23 Mar, 10 - 11:48 


Phill Michael in the Fourth Dimension with dual moons...on the Time Machine

Currently, the northern hemisphere of our Big Blue Marble is experiencing some Spring conditions! Actually...if you are finding yourself in the northern hemisphere...it was officially Spring On Saturday, March 20th. The Vernal Equinox! It's the time that bicycles (and tricycles!) roll over the remnants of a frozen winter...and Time Machine (s) start to quiver in anticipation of the open road. It's also the time that the folks who insulate themselves from their frigid climates tend to re-acquaint themselves with the Natural.


Jean and Seiji enjoy Spring

Speaking of truly being in touch with one's environment, Bill Frick is starting an album about the life of a grape vine that is under his care. If you are a Facebungler, you should become a fan of Frick Winery at Facebook and witness the miracle of life! B^)


Viognier bud at Frick Winery

I celebrated the change of season by upgrading one of my Crackberry devices. Wow...we're entering an age of technology that is astounding. Embrace it my Friends...there's no stopping 'Progress'. I'm listening to a song right now that is resonating throughout my soul. You can listen to some sweet goodness while reading the rest of this dispatch...if you click on the link below.

Landslide by Fleetwood Mac

Progress...hmmmm...I read an article in the New York Times today that was sent to me by Doug Ferrier. It described how the Annapurna circuit of Nepal has quickly become a tourist trap that will soon be road accessible. It reminded me of one of my favorite sayings:

Bad roads...good people...good roads...bad people.


A busy day at Lake Louise, Kanadia in Spring 2007

That further reminded me of the ski resorts here in North America...and how busy they can get. The primitive little video(above) from a few years ago conveys that. I still have that big yellow board...


Connections in Congmading, Nepal

I've been reloading the 2008 Secret Spot Tilman Trek. In the last retro-dispatch, Caroline, Dana, Dawa and I were descending from Mera Peak...and on our way to Congmading, Nepal. It's a tiny little outpost where Dana and I played 'good guy/bad guy'. The local population of 4 decided I was an easy target for fleecing. I wonder why...heh heh...ha ha...hmmmm. I couldn't stomach their delusional valuations...so Dana secured some more reasonable prices for our libations by exercising extreme humility. Once our spirits were decanted, Dana and I peered into the future while Caroline rested her weary bones. Despite the later hour and the blood alcohol levels...I had to put on my rose coloured glacier glasses to protect my eyes from the blinding light of our bright future. 'Que bueno!' I exclaimed...as I have often croaked while enjoying the wonders of the Sea of Cortez...and beyond. Dana and I enjoyed hours of slurred conversation about our respective relationships and such. Some moments in our lives are unforgettable, vivid snapshots that consistently bring tears to the eyes. It's all good. B^]


Congma Bird

I had mentioned in my musings of November 3rd, 2008, that I'd post an image of a Congma when I found one. It's sort of the Nepalese version of a Canadian Grouse. Some would argue it's more like a Partridge. Tomaytoh/Tomahto?!
I know from experience that Grouse are tasty...as there is an abundance of them in the Frozen North. I'm not sure what Congma taste like?! They are a more regal bird than the Grouse of Kanadia...and possibly best left to flutter and scurry in their hostile environment. High altitude Nepal needs its denizens preserved...or else they will disappear...forever. Forever seems like a long time...doesn't it?! I recommend we all be pensive before eradicating what can't be replaced. It is much easier to destroy than create.


The Porter Fire

I remember chillin' with some porters around a blazing fire...just before reaching Sheerto Pokari on the night of Satruday, November 1st, 2008...while Bajee Namgell and I warmed our wretched hides. Bajee Namgell took the liberty of complaining to the porters about how I was 'playing with my computers' all morning...which made for our 'late' departure from Congmading...and late arrival into camp. He went on and on and on...not realizing that my understanding of what he was saying was better than he surmised. He also failed to realize I using this technology to bring our story to the world.

The young porters were looking at me with intense curiosity during his rant about the demon electronics I was carrying. He told us about how he was marching through the region while the rest of us were still nursing, etc, etc, etc. It didn't matter what language the audience spoke...his gesticulations told the tale. There was a great deal of eye rolling from all of us...but we all loved this old man of the Himalayas...with all our hearts...despite our collective dismay about his ramblings. Dende Sherpa materialized over a dark hill that was framed by brilliant stars...and a Surefire Aviator led us to him. Just before we left the comfort of the porter's fire, I pulled out a bottle of 'XXX' whiskey that I had overpaid for in Congmading. As the last drop landed in the cup of a young porter...laughter prevailed...and smiles were all around...even from the disgruntled Bajee Namgell.

Appreciation of good spirits promotes happiness. B^)
_______________

3 Nov, 08 - 02:22


Congmading, Nepal

Thursday's descent from the summit of Mera Peak (6476m/21241ft) was...lonnnnng. We were all absolutely spent by the time we reached Mera La. (5300m/17500ft) Imagine barely having the energy to get into one's sleeping bag and definitely not having the energy to eat.


Congmading Kitchen

Fortunately, we had slated a short descent for Friday. We were able to save our strength for movement until early Friday afternoon. We dropped down about 700m (2300ft)...from Mera La to Congmading (4600m/15000ft). 'Congma' in the Sherpa language refers to a partridge like bird...of which we saw none...at least in the two house town of Congmading. I suspect somebody thought that the local population of birds were more tasty than interesting to talk to!? These birds are protected in Khare...so we were surrounded by them about a week ago. I'll have to dig up a photo for a future dispatch...if I had the presence of mind to take one!?


Halloween Dinner in Congmading

Friday night meant meat with our dhal bhat (lentils and rice)...and some Nepali whiskey washed it all down. We were most pleased with our recent summit...and especially elated that we had enjoyed such ideal conditions. The prospect of 'moving up' again was clearly on our horizon, as getting onto the Everest circuit from Congmading involves technical travel over the near 20000ft (6000m) Amphu Laptse La pass.


The view down the valley from just above Congmading

Saturday was way too long of a day...though the scenery was astounding...and I spent part of my evening around a fire with some porters. Crawling into my slumber pit late on Saturday night was a welcome relief and I was lulled to sleep by the sharp pops and gentle moans of the frozen lake we were camped beside.


Chamlang (7200m/23600ft) dominated our view during our post-Mera Peak wanderings

I hope you are virtually enjoying climbing in the Himalayas with us via the dispatches at www.secretspoteverest.com and/or my blog!?

If you have not subscribed...you should...right now. I invite you. =^)

Until Soon
Phill =^)

PHILL MICHAEL
Expedition Leader and Summit Climber
Everest Freestyle Expedition/Secret Spot Seven Summits
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