahmed and I.  The rain pours down....while strong winds blow over the prairie. We need the moisture...and the heavens might as well quench our thirst even further...but only until the Time Machine is ready to massage the roads of North America. Bring it on. B^]

Dawa is enjoying the full effects of the Monsoons in Kathmandu...with his beautiful little family.

The Super Fly Stanko brothers, Scott and Chris, are gearing up for the 40th anniversary of Comicon...while Chris continues to sculpt some incredible blades. (www.westcoastbladecraft.com)

Alex is capably managing the facilities of Agua Verde in Seattle.

Sonn is living La Vida Loca in the Los Angeles area.

Gelu is chopping it up in Saudi Arabia.

Michael (professional tennis player in his past life) is busy instructing people on how to hit the little yellow ball over the net...while preparing to guide some fortunate Secret Spot Adventurers through the wonders of Tanzania this December.


The Secret Spot Seven Summits Team

...and Steve is rafting in Central California. Who's Steve?! YOU will find out...soon enough...if you are a Secret Spot Seven Summits blog (www.phillmichael.com) subscriber! =^]

Life is good...and it's going to get even better...as we slowly develop inventory for the SecretSpotStore.com.  We'll be soft launching the store later this year as those of you near the equator notice that the centre of the sun is directly above you.  Huh?!  What?!  Figure it out! =^]


I suggest surfing on over to the SecretSpotStore.com right now...to get a very short preview of what is going to be available there...

Subscribe to the Secret Spot Seven Summits blog (www.phillmichael.com) and enjoy the summer (or winter for those of you in the Southern Hemisphere) with us. 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