Personal message

In 2009 I trekked the Inca Trail to Macchu Picchu - it was a little tough at times but enjoyable. Then in 2012 I made it to the top of Kilimanjaro - spectacular but the most difficult thing I've ever done. It's 2013 and the climbing bug is out of control. Despite my efforts to stifle the urge, it wont let go.

In under a month, I will attempt a 140km hike to Mt Everest Base Camp. Sound-minded people have questioned why I would want to do this. I don't have an answer that explains it to myself either. So without getting philosophical and quoting great climbers all I can say is, some play golf, some drive fast cars, and some go shopping. I'm going climbing.

As with my previous climb, I want a charity to benefit and once again I have selected the Smile Foundation (http://www.smilefoundationsa.org). The foundation raises money for kids from poor backgrounds that are born with facial deformaties, cleft palates or are disfigured after burns. One of the plastic surgeons that also supports Smile Foundation is Dr Ridwan Mia who recently performed groundbreaking surgery on the little girl who was badly burned, Pippie Kruger. My climb is self-funded and all proceeds go directly to Smile Foundation. My company, Marsh Risk Consulting, has already pledged R5 000 so I want to try and achieve a target of R25 000 (roughly $2 500).

Despite the fact that I am already risking life and limb here if I reach my target, I will allow 5 people to suggest a dare to be performed on the mountain which, if reasonable :-), I will do and send proof of. It doesn't get better than that!

As with all major treks, altitude sickness is the biggest challenge. With my 2 previous climbs, I acclimatised fine and didn't have any problems aside from normal exhaustion, so I hope Everest would be kind to me as well. Base Camp is located at about 5 500 metres so the trek is roughly 60% to the summit of Everest. Another challenge with Everest is the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, where the trek begins. Short runway, built on an incline, in between mountains - the less I think about it the better. Then the rest of the challenges: below zero temps, wind chill and no bathing or ablution facilities.

I seriously think that after this one, I might hang up my boots and take up golf.

Or maybe not.

Nolan

"After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb." - Nelson Mandela

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