Elbrus - Part 1

10/8/7

August 10th, 1923. A seemingly innocuous date in human history. However, a very special date for the select few who got to know my Nanna, for this was the day she came into the world.

3700 metres up Elbrus, my thoughts are with my Grandfather and my parents, as they scatter Nan's ashes at Mt Lavina Hotel in Sri Lanka. In many ways, this climb has reminded me of the importance of family, from Mum and Dad, to Nanna and Grandpa and Nanna and Papa.

Chatting to a friend while hiking in the Teskol Valley, I came across an interesting thought. Mountaineering in itself, is a selfish endeavour. However, when you raise money for a charity, it gives a greater purpose to your endeavours.

That seems right for me, since after two days of some very tough hikes in the valley, I felt I had reached my limit. The only thing that kept me going in my mind, was the thought that, "This is for Cory."

Somewhere, deep down, I have an irrational belief that when I suceed here, it would mean Cory will be cured. Irrational, inconceivable, of course. But it is the irrational and inconceivable that has marked the upward surge of mankind, from the time we stepped out the cave till when we took to the skies above.

With the comraderie of my new friends, this belief will be what drives me to the summit.