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Seven Summits is a fantastic book about two unlikely dreamers that come together and change mountaineering history. I have read many books on climbing Everest or mountains in general and I can say I enjoyed this one the most. The writing style was grippy but informative and I feel like Dick and Frank are my buds. I got to know them so well and journeyed the world with them . The Skill of the author is to be applauded as I felt that I stood on every summit and could see what they saw. There are hundreds of great Success principles that drip from every page. Frank Wells and Dick Bass are true success masters and through their journey they inadvertently tell a tale of persistence, determination, success and failure and eventually victory.The outcome is fairly obvious but even though you know what happens, turning pages is effortless because the real story isn’t about climbing mountains, it is the lessons of life they learn.

This book may be about climbing mountains, it is also about success. There are several amazing stories being told and the success principles drip from the pages. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to further their lives.

Anyway, here are some really cool pictures.
Enjoy
Me at sunrise on the Summit

THe Shadow of the mountain at sunrise extending to the west

At the Summit, Mauna Loa in background about 200 feet lower.

Sunrise, True Summit to the right just before we made the final climb.

View from the top at Sunrise

Here is a picture of them on my feet.

Just looking at the gear has made my head swim a little. I know in the short run, some of the gear I can rent. Much of the gear I want to be my own. I did score me some nice base layers on sale the other day. I head out to SLC next week. There won’t be any climbing going on though. Maybe I can get in a little skiing and even kike up to some peaks above Brighton. It has been a long time since I climbed the shoots above Millicent Lift. I thought that my plans to hike Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea were off because my friend was going to cancel on me. He is back on so it’s all cool. I will have not only a running partner but a climbing partner. We might start off at the 10K foot level though instead of the 8K level for Mauna Loa. Its about 15 miles shorter and his time is tight. No big deal though. It all works out.

This will be part of a post on my blog but I wanted to include it here

One thing I lack is Mountaineering skills. I hate to admit this but it’s true. I have never had any formal training and although I can use ropes, an axe and crampons. I have never really trained to so important maneuvers such as a self arrest if I were sliding down an icy glacier. Most of my skills are self taught and that could be a recipe for disaster.
Today I took a little action and contacted several of the larger and reputable mountaineering schools and came to the conclusion that to get a really good deal and have the experience I want I need to leave the country. Or at least the lower 48.

I have decided on two schools; One in Alaska and the other in Ecuador. Both offer some real advantage over most other schools. The school in Alaska sits at the foot of Mt McKinley or Denali and enjoys spectacular views and plenty of blue ice and glaciers to practice on. The Ecuadorian school uses several of the very large and active or dormant volcanoes in Ecuador to train on. The tallest of these is over 20,000 feet and have year round glaciers too. I am leaning towards Ecuador as the urge to explore three new volcanoes is way strong and I can hardly resist the pull. The Ecuador training is also $1000 cheaper than the Alaskan training and lasts a few days longer.

Another benefit in Ecuador is that I get to climb two 20K footers. Cotopaxi for training and glacier school then Chimborazo a mammoth volcano that from the tip of the volcano to the center of the earth is further than that of Everest. When standing ion top you are closer to the sun than any other point on earth. That is pretty cool. Also the ascent to the top of Chimborazo is done at night so that you summit by 6AM, watch the sunrise and get off the mountain before she wakes up. When the sun starts warming her rocks and ice start falling off her sides and being on top is a very bad idea.

I received an email from Ecuadorian Alpine Institute and they seemed to be very professional. I am going to do some due diligence on them but I feel my choice is pretty much made. Another benefit to Ecuador is the cost of airfare and transport. It’s not in the US so everything is lower cost. Gear included.

So here is the gear list. Seems I have some shopping to do!

Hardware:

• Plastic/Mountaineering Boots

• CramponsIce Axe with Leash

• Locking Carabineer

• Oval Carabineer

• Prussic Slings

• Rescue Sling

• Harness

• Helmet

Personal Equipment List:
3 Pair Outer Socks , 2 Pair Long Underwear, Fleece Jacket, Down Jacket, Gore-Tex Parka, Gore-Tex Pants or Bib, Gaiters, 2 Glove Liners, Wool Gloves/Mitts, Trekking BootsGore-Tex Overmitts, Cap/Hat, Balaclava, Headlamp, Glacier Glasses, BackpackSleeping Bag, 2 One-Liter Poly Bottles, Insulated Mug with snap lid, sun cream (40),Trekking/ Ski Poles, Personal Toilet/First Aid Kit, Camera and Film

• Mt Mauna Loa (13,681 Ft) March 2008 (Confirmed) 2 days
• Mt. Whitney Summit Summer Climb (14,495 ft) July 2008 2 Days
• Mt. Whitney Spring Ice Climb Mountaineer’s Route (14,495 ft) March 2009 4 days Training Trip Ice Skills
• Ecuador Volcanoes Chimborazo (20,561 ft) and Cotopaxi (19,347 ft) June 2009 13 Days
• Everest North Col (23074 ft) April 2010 27 Days
• Aconcagua Climb Argentina (22,840 ft) Jan 2011 21 Days
• Everest (29,028 ft) March 27th, 2011 71 Days Approximate Summit date May 23rd

Mauna Loa

Mt Whitney

Chimborazo

Cotopaxi

Everest North Col

And Finally
The Top!

Result – Ultimate Outcome
I am destined to the top, the top of my class, the top of my profession and the TOP of the world. Nothing can and ever has stood in my way of being the best that I can be. I will work diligently and push my body to limits that I never thought possible and climb the tallest mountain on the planet and when I do I will shout with all my might, I am the best, I am Scooter!

Purpose – My big WHY!
I am driven to be my best and in this journey I call life nothing is out of reach. To achieve the top of the world is nothing more than a metaphor for everything I do on a daily basis. To climb to the top means to overcome my mental self and some small but surmountable physical challenges. The meaning inside this journey is that I can do anything I can set my mind to and be an example to others that NO dream is unachievable.

MAP – My Massive Action Plan

1. Get a good physical – 3/2007
2. Increase my Cardio workouts – NOW
3. Practice some High altitude hikes – Spring 2007
4. Moana Loa and Moana Kea – April 2007
5. Train in Mountaineering – Fall 2007
6. Train in Mountaineering – Ongoing
7. Practice Mountaineering on local climbs – Ongoing
8. Climb Rainier Camp Mier route spring 2008
9. Climb 4 peaks Salt Lake City (Lone, Twin, Timp, Nebo)  with 50 lbs pack Summer 2008
10. Parctice Glcier work on Tip Summer 2008
11. Climb Chimborazo and CotoPaxi Fall2008
12. Ongoing physical Training
13. Get a good Physical – Spring 2009
14. Climb Cho Oyo – Spring 2009
15. Cardio training – On Going
16. Continue Mountaineering and climbing practice – Ongoing
17. Either Aconcogua or Danali 2009
18. Either Aconcogua or Danali 2010
19. Schedule trip to Summit – Fall 2010
20. Climb Everest – Spring 2011

The funny thing is, nothing seems possible right up until you see its possibility!


Risk Factors

• General Physical Health
• Ability to acclimate to high altitude
• Knee condition, can they tolerate the work
• Cardio Health
• Willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice, i.e. Is it worth dying up there.

The only thing that now stands between me and this dream/goal is time/money and biology. I can manage the time and I can make the money. The biology is genetic and if years of smoking, asthma and my genes will allow, I can and will do this.

Today we have it so much better. A while back I bought me a D.U.I. dry suit for SCUBA in cold lakes and local mud puddles. Up until then I refused to buy a base layer. I thought, there is no way I am spending that kind of cash on stupid thermal underwear. Well, I was wrong. It’s a godsend. I purchased some nice Patagonia Capilene tops and bottoms and have never turned back. These are such cool fabrics or should I say not so cool?. I stay toasty warm and dry as these materials wick away moisture.

Now that I am also into running, did I mention that yet? Oh! I am also into running. There you go, now you know. I needed to find me some nice winter gear to run in without being overly bulky and uncomfortable. Of course my first choice was some Capilene to wick away moisture but it was working overtime. Running, at least for me, creates more sweat than the light Capilene can handle so I had to investigate further. I did some searching and called some friends at Fleet Feet and went in to talk about winter gear. Basically the wicking idea still holds but what they turned me on to was wicking on steroids. I went home with a Hind top, Mizuno Breath Thermo Pants and Feetures Bamboo and Wool socks Let’s talk about these wonder pieces of equipment for a moment.

First off let’s talk about these pants. The Mizuno Breath Thermo Pants are amazing technology. From the web site “Extremely lightweight pant changes moisture to warmth to keep you comfortable throughout your run” I have to say I was a bit skeptical but after my first run I was never so pleased spending $59 on a pair of polyester pants. My legs were warm through the entire run and I barely noticed I was wearing any pants. I felt like I was running naked and for me, that’s a good thing. The pants wicked very well and allowed my legs to remain dry. After a long run this prevents chaffing and soreness so I have no complaints in this area. The first thing I thought after wearing these is I can’t wait to try them with some Capilene Under them and go for a cold mountain trek. I bet the work wonders.

Next up is the Hind Shirt. I wish I had more information about this shirt as it is a great shirt. It was on the discount rack and I picked it up for something like $10. What an amazing find. I wore the shirt a few times just around town as it’s a fairly good looking pullover with a partial zipper. When I noticed its amazing power is when I washed it one day and took it out of the washer. The inside of the shirt was dry as dry can be and the outside was wringing wet. Bingo, I get it, wicking at its finest. That night, only a few days ago, I put the shirt on and went for a run. What a great shirt, it sucked away water so fast I could barely keep enough moisture on me to run my chest strap heart monitor but the outside was steaming and evaporating body moisture like a machine; Inside dry and warm, outside wet and cool. Not bad for the $10 I spent. I will gladly pay the cost for my next shirt which I hear can run around $60.

Maybe in another post I will talk about the Feetures Socks. I cannot say enough about the comfort and padding they offer but I feel I have rambled on enough about underwear. It’s time to get back to something more wholesome like wicking thongs.

So what do those lovely childhood experiences have to do with this web site and me? Everything!

This is a story about the life of an adventurer and the tales will be told about the Past, the Present and the future. The story is still unfolding and you can be a witness to the outcome. In fact, you may have ways to shape the outcome itself. I will tell stories of past adventures and link you to pictures and more information. As I perform new adventures and feats I will update you about what I am doing and how I am doing it. And lastly I will talk about future treks and what I am doing to make them reality.
I will talk about equipment, what I use it for and how. There will be talks about Camera equipment, mountaineering gear, clothing, travel and any other thought or whim that pops into my mind. There will be days where I do not post. And there may be days where I post so often even I can’t keep up with it all. I want to figure out a way that you, the readers and the reason I do this, can be updated or notified when new events happen. As I figure this out I will give you’re the option to opt in and be notified.

At first these seemed unreal an unachievable.
As time passes and I continue to look at it, Read it, evaluate it, clean it up and update it, it becomes more real and more me!

Here are several questions and their answers:

Name 5 things that I have already accomplished that I am extremely proud of.

1. Have a Wonderful wife
2. Purchased an Investment Condo in Hawaii (Kona)
3. Purchased an investment Condo in Roatan, Honduras
4. Acquired the level of Dive Master
5. Work Part time as a Dive Professional, for fun!
6. Gave up drinking 18 years ago after being a massive drunk
7. Achieved V.P. Engineering and director of R&D without a degree.
8. Making a great income
9. Learned to SCUBA, Finally
10. Traveled to Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize, Hawaii, Honduras many times
11. Own a Hummer H2
12. Made it to my Grandmas 90th Birthday
13. Took my Parents on a vacation to Hawaii
14. Took my in-laws on a vacation to Hawaii
15. Made it to UPW, Finally
16. Taught myself to program Computers
17. Taught myself to be an Oracle DBA
18. Taught myself Project Management
19. Formed my own corporation in Honduras
20. Started my Network Marketing business.
21. Own a beautiful home

OK, went a little over 5

Next Question, 10 Year Goals
List 50 things you want to do in the next 10 years, No limitations
This one got interesting becuase I made it to about 15 and had a brain cramp. I was unable to continue and then they just started flowing. Once they started flowing they got good, really good. These are ordered by year to completion!
You see several Nu Skin / Pharmanex Goals. These are my Main goals, My Focus and all other goals are somewhat Dependant as this vehicle offers me time and financial freedom needed to accomplish the other dreams.

Goal/Dream Time

1. Presidential Executive Nu Skin 1
2. SCUBA Instructor 1
3. Climb Moana Loa 1
4. Climb Halualai 1
5. Learn Spanish 1
6. Become an inspiring public speaker 1
7. Read one book per week 1
8. Maintain my optimal weight 1
9. Strengthen my body to the level that I have unlimited energy 1
10. Meditate Daily 1
11. Dive the Spiegel Grove 2
12. Be a leader to thousands 2
13. Have literally thousands of friends 2
14. Live in Kona full time 3
15. Team Elite, Nu Skin 3
16. Travel in China 3
17. Learn Mandarin 3
18. Run a Marathon 3
19. Travel to Palau 3
20. Dive Truk Lagoon 3
21. Travel Europe 3
22. Own my Dream home in Kona 3
23. Learn to Sail 3
24. 20% income to Charity 3
25. Visit Malawi 3
26. Help build a village 3
27. Ride a motorcycle through Central America 3
28. Meet Tony Robbins and have lunch 3
29. Dive a u-boat 3
30. Dive North Carolina wrecks 3
31. Dive Queen Anne’s Revenge (Black Beards ship) 3
32. Learn to Sing 3
33. Visit the Copan Ruins 3
34. Fish Alaska one more time 3
35. Own a Hummer H1 3
36. Speak at a Jim Rohn or similar event. 3
37. Have a full time Chef 3
38. Have a full time Maid 3
39. Have a full time Gardener 3
40. Teach young people in their teens how to achieve their dreams 3
41. Teach Goal Setting skills to youth 3
42. Climb Everest 5
43. Tour the Congo 5
44. Learn to fly a helicopter 5
45. Get pilots license 5
46. Climb McKinley 5
47. Financial Freedom 5
48. Travel to Thailand 5
49. Travel to Indonesia 5
50. Dive the Andréa Doria 5
51. Travel to Russia 5
52. Re-Learn Russian 5
53. Condo at Camp Bay Roatan 5
54. 100K Distributors in my organization 5
55. Ski the Alps 5
56. Safari in Africa 5
57. Surf Waimea Bay 5
58. Surf Australia 5
59. Visit Ayers Rock 5
60. Do a walkabout 5
61. Ford GT 5
62. Travel to Tibet 5
63. Visit a Buddhist temple in Tibet 5
64. Study for three months under a Buddhist monk 5
65. Dive in Antarctica 5
66. See the Great Wall of China 5
67. Trans Atlantic cruise through Mediterranean to Caribbean 5
68. Travel around the world in one trip 5
69. Take my parents on a really wonderful journey 5
70. Buy my Parents a home 5
71. Buy my in-laws a home 5
72. Write a book 5
73. Master the Guitar 5
74. Hike the Alps 5
75. Dive the Red Sea 5
76. See the Pyramids in Egypt 5
77. See the pyramids in Mexico and Belize 5
78. Be the Greatest Networker in the world 5
79. Ride a Motorcycle to all 50 States 5
80. Ride a Motorcycle Coast to Coast in 50 Hours 5
81. Own a 10 Acre coffee farm 5
82. Own a 60 ft yacht 5
83. Own a dive operation 7
84. Own my own dive boat 7
85. 45′ Sailboat 7
86. Own Jet 7
87. Act in a movie 7
88. Learn Japanese 7
89. Take all my family and siblings and their families on their dream vacations. 7
90. Climb seven peaks 10
91. Own 30 Million in profitable properties 10
92. 10 Million Liquid assets 10
93. play Guitar with David Gilmore 10
94. Have Lunch with Angelina Jolie 5
95. Rolex Submariner Gold

Yep, went over 50, I am an over achiever!