We moved up to Thyangboche at about 13k feet yesterday. There's a monastery here which has attracted trekkers and mountaineers for 100 years. In the pictures attached you can see that this is the exact spot where Ed Hillary and John Hunt made their original base camp in 1953. It's special to us that we are here today to stand in the middle of his camp and try to imagine what his thoughts must have been. Surely it crossed his mind that everyone who had ever tried what he was about to do had failed or was dead. He was one man who deserved his knighthood!
I also included a picture of a monk named Tashi who runs this monastery. When Susan and I met Tashi last year, we were impressed with his sweet gentleness. He explained to us today that this is not a big prayer day so he and the others will only meditate/pray for two 3 hour sessions. He's dedicated his life to this place. Way out here in the mountains, several days walk to anywhere, and he sits and prays...year after year after year. This world is full of amazing people that we'll never know or hear about..
That's so cool that you got to stand where Hillary and his group made base camp! It makes me smile to see the picture of you and Tashi :-)
ReplyDeleteLove, Susan
We are sharing your adventure in Facebook , lots of people are praying for you .
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures!
Ain't no mountain high enough to stop you Jon!
ReplyDeleteI love the picture match-up! So awesome!
ReplyDeleteJon, you look so confident. I like the tents in 1952. :)
ReplyDeleteMike
Jon,
ReplyDeleteLooking good buddy, I'm already up at the here at the TOP, see you when you get here :-) lol....hope your doing good, pictures are awesome....Doug :-)
Jon, we're back from the desert and following you now. Wow! Good to read about your big adventure, and so proud that our Kenwood guy is going up the mountain. Wishing you the best on your journey to the top. Namaste.
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible way to spend your life, praying in a Monastery. Such peace.
ReplyDeleteIt was great to hear your voice the other night. We are thinking about you and praying for you every day. Keep posting! Remember to enjoy the entire experience. So proud of you. Sending you strength. Love, Vicky
Wow. What an amazing adventure. Enjoy every minute. We love reading your blogs and enjoying the photos.
ReplyDeleteback standing in the exact same spot as the greats that came before us, with picture proof haha. wish i could be there to experience these moments with you and the team. enjoy these moments, live in the "now," and these split seconds captured in photographs will last many lifetimes. i have no doubt you are living in the "now." that's why we gravitate to these "activities." life slows down and we can reflect on our past and the pasts of others and feel more alive. I love you Uncle Jon.
ReplyDeleteJon, thanks for keeping us in the loop. So excited for you. This is going to be your time.
ReplyDelete- Mike
Even a cousin you've not seen or spoken to in over 30 years is praying for ya! If I were 10 years younger I'd join you! :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteSending great thoughts from Vienna!
Good thing I didn't go with you... You know how I unravel at 13,000': )
ReplyDeleteCarry on my friend!