An adventure of a life-time....

Although I have absolutely no idea of how many (or how few) people actually read what I write, I thought it would be an interesting idea to see how many other crazy folk like me are out there.... now back to what this post is all about..

I have been ruminating over the past few months of trying out something way out of my league, something to cherish as a memory for eternity. Sure, travelling around Europe and USA was cool, but it just did not seem to cut it as THE THING to do. And finally after some soul searching (and bank balance too) I believe I have figured out just what I want to do - and this time, if you feel somewhat the same, invite you to join in my adventure.

I PLAN ON UNDERTAKING AN ATTEMPT TO CLIMB MOUNT CHO OYU.

Cho Oyu, you ask ... err where is that and why that place. Let me try to explain.
Well Mt. Cho Oyu is one of the 14 Eight-thousanders - 6th highest peak in the world at 8201m. If you want to read more about it then feel free to read the basics at wikipedia
I did spend sometime looking at what I wanted to achieve - and this peak seemed to meet all my basic objectives

1. Height - at 8201m I think I would be certainly be satisfied
2. Cost - well it costs around $15000 to ascend the peak, certainly much cheaper than the $45000 required for Everest.
3. Accessibility - its on the border between Nepal and China, not in any Indian territory occupied by Pakistan
4. Safety - at a fatality rate of 2% it is one of the easiest and safest mountains to climb. This would be a big requirement for my folks anyways
5. Time required - at ~40 days I believe I could scrounge around for sufficient leave to allow for such a trip.
6. Operators - people like Russell Brice have excellent track records for landing people on the summit and safely bringing them back.

I plan to make this trip in 2009 - 2010. This time-frame would be a sufficient notification for anyone who would like to make this expedition. Hopefully, the group could make a smaller 'expedition' to the Rockies in Colorado in 2008 in preparation of the main trip.

This would possibly be an adventure of a lifetime. You would most certainly be pushed way beyond your mental and physical ability (my current state is quite pathetic to say the least) and would have to train hard and long to be able to achieve your goal. If you are one of those who wonders what is the rationale to struggle up a mountain simply to climb down again - this is certainly not for you! But if you are a free soul like me, and seek to achieve and motivate yourself beyond your current capacity - let me know. I can't promise you that you will reach the summit, I personally do not know if I can reach the summit, but I do strongly believe that this effort will result in a new appreciation of who you are, and a new realization of what one can achieve if resolute to the task at hand.