Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Still dreaming...Still climbing!

Wow! It's hard for me to fathom that it has been more than 4 years since my last post. Much as happened in the last 4 years. Our family has grown by one more member. Our daughter Annelyse Joy was born on May 16, 2011. Diana and I have continued to travel the world and I have continued to climb when possible.
Expeditions to Kilimanjaro in Africa and Denali in Alaska coupled with local climbs around Colorado have kept me active and yet I continue to dream of the Earth's highest mountains. The siren call of the high Himalaya beacon me. While I have continued to dream of one day returning to Nepal, life in general has dictated otherwise. With the continued, unwavering support of my wonderful wife, we have decided that 2015 is an appropriate time to give another Himalayan giant a shot.
In late August I will once again leave for Kathmandu, Nepal and eventually on to attempt the 8th highest mountain in the world, Manaslu. Standing at 26,781' this mountain is one of the 14 mountains in the world over 8000 meters or 26,240'. I will be attempting this peak without the aid of supplemental oxygen. The challenge of doing so is daunting and the task at hand requires enormous amounts of physical and mental strength.
I continue to build physical strength and endurance by going to the gym, running and climbing whenever possible. I continue to work on improving mental strength by focusing on how blessed I am and my favorite Bible verse. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Phillipians 4:13
These next 6 months will fly by in a flash. I will prepare to the best of my ability. Will you keep me in your prayers? I hope so.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Yes, Ben. We pray daily for you and your lovely family.

The Doctor said...

I'll be following along, bro!

Joe R. said...

I am praying with you too! Stay safe and enjoy the blessing to do these things!

Unknown said...

Ben, can you give us your perspective on the recent earthquake and avalanches on Everest? I'm sure you know some of the people from Colorado who were there... How will this affect your plans for your upcoming expedition?