And We're Off . . .

Atalaya #8

This is the point when I actually LOVE the slippery slope.  No more time for tweaking and adjusting.  If we don't have it now we'll do without.  We launched our final Atalaya ascent a day early to make room for final prep and coordinating the departure of our current Airbnb guests.  And for the record, that last training hike was our fastest boots and packs round-trip (6.5 miles, 1,850 feet ascent/descent) -- 2:18 fully loaded.  So we're off.  It's a drive to Denver.  A flight to Narita, Japan.  A flight to Chengdu, China (where we'll meet our guide and the other two trekkers) and then a hop to Lhasa.  All told, about 20 hours in the air (OMG, not looking forward to that).

Cliff's duffel and back pack

We each have duffel bags right at the 44-pound weight limit for checked baggage (it's taken some cross loading to make that magical equation balance) -- and our carry-on back packs.  We've read and reread the information on Acute Mountain Sickness and have done all we can to prepare by achieving a high-level of fitness and loading up on the recommended medications to help us manage life (and breathing) at 12,000 feet and beyond.

We're hoping the four acclimatization days in Lhasa give us the  kick start we need.  I particularly am excited to visit Lhasa, see the Potala and join the Barkhar Kora pilgrimage circling the ancient Jokhang Temple.  The weather forecast includes some suggestion of rain during our time in Lhasa (and oh have our UK treks given us experience trekking in the rain).  Still, we are hoping for some clear skies on our city days, trekking days (and most certainly for crossing the Guring La).

Flashback to 1982

As we are making our final preparation and launching on this Memorial Day weekend, the arduous duty, selfless service and in some cases ultimate sacrifice of service members are foremost in our minds.  We forever are grateful for those who served, and ever humbled by the fearless actions and devotion of the fallen.

Those who walked before us inspired our own opportunities to serve -- and the camaraderie and bonds of our time in uniform.  Without doubt, that service fanned the flame of our adventurers' hearts, and keeps alive our commitment to duty, honor, country -- wherever our travels may take us (this year, on the occasion of our 36th wedding anniversary).  And if you're out there, Darrell Lewis, this marriage did last . . . and it gets stronger with every step (so many in the books, so many yet to come).

Finally, for those of you wondering about our better quarters, here's a snap of our stay-behind team members awaiting the arrival of their pet mannies (freshly groomed and ready to push the limits of life with their "substitute teachers, no doubt).  We find it difficult to leave them.  Next update from somewhere in Asia . . .

Illy and Munro in Santa Fe