EVEREST LIVE

From: Kevin Cherilla
Base Camp Manager

Friends for Life

Erik and Kevin. Photo Didrik Johnck.

It was Erik who first taught me how to rock and ice climb and gave me my love of mountaineering. The first time I went rock climbing was the day Erik proposed to Ellen on the "Praying Monk" on Camelback Mountain. Erik and I planned out the logistics of the day for about a week:  buying the champagne and candy ring, and getting Ellen to come along. Erik promised it would be completely safe and I was definitely more worried about the rappel off then Ellen's answer! The day ended up being a life-changing experience for all of us, because Ellen said "yes" and I fell in love with climbing.

Since that day, I have been a part of Erik's quest of the seven continental summits in some form or another. He has given me the opportunity to climb all over the world and throughout the United States with him and many other great people. Last April, while waiting out a storm on Ama Dablam at 21,000 ft. (6,400 m), I received a phone call from Erik. It was at that time in which Erik asked me to join him and his team on Mt. Everest, as base camp manager. After several weeks went by I finally got up the nerve and talked with Jenny about the incredible opportunity. We realized it would be a huge sacrifice but one well worth it!

So far our trip to Mt. Everest has been as fun and interesting as all the others. We have had so many great moments and times together it's hard to write about all of them. However, I would like to share some of the moments Erik and I have spent together the past few days. We spent quite a bit of time in each others' tents talking about the summit climb ahead, all of the emails we have received and about our families.

We have talked about all the challenges Erik will face on his summit attempt, from the time he leaves base camp until the time he returns. The biggest challenges will obviously be the altitude and weather, both things he has no control over. The biggest challenge he will face that he has control over is the trip from Camp 3 to Camp 4. He needs to make good time, because the earlier he arrives at Camp 4 the more time he will have to get ready for the summit push. I have never seen Erik more focused on the task he has ahead of him. Physically and mentally he is ready, and he has surrounded himself with the same type of athletes. Together, we will continue to make history!

On a daily basis, we have received hundreds of emails from family, friends and people we don't even know but have enjoyed meeting. Everyday, Erik and I enjoy reading and sharing each other's emails. Even though we don't have the time to respond to all of the emails, we enjoy all of them, and are thankful so many of you have us in your thoughts and prayers. We appreciate all of the emails and questions from the thousands of school students and teachers from around the world. I especially appreciate all the great responses about my lesson plans I have on our web-site and how they have been helpful in the classroom.

Many of you have asked Erik what his greatest accomplishment has been so far in his life: that's easy; it's being a father and husband. Erik is the proud father of his eleven-month-old daughter Emma and I am the proud father of my two-year-old son Adam and nine-month-old daughter Lindsey. We share daily stories about our kids and all the changes they are going through while we are away. Ellen and Jenny have spent some quality time together with the kids and the stories they share with us are wonderful and always bring a smile to our face! Thank you.

Today at 5:40 AM, I walked 30 minutes into the icefall with Sherm Bull, Mike O'Donnell, Chris Morris, Jeff Evans, Eric Alexander and Erik Weihenmayer to send them off on their summit push. I gave them all a handshake and a hug goodbye. I also told them to be safe, I would see them back here in the same place within the next few weeks and that I loved them.

As all of the climbers go for the summit, please keep all of us in your thoughts and prayers. We at Base Camp will be up 24 hours monitoring progress, writing dispatches, and keeping in touch with family members. All of your positive karma will get everyone back safely so please keep the emails coming.

Make yourself a great day!

Kevin