I read Into Thin Air and watched documentaries about various expeditions in amazement. Terrified. So when I heard that my friend Erin was going to summit this Friday, I couldn't quite believe the email. Not because I am surprised Erin is climbing Mount Everest. Not because I am surprised that she will make it to the top of the world. I am surprised because I could never ever imagine climbing Everest, let alone summit. I still can't. Summit. To the top. Everest?!
 |
| Courtesy of Aspen Paragliding |
Erin was born a climber, a hiker, a glider. An adventurer at heart, she took me paragliding for my 19th birthday...a first for this bear. Thankfully for her, she glided alone (she is certified). I had Joe on my back, poor guy is probably deaf after being my guide. As Erin landed in front of me looking like a beautiful gazelle, I forgot the only instructions I had to follow upon landing - we gracefully face-planted. I will never forget that birthday, not just because I flew like a bird in the air, but for the enthusiasm she infected me with upon telling me the surprise the day before. Anyone else, I probably would have made up some excuse: stomach flu, low blood pressure, measles. But she made jumping off a cliff somehow seem like jumpin on a trampoline. Because of her, I conquered a fear. I felt on top of the world. Fearless. Accomplished.
So her leading the pack on her expedition is her passion coming through. I admire her sense of adventure and her ability to follow her dreams. I know that her courage and judgement will keep her safe. Check out her team's blog. You will be in awe. The blog and videos chart the progression of their journey. You will even see Erin, hair ribbons and all, looking like it's just another day on the mountain. Erin, your fan club is rooting for you around the world. Sending prayers and hugs to the top of the world and back. My birthday is coming up...sky-diving?
Here is the latest video
