So… I have neglected the blog for a while now. Like, for months actually. Now, one week from today, I’ll be hiking up to Camp Muir at this time, probably super nervous and excited and hopefully not out of breath, yet. So much has happened since my last post, that it’s been intimidating for me to sit down and figure out where to begin. So here’s the cliff notes version, with a numbered list to keep me sane.
1. I met my fundraising goal. In fact, I exceeded it and donations are still coming in. I’m currently at $5,170! The last week of school, I had a former student stop by my classroom and present me with a homemade card, with his allowance inside that he wished to donate. I was so touched by his kindness. I look at the card every day and it still brings me to tears a month later. K, if you’re reading this, you are one special little guy. Thank you.
2. I had the chance a few months ago to visit the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Mary Hsue, Director of Special Gifts, gave Justin and I a behind-the-scenes tour of all that’s happening. I was completely blown away at the research taking place and the advances in cancer research. We met outstanding individuals who have dedicated their lives to finding cures for various cancers. The money I’m raising allows them to keep working. I left so inspired and more determined that ever to help find a cure.
3. Training… oh goodness. I’ve been running, lifting weights and hiking a lot. A lot. With water as weight. I started with 20 lbs, moved up to 32 lbs and then 40 lbs, which about did me in. I did pretty well on Mt. Si, well within the range that the training guides suggest. Then, last week I met Mailbox Peak and it completely defeated me. I have never given up on any physical challenge in my life. I’ve always finished a race, finished a climb, a swim, whatever… but I could not summit Mailbox and it has really screwed with my head. I stopped about 200ft short of the summit, where I puked up water, snot and Shot Blocks. I was a mess. I’ve never had this type of physical reaction to a physical challenge before and really pissed me off. I felt like I maybe could have kept going but that my body was trying to tell me something too. I cried (see previous posts regarding crying) and waited for my friends to come back down as I gazed on Mt. Rainier and watched any confidence I had in my summit attempt fade away. I came home angry as hell that I couldn’t do it. If I can’t climb this puny peak, how the hell am I going to make it on Rainier?? I called Alpine Ascents (our guide service) in tears (shocking, I know) a few days later looking for any glimpse of encouragement, “you’ll be just fine,” said the calm voice on the other end. Now, I have one week to believe it.
4. Gear/Equipment. This is stressful to me because everyone has a different opinion on what’s needed, what’s the best, where to go, etc… and I’ve never done this before, so I DON’T KNOW! =) So this is where I need your help and support. Here’s a list of the equipment I’m planning on renting. If you have any of these things and wouldn’t mind loaning them to me for this climb, I would so very much appreciate it!! I will drive to you to get it, pay the shipping, buy you a beer, whatever! Right now, I’m looking at about $300 in rental expenses, so if you can help, please let me know.
- Ice Axe- I am only 5’4, so I need a 60cm tool with a leash.
- Crampons- with flat rather than “cookie cutter” frame rails.
- Plastic climbing boots (I’m a size 7-7.5)
- Climbing helmet
- Gaiters- heavy duty ones
- I need two locking Carabiners, I think I have a climbing harness that will work (thanks, Ken!) but if you specifically have an Alpine Climbing Harness, let me know.
- I have a self-inflating sleeping pad, but I also need a closed cell foam sleeping pad.
- Glacier glasses (I think my sunglasses fit the requirements but still…)
- Shell mitts with insulated removable liners
Again, if you can help out with any of this equipment, I would be EXTREMELY grateful!! Please call, text, facebook me. Send me a message, leave a comment, email me, send me a smoke signal, whatever is easiest for you.
That’s it for now. I’ll save the rest for another entry. Thank you to everybody for your support on this adventure. I can’t believe it’s next week! It’s been an amazing experience so far, raising money, making friends and creating awareness. I am so excited for the actual climb and I can’t wait to post pictures of my summit!!!
Amy. Contact me at the offfice.I can loan you a few items. You’ll be fine – mailbox is steeper than anything you’ll see on Rainier! M