LAX – Kathmandu
I cannot believe this day is here. 1 year ago, I was fully trained physically, mentally and emotionally to climb Mt Everest, my 5th of the 7th summits. 2 weeks before my flight to Nepal, I tried on my custom fit full down suit, full of hope for my upcoming expedition. 2 hours later, I received an email from my climbing company, Climbing The Seven Summits, letting us know the Everest climbing season had been canceled due to Covid-19. I felt like I just got my wedding dress and my wedding had been canceled. Of course I was extremely disappointed. The amount of time, dedication, experience money and resources it takes to train right spans over years. However, I quickly saw the bigger picture of what this world was about to go through and set my sights on the next opportunity 1 year later. I hoped to fit Cartsensz Pyramid or Vinson Massif into 2020, but also canceled. So, I kept positive and took my research and training to another level. In the end, I am TRULY grateful for another year to prepare and further my technical skills.
So, 1 year later, I’m vaccinated, stronger, leaner, focused and READY for Everest. I wrapped up things at work, unplugging for the 2 month expedition. I gave my mom, sister and family huge hugs and thanks for support. I scrambled for last minute things, like extra batteries and hand warmers, the day leading up to now. But here I am, at LAX, ready to board my flight on Qatar Airways (I’m usually a United 1K’er, but they are not even flying to Kathmandu right now) and I can finally exhale. I sit here feeling such accomplishment, JUST getting to this exact moment. The challenges I have overcome, the training I’ve dedicated to for over 2 years, the gear required (and the experience needed to try things out and get dialed in), the negotiations required to take a leave of absence from work, and the belief in myself to put it all together and buy the plane ticket to take me to my destiny. I am here because of GGRIT!
I can finally relax and just focus on one step at a time. I am about to embark on a 2 month journey to not only reach my goal of summing Mt. Everest, but evolving into the version of myself. I am NEVER the same woman coming out of an expedition, as I am going in. Cant wait to meet post Everest Meghan.
Follow my journey and share in the rugged beauty of this adventure!
Also follow me on Instagram: @getggritt
*Please be patient if misspellings occur. I AM dyslexic and have little time to edit. dhanyabaad
About the author : Kim
