It's 3:28 am. Sleep has been a bit difficult tonight, despite still being quite tired. I got up to try to call my husband and son, unfortunately can't reach either of them. Same thing happened on Aconcagua before the big 5 day summit push, I guess I should get it out if my head that …
Well. Here’s a twist
Killing time in the Timika airport this morning. Over 3 hours, which is a long time on cold, creaky metal chairs after 2 nights in airplanes. The waiting room is packed with sweaty, unwashed bodies and the damp air is stagnant and stale. My eyes hurt, after 40 hours on the road and no proper …
Sometimes a power nap is all you’re gonna get
Lesson #1: always be ready to adapt plans. Lesson #2: my eyes don't like 32 going on 42 hour travel days. coming to you with an update from Denpasar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtSNSgd1myw
Travel weary and waiting
Preparation day had a couple of surprises. Like the last minute instructions from my organizer in Indonesia to bring two MSR burners and 4 pumps. What?! The day before I set off, I have to run around shopping for more gear?! Luckily I have a relaxed and supportive husband, who shrugged and said, "okay, let's …
a new adventure begins
“You’re going where?” “Papua.” Blank look. “You know, like Papua New Guinea.” Still blank. “Have you ever played Risk (the board game)? It's that big island down near Australia.” “ooooh. Why’re you going there?” “To climb Carstensz Pyramid.” “climb what? “ aaaand…eyes glass over. This is pretty much the conversation I’ve been having for about …
The Cannes Film Festival
What were you like as a kid? Do you remember your struggles, trials and tribulations as you tackled life and the whole arduous growing-up process? Can you recognize the person you are now, as a response and result of who you were then – shaped and refined and redefined by your experiences and your approach …
The Kilimanjaro Story
Do you remember the dreams you had as a teenager? And I don’t mean the steamy, hormone-driven kind that keep you awake at night. I’m referring to those grand ambitions we each had – the wants and needs that influence your outlook and drive your actions. The obsessions that determine your reading list and which …
Japan (for beginners)
The chef and the hostess both followed us out to the street – in subzero temperatures – as they continued fervently thanking us and bowing deeply as we hastened off in the direction of the nearest bus stop. We chuckled as we rushed through the frozen city, amused and amazed by our Japanese experience. It’s …
humanity
The world has become such a fast place, there is so much going on in so many different areas of life - some of it wonderful, exhilarating, rewarding but far too much of it terrifying and tragic. I find myself spending too many hours observing, musing and wondering what has become of us as people. …
Mt. Elbrus Expedition – the story (from 2013)
Day 1: Arrival in Mineralnye Vody It is a different world here. Arriving at midnight, I walked out of the arrivals hall (well, that’s a stretch – really just a room with a luggage track, exiting directly into the parking lot) and found my pre-arranged taxi driver holding a hand-printed sign “EURO Hotel.” So far, …
Continue reading Mt. Elbrus Expedition – the story (from 2013)
adventuring through life 