It’s been one week since we stood atop of the world and I'm exactly a half a world away in my home officer reflecting on our expedition. I still haven’t come down from 29,029’ and this is fully because of the unbelievable support of friends and family. It seems Everest is something special and unique to each of us. Climber and enthusiast alike. The energy, thoughts, prayers sent up the mountain from all over the world on our behalf was something tangible. I felt it. Our group felt it. We were moved up by it.

Our 2018 Expedition with our Sherpa Guides

Last year when we were stopped short within a few hundred feet of our goal the depths of disappointment transferred across everything in my life. It shouldn’t have been that way since the support of our friends and family was just as strong, but my unmet expectations I suppose were crushing. Having spent so much in terms of effort in every aspect of life to return home safe but unsummited motivated my return.

This year we were fortunate enough to climb during what was the best weather year on record. Temba, our seasoned guide picked the 18^th of May early on in our planning process and we charged to the top with determination and conviction. High winds near the summit caused some doubt within our group but nevertheless the mountain gods permitted our pass and by the time we reached the summit the winds disappeared. We were able to enjoy 30 minutes of unforgettable memories on the rooftop on the world.

The final summit ridge

So much was going through my oxygen starved brain. I wish our dear fried Sange was there with us. I wish Larry and Brandon who deserved to be there were with us.

Last year, the day I returned home I heard about Sange. This year, the morning I returned back our dear guide and friend Gyaljen informed me that our lead guide from last year Sarki had fallen into a crevasse and tragically succumbed to his injuries. Sarki saved our life last year by turning us back from life taking winds and weather. I passed him several times on the mountain this year and the reunion was sweet. None sweeter than passing him along Camp 1 on our descent after our summit. He was heading up with his client and he was like a proud father congratulating his sons on our achievement. He had much to do with getting us to the top this year albeit he wasn’t our guide. Three days later he was gone. He will forever have a place in all our hearts as a kinds, strong, responsible climber who helped me see another day of climbing and let us all know how fragile life on a Himalayan rock can be.

Sarki Sherpa and our 2017 Expdition

Fabian finished his 7^th Summit as well and posed the question to both of us. “So what will we do to occupy our time now?” Our answers were similar. Time to focus on our little ones and do whatever it is they want! We can freely hike without a weight pack and camp with our kids without a training schedule. These are the moments in life that are long overdue and the brief hold has now been lifted.

Fabe and I completing our 7th Summit

Whatever is next or not, we know we’ve got the best fan support on the planet with the biggest ones right behind our own front doors.

With all the love in the world, again we thank you. Thank you for being just as supportive in our failure as in our triumph. For your attention to our families while we were gone and the attention you gave from afar. Our DNA is changed for the better. The relationships forged and lessons learned on the mountain we will take to our valleys and throughout the rest of our lives. We are better because of these mountains and because of you.