Saturday, January 20, 2007

I’m Trekkin’, Yes Indeed - I’m Trekkin’??

I've made a big decision. A really big one.

I'm quitting smoking on February 7th, once and for all. The patch is going on my arm and the cigarettes are going out of my life. But that's not all. Why February 7th? It's the year anniversary of Claude's death and if I make a promise in the memory of Claude I'm going to keep it.

A major overhaul is beginning the same time the smoking ends. I'm going into hardcore get in shape mode. Not for the usual reasons, for what I'm going to do with the cigarette money.

I'm trekking Everest Base Camp.

Not this year, possibly even not 2008 but if not 2008 come 2009 my ass is going to take that three week trek that brings you to Base Camp for a week.

It's actually affordable if I can find a reasonable flight to Nepal or Kathmandu or wherever you fly into. The trek itself is only $3700 and it's pretty all-inclusive.

Not only do you trek to BC and hang out, you sleep on the way in Sherpa homes and one night at the Thyangboche monastery (12,887 feet).

The one I want actually goes to Advanced Base Camp. I'm not delusional, there's no way my ass would make it across the Khumbu Icefall. I could train straight from now until then and I'd lose it on the Icefall but that's alright. If you don't want to go to ABC you spend the extra 3 days at BC. You're there a total of 8 days and that sounds ideal.

It's a strenuous trek, 4-6 hours a day with altitude issues all around. It's going to take a lot of work to get myself ready to do it but that's what personal trainers are for.

Every penny of the money I would be spending on cigarettes is going into the "Get Kittyn to Everest" fund, another reason it might take two years to get there but I'm going to get there.

This isn't wishful thinking, this isn't a pipe dream. This is actually doable and something (if I stretch my imagination) I can see myself actually doing.

I wonder if they make pink crampons.

I can't remember the last time I've been this determined and solidly set on doing something.

It feels good, it feels like a huge challenge and I feel like rising to it.

1. I still think this is an amazing goal and I KNOW you can do it. And the best part is that, because of how you are starting it, Claude will be up there with you when you go.

    on  01/20  at  08:13 AM

2. I have no doubt you can attain this goal.  And how kewl would it be for me to know someone that made the trek and said “hey, how the hell are ye down there, its a might cold up here!” But its not about me, hehe.  Do EET!

    on  01/20  at  01:01 PM

3. -peeks around- Go Kittyn! You can do it.  However, I will be worried about you. But save up enough - prices for airfare raise/drop every year - and you can definitely do it.

   Bobby McGee  on  01/20  at  07:59 PM

4. YAY!  You will love it!

   I trekked to Gokyo Ri a couple of years ago and loved it.  The monestary is awesome.  We recorded some of the monks chanting, it is the most amazing sound and still brings a shudder down my spine.

   Julia  on  01/20  at  08:34 PM

5. That’s wonderful! You can do it! And just quitting smoking gets a gold star from me.

   katkat  on  01/22  at  02:20 AM

6. Good luck quitting. My sister is trying now..she’s been 4 weeks without a cigarette and went cold turkey!

   Andrea  on  01/22  at  08:29 AM

7. Both pieces of news sound amazing You’ll do it, best of luck !

   SEV  on  01/22  at  07:53 PM

8. You Go!

   I quit last yr, Dec. 2005.

   I did it Cold Turkey.

   Of course I had no car and NO way of getting to the store to buy them when I wanted to give up, but then I reached I a point that even when I wanted them I had gone so long I didnt want to give up my “Clean Time”.

   It was something I earned and didnt want to give it up! 

   KC  on  01/23  at  09:40 PM

9. Wow!  I didn’t even bother making a resolution this year so I’m totally impressed.  And you even found the pink crampons!  I’ve heard it’s a good idea to find something new to concentrate on when you’re quitting smoking and this certainly sounds like it will demand your attention! I admire your determination.

   Sarah  on  01/26  at  03:30 AM

10. That’s awesome Kittyn, good luck with that. It’s a great goal!

    Riss  on  01/26  at  03:30 PM

11. Oh my God!!!
    I’m sooooo glad for you. The mountains are and always will be my love.
    Have a great trip Kali and i wish you only good weather and calm wind.
    Be sure you’ll make some pictures.

    Good Luck,
    Luci.

    Loky  on  01/31  at  11:21 PM
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