Kathmandu to Zangmu

There are 4 groups getting ABC support from Asian Trekking
- German (DAV Summit) 6 members with 1 Sherpa
- Japanese 1 lady member with 2 Sherpa's
- USA one couple no Sherpa's
and me
The USA couple are coming in via Lhasa so we will see them at Base Camp (BC)

The border crossing is always a little disorganised and unpredictable, so I was not surprised to be pulled over to one side due to the quantity of electrical gear that I was carrying. My Garmin GPS drew quite a bit of attention and at one stage it looked as though they would not let it through. Not the greatest as I am climbing on my own and would be relying on it in poor weather conditions. After a significant amount of discussion and some assistance from the CTMA border liaison man (who I remembered from the previous two entries) it was released back to me. Thew!
Although the road has improved significantly (and a better “restaurant”) there are still no photos of dear Zangmu – its still a dump!

The men in my life

So what keeps me going?
I've recently been asking a couple of people “who has provided inspiration in your life?” and it seems a common answer is “my parents”, and no one else is then mentioned...
I don't think I have been “inspired” (I'm talking about "extreme"inspiration if there is such a thing) by my parents. but don't get me wrong and let me explain.
My parents Wendy & Ray, have both been very successful and are both a very important part of my life - we are a strong triangle - as I like to put it. They have also provided me with all the opportunities early on to develop and take advantage in any avenue I wanted to.

I think though I have got my inspiration (and therefore commitment and determination) from going out and finding people from whom I can gain strength through either their endeavours or teachings.
I think success is all about achieving a paradigm shift. As an example, if you have already done a 200km cycle race with 5,000m of ascent, then a 109km race with 1,500m of ascent is much easier and importantly more possible from a mental point of view. If one can get ones mind in the correct “place”, ones body can achieve a significant amount more. Therefore I utilise other peoples strength from their endeavours and aim to achieve far more than I initially thought I (or others) could do. When the going gets tough (even in the training phase), I often think of the hardships others have endured and my “pain” becomes insignificant (due to its relativeness). It's very important though to plan, organise and physically train hard otherwise no amount of mind power will work. Therefore think what is needed to ahieve your paradigm shift!

Sir Ran Fiennes – it's actually all his fault that I'm here -  reading his autobiography Living Dangerously in the Lake District many moons ago was the catalyst for my climbing – somehow from reading his exploits I decided to go to the mountains for my exploring/adventure (by the way the The Feather Men is also a great read – especially the twist at the end!)

Lance Armstrong – Livestrong!, need I say more – my main man who keeps me cycling (nowhere) on my tacx) for hours on end

Another Sir – Ernest Shackleton, the big impact statement - "A man must shape himself to a new mark directly the old goes to ground." - imagine thinking that after your ship has just been crushed by ice and has sank and you are in the middle of nowhere!

Lance Mackey- 5 time winner of the Iditarod (ps - this is on my radar!) - a race of over a thousand miles across Alaska (with 16 dogs). Another Lance and another cancer survivor (albeit a little controversial) but his ability to hang in there in the toughest conditions will be something I will take with me to Shishapangma.

Some others,but more about them later
Tom Hopkins
Stephen R. Covey
Robert Toru Kiyosaki

So with all of this, reaching the summit of Shishapangma should be easy! Only time will tell...

Butterflies

Goodness web hits in 35 countries now - pressure is on!
Back in Kathmandu, about to go to the Third Eye with Major Hume.
Enjoyed the trip to Langtang but now the serious business starts - certainly can feel the difference. It's an odd thing publishing ones plans and intentions as automatically one adds another layer of pressure - and there are already enough layers.Its funny how I can now also feel the emotional catalyst - this one of the reasons for me doing this all. It's the anticipation of that feeling of standing on the summit! In one way I can't believe I have a chance, whereas on the other hand it seems so real, almost as though I have already done it. Just think standing there above 8,000m, I think I will be an emotional wreck!

Rainbow Trust says a big Thank you

I'm blown away! 21% of £5,000 already - thanks very much now also to Shryash, Taoufik, Sonal, Kirti, Yuri and Geoff!
Anyone not in the UK can also donate with a CR card, only UK tax payers "give" the extra - for those out of the UK just deduct any forex fees and leave the nett for the Rainbow Trust. Rainbow Trust
I have seen the (individually made) badges I'm going to give to the Trust for their next Kilimanjaro trip - they are great and I really hope they like them and can generate further income to support their great work. People donating will also receive a "Shisha" badge
The T shirts are being prototyped, so will see them on my return - printed rather than embroidered

So from Kathmandu, thanks again and all the best!
Hoseman

Major Harold William "Bill" Tilman, CBE, DSO, MC and Bar - 1898–1977

Isn't this such a great picture of Bill Tilman- just exudes character
He was the one of "discovered" the Langtang valley, where Major and I have just trekked
If you want some inspiration about living life look up his wiki page Bill Tilman

Kyangjm Kompa - 3,850m

Quick update...
Happy Easter - no buns or eggs here, Im afraid
Reached 4,950m yesterday, no negative altitude affects, legs good!
Weather puuurfect...

Tsergo Ri circumnavigated

Another fabulously clear day – all bodes well for Shisha! Relaxed start before ascending the trail to Tsergo Ri. Was here last in 2006 when a flag ceremony was occurring and the entire Kyanjim Gompa village also ascended the peak. It was a jolly affair with much singing, dancing, drinking and eating – all this at 4,950m, higher than the highest point in Western Europe. See here for 2006 entry & photos.
“Peak” is possibly a little grand as it just looks like a big lump of dirt. So this time instead of climbing it again, I decided to explore a lower subsidiary peak (by 25m). This led to ending up half way round so I decided to carry on all the way round to see if I could locate the other (less used) route up. Next posting will give a bit of an insight (and hopefully short video) of what I found. In the end, was a 7 hour 15 minute day including a 1,225m ascent. Felt really good and trek was a great boost to my moral as no altitude affects or need for any Diamox

Major on the trail

"My" spot

Looking down the valley

Tsergo Ri back left - Major "pulling" as normal

A good place to end up

It's not going to happen for a while but for when it does, I have found the place where I would like to end up - N28 12 36.6 E85 36 15.6

A pudding bowl comes to mind – but a bowl with grassy bottom, a couple of small lakes and surrounded by 6,500m plus snow capped peaks. There are already two stone”cairns” there, so I can't claim to be the first to have thought about this being a special place. It's very peaceful and nice that a pair of eagles soar gracefully above. Whoever is going to put me there can either do a nice trek – recommend in early April for the best weather, or fly up from Kathmandu by helicopter (might need oxygen as probably a bit high for such a fast ascent). For those trekking I recommend pay a little more and get a good comfortable jeep to take you to the start of the trail (rather than the very reasonable local bus, with chickens, potatoes and 30 over the standing limit (excluding the other 25 on the roof!))

Om mani padme hum

Langtang

Dear All
So we have reached the village of Langtang (3,450m) after 6 hours of trekking. A good trail  all the way and the gradient not too onerous. Google Earth location N28 12 57.2 E85 30 23.7
Plenty of Rhododendrons all in flower. Saw a troop of white monkeys - a first for me in Nepal.

Mind
So have already had two dreams - which unfortunately I don't remember, but both left me in a startled woken state. Have also been playing back days from previous expeditions during the days walk. Its good to get prepared for the upcoming "slog" and to remind myself of what's required. I do though already have some negative thoughts creeping in - be nice to come back after the trek.
But we will have none of that!
This year is going to be good. I can already see that dark blue clear sky when I look out of my tent at camp III on the morning of summit day. Funny how destiny has already decided so many things. Tibet (China) decided that the border would be open on the 10th. Next major milestone will be what day the yaks arrive at BC. This is all relevant as I will summit approximately 25 days after arriving at ABC - therefore will the weather conditions be favourable on that day.

So plans are to go to Kyanjing Gompa tomorrow for two days. There is a nearby "hill" called Tsergo Ri from which on a clear day it is possible to see Shisha, which we hope to climb.
All the best
Hoseman

Many Thanks

Thank you to to Richard, Natalie, Shamir, Altea, Dave, Nicolaus and Melinda for their very generous donations to the Rainbow Trust. For those who stillwant to donate the link is Rainbow Trust

I have been negotiating with a Nepalese embroidery man to make some badges with the Rainbow Trust logo - hopefully will see the prototype when I'm bak in Kathmandu I will be sendingeveryone who donates a badge as well as giving the Raindow Trust 25 for their up and coming Kilimanjaro expedition so that they can sell them to the participants
Thanks very much

Langtang II

Langtang village in distance

Nepalese Martian

View back along the trail

Location N28 07 48.6 E85 18 48.5

Copy past above into Goggle Earth to see where we are
Using BGAN to publish this - all working well
7 hour chaotic bus ride from Kathmandu to Dhunche today - actually no delays so good journey
Walked a couple of hours to Thulo Bharkhu where we are staying the night at the Sherpa "Hotel"
First glimpses of of snowy peaks
Will start some altitude gain tomorrow - back to Thulo Syabru - remember it being vary pleasant - might visit the monastery there

All the best
Hoseman and Major Hume

KTM & the lovely Marshyangdi breakfastgarden

Back in Kathmandu, which is now a very familiar spot
Flights all good, albeit quite bumpy and sideways landing. Delhi was boiling hot but KTM cooler due to a rain storm (caused by change to jet stream). So this morning is lovely, fresh and clear. Loyal Kedar from Explore Himalaya http://www.explorehimalaya.com/ at the airport to meet us. If you ever need anything organised in Nepal can highly recommend them.
Good to see Jamie this morning, fresh off a trip up Aconcagua. Sounds like a great trip to go with Claire.
Plan is to repack barrels today, after clearing my luggage at customs that was sent before me. Will also be picking up two barrels left with Jamie. Will then have 90% of gear and will just need to stop at local store to get balance of food etc.
Tomorrow Peter & I will go via local bus (7 hours on a packed bus, locals, chickens, goats, loud music and crazy driving) to Dhunche, the start of the Langtang valley. Then peace and quite up the beautiful valley following the river Langtang Khola to Kyanjin Gompa. From Tsergo Ri at the end of the trail, it is possible to see Shishapangma - lets hope for clear weather!
My intentions are to have two streams of updates - one will be pretty factual, the other an exploration of what's going on in my head. Although the climb is pretty physical, the challenge is overcoming any negative thoughts I will have. It's a continuous fight - keeping motivated, surviving the loneliness, trying to stop the vivid dreams from interrupting my sleep and generally keeping focussed on achieving my goals. The trip to Langtang will give me some time to prepare myself, the calm before the storm.
Thanks for reading and all the best
Hoseman

The Ones Left Behind: An Essay by Alan Arnette

Hi All

I met Allan while he was with Jamie's expedition on Shisha back in 2007. A great guy, good cause and great raconteur. This essay gives an interesting insight as to what is going on in the Hose household at present...

Climbers from all over the world are deep in thought as they go through the final stages for Everest 2010. The deepest thoughts may be reserved for the ones left behind.

The climbers stare at their gear, probably all laid out on the spare bedroom floor. They stand there visualizing each part of the climb – sleeping at 23,000′, trekking to base camp, adding a layer in howling winds.

The sharp crampon spikes and ice axe absorb an extra long look. The goggles, the huge down mittens, water bottles and a thermos. What is all this stuff?

Standing supportively nearby, another stare takes hold. Will all this keep them warm, protect those fingers, the touch. Holding hands while walking on the grass.

Climbers are anxious. Will I be strong enough, tough enough, skilled enough when the times comes? Will the weather hold on summit night? Have I trained hard enough?

Others also wonder. Will I be strong enough, patient enough when the time comes. I have I said everything I needed to say; wanted to say?

The drive to the airport is like a first date.

The hug last forever but not long enough. The look in the eyes says it all. The climber walks through the door, alone just pulling the duffels; the small pack on their back.

Driving home, the tear forms. Slowly falling down the cheek. Rub it away or let it sit? The tear stays; for a while. Traffic is a blur, The radio plays that song but it is not heard.

Day one of sixty has begun.

As the jet gains altitude, the climber looks out the small window for cars on the highway, maybe it is there. Then the clouds move in.

Climbers know what each day is like. They share the cold, the hunger, the pain in their lungs; and their hearts with teammates. They know the unknown.

Back home, the unknown is a mystery. Days go by with no information. No news is good news, they were told. But no news creates demons.

Then the phone rings, the computer beeps and all is well. Contact again. Smiles, a laugh, a tear of happiness. The team is together, focused on one goal.

A moment of clarity. The unknown is known. A deep breath. Then the silence returns as the connection ends.

The next day is one more closer to the last day.

Climb On!

Alan Arnette

"Bags are packed and ready to go"

53kg's of gear left the London today bound for KTM with Excess Baggage Company. Must already be 25kg's in Jamie's store room so a fair amount of gear to get up the hill. Might have to do some additional negotiations with Dawa of Asian Trekking in regard the the allowances that the yaks will carry from Base Camp (5,000m) to Advanced Base Camp (5,600m)

Shishapangma Spring 2010

Hi All, herewith the first despatch for 2010
Well its that time of the year again and the flat is "prop vol" of mountaineering gear & supplies. I have been doing my final packing and re-packing in preparation of my 4th attempt on Shishapangma in Tibet. Shisha is the lowest of the fourteen 8,000 meter peaks in the world and is approximately 835 meters lower than Mount Everest - that's quite a bit lower as the latest tallest building in the world, the Burj Dubai is 828 meters!

To put the climb in perspective, I will need to ascend the equivalent of three times the height of the Burj Dubai but due to the multiple carries required to get my gear up I will probably climb closer to six times in total!








Its a relatively non-technical peak, hence my objective of climbing it without any support or climbing partners from Advanced Base Camp onwards. This does add some complexities as in effect I will just be a "yak" for the 8 weeks while ferrying my gear upwards. Check the links above to see further information about my plans and objectives.

My plan is currently as follows:
Depart for Kathmandu, Nepal on Monday 29 March
Trek in Langtang valley until 8 April
Enter Tibet 10 April
Climbing until 18 May
Return to Kathmandu 20 May

Watch out for further updates and trigger links from Facebook

Thanks

Mark Hose (Hoseman)

Leonardo da Vinci Quote

"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been and there you will always long to return"

So I may not be able to fly (on my own), although with wing suits getting very close, but I hope on this next trip to Shishapangma to get high enough to see the same "view" as if I were flying!

Lance Mackay - Iditarod Champion

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Listen to what he says around the 2:30 mark...

In case you haven't heard about it:

The Last Great Race on Earth
You can’t compare it to any other competitive event in the world! A race over 1150 miles of the roughest, most beautiful terrain Mother Nature has to offer. She throws jagged mountain ranges, frozen river, dense forest, desolate tundra and miles of windswept coast at the mushers and their dog teams. Add to that temperatures far below zero, winds that can cause a complete loss of visibility, the hazards of overflow, long hours of darkness and treacherous climbs and side hills, and you have the Iditarod. A race extraordinaire, a race only possible in Alaska.

From Anchorage, in south central Alaska, to Nome on the western Bering Sea coast, each team of 12 to 16 dogs and their musher cover over 1150 miles in 10 to 17 days.
It has been called the “Last Great Race on Earth” and it has won worldwide acclaim and interest. German, Spanish, British, Japanese and American film crews have covered the event. Journalists from outdoor magazines, adventure magazines, newspapers and wire services flock to Anchorage and Nome to record the excitement. It’s not just a dog sled race, it’s a race in which unique men and woman compete. Mushers enter from all walks of life. Fishermen, lawyers, doctors, miners, artists, natives, Canadians, Swiss, French and others; men and women each with their own story, each with their own reasons for going the distance. It’s a race organized and run primarily by volunteers, thousands of volunteers, men and women, students and village residents. They man headquarters at Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Nome and Wasilla. They fly volunteers, veterinarians, dog food and supplies. They act as checkers, coordinators, and family supporters of each musher.

Cape Argus Cycle Tour Results

Great to "ride" with Lance, well not really but sort of. A little windy but my Felt performed like a dream after a service by The Epic Bike Shop. Thanks (another) Lance! Two sets of cramps (bottom of Champmans & Suikerbossie) but Endurolytes did the job - lost the lead FF group though in which I had been doing quite a bit of the work!



Name and Team Hose, Mark
Start Group FF
Race Time 3:52:33
Overall Position 4357/28741
Lance Armstrong ! 9/28741
Gender M
Gender Position 3980/22139
Age Position 603/3050
Group Position 20/428
Avg Speed 28.38

Helen Keller Quote

"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all."