Trip Christened

It occurred to me this evening that if I postpone my departure date by a few months, getting time off from work won't be an issue. No more obstacles. I got goosebumps when I realized that. I won't be there for my 50th birthday, which was the original inspiration, but now that the idea has blossomed, the date is arbitrary. Despite all the downsides to growing older, there are some positives.

Contemplating how to prepare for the elevation. I live at 4,500 feet. Base camp is 18,000 feet. I've made it to 8,900 at Huayna Picchu, Peru, in the past, but the difference is significant and exponentially more taxing. Will optimize my hematocrit with iron and minimize cardiac demand with a 25 lb weight loss. Still haven't gotten the time off work. I keep reminding myself it's not the peak, it's only Base Camp.

Another Idea

I will be turning 50 in June of this year. I've decided to head to Everest Base Camp in Nepal. I'm not telling anyone who could potentially talk me out of it. Readers: a breath of disapproval and you will be blocked. Tomorrow, I'll begin with making sure I can get the time off from the office and then perhaps participate in little cardiac activity. Stay tuned.