Tomorrow we're off to Timberline for a good night's rest at 5000 ft before heading to snow camp at 8am on Saturday for a day of learning rope skills and self-arrests and getting to know the rest of the team. The weather forecast looks soggy, so if you know any good weather dances, chants, songs or prayers please put them into action for us. The very notion of getting to the hogsback in a "wintery mix" makes me cringe. When I was whining to Eric today he reminded me that the worst thing that can happen is that we'll be cold and wet and we'll turn back before reaching the summit. That doesn't sound like fun! An adventure yes, but fun -- not so much.
Speaking of Eric, he is a fundraising machine. The latest check of his blog reveals that he has raised $5728.77. He's not quite reached his goal, but I like the fact that there are three 7s in there. Maybe it will bring us good luck.
I think I've nearly used up my 15 minutes of fame. I spent some time in the studio at KNRK this week as a guest on Gustav's my perfect playlist in person. And Plate & Pitchfork is featured in Outside Magazine and if that weren't enough there was a nice feature in The Oregonian about the climb and I was the poster child (thanks to a nice photo from Eric.)
It's been a big week. And I'm ready to savor a few minutes at the top of the world, but one last thing before I go...
This year's climb has definately been a group effort -- from the team training hikes and snow shoe adventures to the incredible staff at Arthur Murray Studios, Bishops Barbershops and the Green Room; from the creative and musical masterminds of Trevor Rasmussen, Nick Peets, Garrett Brennan, Michael Hermann and David Milne to each of you who have broken open your piggy banks. Because of each of you I've had more fun training and fundraising this year and more importantly, because of you we are moving closer to finding a cure.
Thank you!