DONEGAL man Jason Black was hoping to be on top of Mount Everest today – to mark his daughter’s birthday!
But mother nature has put off the final ascent for two more days at least!
The Letterkenny nightclub owner was delighted however to pick up a faint phone signal from 8000mts up – and sent the following blogs.
And he talks of his sadness at learning that a climber he met out there has died.
Here’s his latest despatch:
Just sitting at the yellow band at just below the death one at 8000mts – FREEZING I mean really FREEZING .. Summit next 2 days .. Fingers crossed guys.
Guys can’t believe my luck, switched on my phone and don’t know how this has happened but I’ve got one bar on a Chinese reception.
Anyway quickly guys I’m on the final push the last few days have been just brutal but in a sick way unbelievable. Outside of the pain the views and sights of God’s play garden for the slightly mad has been just life_changing and that’s a chapter for another day, life changing and inspirational and a damn good way to really find my myself.
Tonight now its 9.40 here and I’m sitting just meters from the death zone – sounds so dramatic but trust me it is.
So many lives have been lost here already – 14 about the death zone at 8000mts and sadly I lost a good friend who I met first day in Kathmandu because the route is a lonely old place we most days hooked up for a cuppa to discuss our plans ahead.
Well yesterday Namgil, who was to me a super guy became number 15 and my heart today is so heavy.
His body just gave up and he dropped on route, tomorrow on my way I will pass Namgil as he’s still up ahead and I will give him a good Irish prayerful goodbye.
So as I sit pitched high on a very, very windy north ridge – gales are 80mph + and I hope this tent holds out or I’m for a speedy run.
Everest summit above now waits guys and I’ve got a date with destiny….
Plenty of prayers very welcome.
Can’t seriously express how much you guys mean to me and the encouragement has been breath taken I hope to do you all very proud over the next few days.
And for the kids of Donegal I’ve got some pretty quality photos to show you all.
That all for now…
Love
Jason
PS
And I’ve left the best for last – HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAURA – my beautiful daughter’s birthday 18th May and how proud you have made myself and your mammy Laura.
I’d planned the 18th for my summit but Mother Nature put a stop to that plan so have a great day Laura… I love you so much…
Daddy x
