Scott Parazynski Everest Update: 22 May 2008: Resting at Base Camp
Keith Cowing 10:53 pm EDT: I just got a satphone call from Scott Parazynski at Everest Base Camp. The word I'd use to describe his mood is "contemplative".
Otherwise, Scott is Scott, and he just always seems to be able to find a positive way to look at things. He was cheering me up!
Scott had to halt his ascent of Everest the other day when stabbing back spasms made it impossible for him to go ahead. Had he done so, he'd said the felt that he'd have run the risk of eventually needing rescue - and placing his fellow climbers at risk as they carried him down.
In such situations, given his seasoning as a climber, you make the risk evaluation calculations rather easily, instinctively, and logically. He said that the decision was easy to make given the circumstances. "I gave it my best but it was not possible for me to proceed" he said.
The descent back down the mountain and across the Khumbu icefall was rather painful, Scott said.
He has been back at Everest Base Camp for a day or so and is now relaxing. Some pharmaceuticals, stretching, and plain old rest are helping a lot. He has quite a vista to sit back and ponder.
Moreover, his close friend and climbing partner Adam made it to the summit as did many of his new friends. That accomplishment by his comrades has been a powerful antidote to any transient sadness associated with not making it to the summit himself. Its a climber thing - a lot like human spaceflight - a few see space - many more make the trip possible - and some stay behind - yet all share in reaching the goal.
Scott has read a number of the messages I have forwarded him from OnOrbit.com and NASAWatch.com readers and he said it really buoyed him up. He'll be reading more of them tomorrow - post descent - so please keep sending them.
The plan is to depart Everest Base Camp soon - within 24 hours. The walk down will be slow and painful. Scott hopes to get to Kathmandu such that he'd be back in the States by 30 May.
I expect some updates from Scott on his way down.
Zack Tavlin is proud of you!
Dr. Parazynski,
Ms. Anita told me about your back and the decision that you made. While I was stunned by the news of your back, I was also completely in awe. You are most truly a hero. That was a heroic decision and even more heroic than actually getting to the summit, in my opinion. I am glad some of your fellow climbers were able to reach the summit. I am impressed, beyond words, at your selfless act of true bravery and responsibility. I am praying for your safe return to Texas!
God bless,
Zachary Tavlin
Purple Songs Can Fly/Climb
Partner in Climb
Took me a few days to post anything, now you get two.
Just a couple of trite sayings that should bring a smile and sense of real accomplishment.
No True Adventure is Fun While it is Happening.
In Life There are No Summits, You Must Enjoy the Climb.
If it Looks Like it Hurt, It Probably did and was Not a Good Idea in the First Place. corollary:(but how cool is that that you did it - just get it on film the first time)
There in spirit all the way. (wish I was there for real)
Dom
Hey Scott--
Scott--
Certainly was difficult to watch - I was up most of the night following you and Adam on the way up. And you did great, what a difficult decision to make (I can hardly think about it myself...). A courageous decision, you showed us all on how it is done right, independent on how difficult it may be.
Say Hi to Adam when you have a chance and give him my congratulations!!!
Have a safe way out and a good fight home. Hope to see you soon back in Houston - which will become our new home base later this year...
Take care,
Heiko
You Still Hold the HHL Record
Reading these is almost like I was with you - I can relate to the Back thing since I just finished a Grappling Class.
Hi Scott & Keith Well I am
Hi Scott & Keith
Well I am not totally unaware of the situation like what are rules and decision are going on there. I just read this post and I u/stood that scott is not going up at the highest peak or am not able to u/stand what is happening but I would love to Tell scott to "U MUST GIVE IT A TRY" and U r not one of them u can give up easily.
I would be sad of he is not able to reach there coz I feel he deserve to be up there.
All the Best n God Give u lot of strength to reach to the Mount everest.
Bye
Tc
Rachna