M-E and Everest!

Visit thesaurus.com and type in ‘amazing.’ For me, that was Nepal. It’s been a month since I landed back in Halifax (Nov 18^th to be exact) and this is the first time I could bring myself to write a post. I was feeling bad/confused as to why I was feeling that way, I mean, it was everything Thesaurus will tell you. And when something is that good, you want to share it, right? Spread the love? I certainly wanted to do all of that, but not in a blog post. It’s almost written in stone in a post, and I guess you could say I wasn’t ready to define my trip. However, this is the first in a few posts explaining what I saw, experienced, smelled, heard and so on.

The best way I could describe the past month post-Nepal would be digestion (and no, this isn’t a poop story). With the US thanksgiving approaching and Christmas not too far away, I could only describe the past month as a big, yummy holiday dinner. The difference is that you know what you’re getting yourself into before you indulge in Christmas dinner. You know you’ll be having A LOT of food…and you think, after gorging beyond capacity, how will I ever digest this big feed that I just inhaled?

Nepal was a very big feed. And instead of food, I hopped on the plane excited about everything I would see and learn…about the culture, the Sherpas, the people, the lifestyle, the food and so on.  I was ready to let the experience take me over, but in the end, I learned the most about myself. And I didn’t think I would. I thought I knew a lot about myself already…and I do, but this was different. This was a different M-E.

So coming back home was a process of digesting Nepal and how I changed because of it. So….here is when I get into potential cheese factor material, and one of the reasons why I had been avoiding writing a blog post. But it’s true. This was a truly life changing experience. Yup, life changing. And how could it not have been, really?

How often do we create an opportunity to be in a completely new place, no familiarity whatsoever, and because we have travelled alone, no familiar faces? In all of this new-ness, I came to realize that Mary-Eleanor in Nepal is a different person from Mary-Eleanor in Halifax (…for the better). Here are a few distinctions:

Mary-Eleanor in Halifax wouldn’t be okay with only using two sheets of toilet paper per bathroom break, Nepalese M-E was (…and had to be, TP was in short supply).

Nepalese M-E was truly okay with no showers for two weeks – Halifax M-E would be very whiny and disgusted at the idea.

Halifax M-E, after getting very ill, would probably take the day off and sulk – M-E in Nepal contracted a bacteria and had to deal with illness, loss of appetite and a hole in a wooden floor as a bathroom.  Sure, I had no choice and the obvious; “this is what you signed up for,” but what surprised me most was how normal it all felt; how authentically M-E I felt.

Halifax/Dartmouth is my home, but I felt more myself in Nepal than I have since arriving back in the city.   And part of that feeling, I think, has to do with how simple life was on the mountain. I certainly took a lesson in KISS while in Nepal. Of course, I’m referring to the ’keep it simple, stupid.’

Wake up-Eat-Hike-Eat-Hike-Eat-Sleep-Repeat. There was certainly more to it, but my point is that life was simple. And that’s what helped me feel M-E; it’s what helped me see myself in a new way. Nepal, as one of the poorest countries in the world, has very little to call its own, and neither do its people. However, I never once saw a frown. I never once saw someone crying. Every person and child I met was joyful and seemed grateful for whatever they had, which, by our standard, was nothing. I felt guilt and gratitude all at the same time, and found myself, almost immediately after getting home, missing how simple my life was…and how incredibly amazing and liberating it felt. Nepal was such a gift in so many ways, and simplicity hits the top of the list.  

It gave me new perspective and made me want to live ‘the simple life’ more and more in Halifax. When I was hiking, all I’d wish for was health and safety…because that’s all that mattered there, and really, it’s all that matters anywhere. So the past month I’ve been working hard to integrate the Nepalese and Halifax M-E’s, and trying to think/work/live simply….and if that doesn’t work, I’ll move to Nepal.

…just kidding.

Hi All!

This will probably be the only time until the 15th that I will be able to be in contact. Sadly, the person I was relying on for text messaging suddenly had her phone poop out on her. That said, I am having a great time thus far! Kathmandu is incredible. A lot of poverty, but very nice people in general. We have had A LOT of beggars approach us, but they’re never aggressive and as long as you stand you’re ground, you’re fine. I’ve bonded with Jenn and Gayle was my airplane partner from Toronto onward. Everyone is very nice although you can tell there are certain clicks among the crowd. About 14 of the people did Kili two years ago so they’ve all stuck together for the most part.

So the flight was one of the longest experiences I have ever had in my life! Although we had two meals on the Toronto to Hong Kong flight and LOADS of movies and TV to watch, it was as boring as watching paint dry. Not to mention, my legs were killing me by the end of it. It was 15 hours.  Then the flight from HK to Kathmandu had a stop in between. It was nuts. But when we got there, we were all deliriously relieved to have arrived safe and sound…and with luggage!

After arriving at around 10:30, we decided to explore a bit. We ended up at this bar called Corner Bar. It was pretty well closed, but they opened it up for us. It was nice to have a drink with folks and get to know them. They’re a hilarious character named Paul from Nfld. He’s a riot.

The next day we got up for breakfast, which wasn’t bad! Surprisingly, the food is great here. After breakfast, we had our welcome meeting and then off we went to explore again. We all met up at this placed called Rum Doodle where previous trekkers have all visited. Amazing pictures from it!

The rest of the day we tried to find this monkey temple, but were unsuccessful. Instead we toured around this area that had 15 temples within it. Some active, some not. We had a tour guide who is very knowledgeable and it was great to take in some of the culture. The Nepalese are very spiritual people.

After the LONG day of walking and exploring, we came back to restaurant for our welcome dinner. Again, great food! Afterward, I had my first shower….since WEDNESDAY!

Anyway, this is a pretty long and detailed account of my travels to date, but I wanted you all to know that I am safe and happy.

Mary-E

(Message sent from Mary-E on October 3rd)

Chantal Kreviazuk said it best. And yes, all my bags are packed and I’m ready to GO!

Although it says something different on my online page, I would like to reassure people and say that I have reached my $10,000 goal! Right now, it’s 3:31 a.m. and I am already hearing from my anxious-out-of-love father that we have to go! So off we go!

And before I do, I wanted to make sure I wrote in black and white specific requests from a few supporters. This is to make sure I fulfill them:

1. Laura – you will see a rock in your hands when I get back!

2. Paul – I will avoid all and any monkeys. And may just punch a yak.

And to everyone else who has requested that I have fun and stay safe – you bet! I think I can do that!

Thank you all again for ALL of the incredible support. I will be thinking of all of you while I travel and will keep your well wishes close as I trek every step!

See you on the 17th/18th (whenever I feel human again!)

Mary

On September 20th, my long-time buddy Kirstin Crabtree and I headed to the Valley for a day of farm’ing and hopefully sky diving! Nope, trekking to the base camp of Everest and raising $10,000 was not a big enough adventure for me – I had to add sky diving to it. Go big or go home, folks. It’s a motto I live by. Another motto: You can’t ever fail if you never give up. I think the two are interchangeable. 

The weather in Halifax was crummy on Sunday, but in spite of the rainy, cloudy weather, we made our way to the Valley and enjoyed some pumpkin viewing and some wine touring (which led to a free tasting!) Slowly, the skies began to ‘blue’ as Kirst and I enjoyed some munchies at the local picnic park and by the time we reached the Atlantic School of Sky Diving, we were seeing blue skies all the way! We could even see a few folks parachuting down….holy moly!

The more we waited, the more the control freak in me was freaking out…. sure, some of it had to do with the impending 10,000 feet into thin air, but some of it was their relaxed, laissez-faire attitudes. Looking back, I think their attitudes are what kept me calm, but at that point I just wanted to get up in the darn plane and make it happen! The wait was killing me!    

Finally, at 4:30 I met my tandem partner and owner of the School, Dave. The crew got me suited up and we headed to the plane. Duh…Duh…Duh (said in an impending-death tone). All four of us – Kirst, Kenny (Kirst’s tandem partner), Dave and I huddle together, knees-to-chest in the teeny, tiny plane. So they closed the door and off we went. Beyond the overwhelming roar of the plane, it was pretty silent. Very little small talk , just thoughts running through my head of ‘holy crap’ as I looked out the window.

Okay, it’s time. The door opens. Kenny has already connected himself to Kirstin and she begins to inch her way out of the plane, as we were instructed. She steps on the ‘plank’ (as I like to call it), getting ready to ‘arch’ (put up your hands as though you’re being arrested) and ‘ready, set, go’….she’s gone. My buddy is gone. She was just suctioned out of the plane. Holy crap, I’m next.

After prying my hands from the pilot’s chair, Dave and I take our rightful places on the plank. Oh my gosh…Oh my gosh…Oh my gosh….(I proceeded to repeat this line about four or five dozen times as we free fell for 40 seconds).  Looking down at 10,000 feet was a thrill and as I type right now I can feel my heart sink into my feet as it did before we jumped.

‘Ready, set, go’ and I’m out of the plane. Holy moly. Flying through the air and screaming like a nutcase, we flew through the air for 40 seconds until the parachute pulled us up. The rest of the ride was just as incredible. It was a clear day, not a cloud in the sky and as we turned, dipped and dived in the sky, I could only think, ‘holy moly, I did it.’ WE did it!

Kirst and I did this for our 26th birthdays and each year, on our birthdays, we’re going to find something new that will take us out of our comfort zones. It certainly doesn’t have to be as BIG as a sky dive, but something new. I think it’s a great thing to do…forget about resolutions. This is about living life to the fullest and doing things you never thought you could do.

And speaking of which, in the next few days, my online donation page for the Arthritis Societywill say ‘$10,000′ and you know what that means? I’ll have reached my fundraising goal! AH! I never thought I could do it, but because of all of your help, I’ve done it! And in less than two weeks, I’ll be on my way to Nepal! (Please disregard the excessive amounts of exclamation points!) 

More to come on reaching my goal! And more to come on the sky dive…once I get the video! HA! I’m sure it will be a good laugh!

Today marks one month until I (in chronological order):

1. Fly to Toronto…
2. Meet up with the other 65 people doing this across Canada…  
3. Followed by Hong Kong…
4. Then to Kathmandu…
5. And one day later, Lukla (the beginning of the trek)…
6. After that, it’s nine days up and down one big mountain…beginning at an altitude of 9,000 or so (Lukla) to Everest base camp – 17,600 feet!

I really, truly (holy crap, am I really doing this?!) never thought this day would come. I mean, I don’t do this sort of thing. You could say ‘Mary-Eleanor’ and ‘spontaneity’ have an oil/vinegar kind of history – until now.

So in my last post, I shared with you some of the BBQ memories I have experienced over the summer. I thought – given the milestone – that I would look back on some of the ‘training’ I’ve done over the summer. I’ll admit, I haven’t done much…by way of hiking, that is. My muscles? A force to be reckoned with…ha! So despite all of its other awesome qualities, Nova Scotia doesn’t have too much to offer by way of altitude training. Sure, I can get some hiking under my belt, break in my boots and our province has fantastic trails to make all of that happen, but when it comes to altitude prep, I’m relying on the meds to get me through.

This past weekend I hiked Cape Split with some JIMers who trekked Mount Kilimanjaro two years ago, and here’s how they broke down ‘the meds’ situation: It’s a must-have.  Period. And this brings me back to the point of the post: training.

Cape Split is a great place for beginner hikers. Not too tough, not too long, but beautiful view at the top. I hiked it for the first time last year with sneakers and in 20 or so millimetres of rain – it was swell. I was better prepared this time. With the sun shining and my boots pretty much broken in, we pumped through the trail in a solid three hours. And the views – INCREDIBLE.

The View From the Top (Cape Split)

Speaking of views (and must-haves, really), you are not a true blue Nova Scotia until you visit the Cabot Trail. INCREDIBLE (again). We trekked the only wilderness camping trail (translation: no running water/no bathroom/sling food in a tree to avoid bears and coyotes) in the park. It’s called Fishing Cove for future reference, and man, it’s beautiful. Again, not too tough going in because you’re hiking eight or so km down hill into the cove, but the next day you’re looking at a four-or-so hour stair master of hiking. My butt felt awesome…and by that I mean, I couldn’t feel it. My butt is better for it. And when it comes to scenery? I’m going to go along with the expression, ‘a photo says a thousand words:’

Cabot Trail: Bee-yoo-tee-ful!

And finally….the FINAL hike. Where will I go? For how long? Will I survive? (clearly, I will…it’s Nova Scotia after all). I’m not going to go TOO crazy (oh..did I mention I’m sky diving later this month?!) I’m thinking of checking out Economy Falls maybe…the Kenomee Trail. At least, that’s one idea being thrown out there. Clearly, I’m unsure and I’m looking for some advice. Do you know of any trails worth exploring? Pretty scenery is a must. A good workout is a must. A day hike or weekend hike preferred. I need to get one final hike under my belt before I head out! All comments welcome…happy trails!

Mom, Dad and I made our way to the Kent in Russell Lake for a weekend of bbq’ing as a fundraiser for the Arthritis Society. It turned out to be a lot of fun in the end, but as of Friday night I wasn’t entirely enthused about my upcoming weekend plans. It would’ve been easy to think of ‘better’ things to do during those precious sunny hours: me lounging on the beach, Dad checking off his list of household to-do’s and Mom keeping busy with her loads of crafting. But to butcher a popular phrase, ’a watched piggy bank (pot) never grows (boils).’  Money needed to be raised so we got ‘er done. In the end, it was a great way to spend the weekend.  

And people appreciated it – especially Kent shoppers. Sure, we encountered many awkward fast-walkers and the no-eye-contact shoppers, but on occasion we met some pretty awesome people.

On bbq day #1, we met a man, let’s call him Al. Al approached my table and asked for a hot dog and a pop. We obliged him. And while Mom and Dad were getting together his dog, the two of us got to talking. This man was telling me about a book he came across not too long ago. A fiction…red helicopter on the front…about Everest, he described. His descriptions were pretty vague and he couldn’t think of the author, but I politely said I’d keep an eye out for it. He wished me luck and off he went . ‘A nice guy,’ my Mom and I both remarked. About two hours later from a distance, we saw Al approaching the table again. He came back. And he came with the book!  He went all the way home, found the book and gave it to me. He mumbled something quickly under his breath, wished me luck again and off he went. Perhaps a small gesture in his mind, but this really struck me. Wow. What a guy.

Day #2 came with a few small, but mighty memories.  Just as we were about to pack up, a couple started walking toward us hopefully looking for some sustenance (it was a slow day…). The woman asked what I was doing and I gave her the low-down: “Trekking to the base camp of Mount Everest…17,600 feet…leaving in October…very scary/exciting/all of the above” …and so on.

She then started telling me her story of her grandmother who passed away from arthritis. Near the end of her life, her grandmother couldn’t even brush her own hair let alone lift her own arm. Paralyzed from the neck down, she eventually died of related complications. This woman was interested to know of my reason for fundraising so I told her about my grandmother. In the midst of our stories, she passes me $5 (on top of the payment for the dogs), and then before she leaves, another $5. Now, I know she didn’t give millions, but it was her appreciation for my efforts that really hit home. You never really know the true affect of any illness, whether it be arthritis or any other debilitation, until you see it in the face of a child, a wife, a husband or in this case, a granddaughter.

Over the past few months (rightly or wrongly), I’ve gotten into the habit of seeing my fundraising from a 17,600-foot scale: One thousand instead of one dollar at a time…one person instead of one in four affected with arthritis. She really brought me back down to ground level - a ‘human’ level with her story.   She and her grandmother are the reason why I’m doing this. Connecting with people like Al and his book – that’s another reason why I’m doing this. And on the days when I’m feeling overwhelmed and thinking about how I’m going to raise the last few hundred, I’ll think of them.

I’m so grateful for my sunny weekend bbq’ing at Kent. Thank you to everyone who came out. And thank you to Mom and Dad for being there to help out.

I hope you enjoyed your hot dogs

*NOTE: If you’d like to support me in my trekking efforts and support the Arthritis Society at the same time, you can skip this post and donate here. Thank you so much, everyone*

It’s less than two months until take off. I’m leaving on a jet plane on October 1^st and travelling with 68 other Everest trekkers from across Canada to Toronto – to Hong Kong – to Kathmandu – to Lukla (also known as one of the world’s most dangerous airports. True story).

A lot has happened this past month as I get ready to go. And some of them have been ‘firsts’.

The number one – and always biggest priority is the fundraising. I’ve hosted some BBQs (three more to come in August), I hosted a Jokers night and yes – I am still making hats! I’ve come up with some odd fundraising ideas (want a career as a commercial blueberry picker?), I’ve kind of gotten over my fear of asking people for money (…have you donated yet?), and my gym’ing days have gone up in frequency.

So a definite ‘first’ from the past month was the visit to the travel clinic. Biggest take-away? Rabies is no joke (more to come on this). And the other take-away? If you plan on having a productive afternoon, plan on doing something else on your lunch break. Instead of news releases and project plans, all I could think about was my impending death. *Rabies tangent: I was made very well aware of the reality that if I get bitten by a monkey or dog, I better have the money and the resources to get my infected butt down the mountain and to a hospital in less than 24 hours…or die. This is how the travel nurse began the rabies chat and she followed that up with: ‘…but you could get vaccinated.’

YES. PLEASE.

Apparently you have to have gobs of cash at your disposal to avoid death. ‘It costs $340 per vaccine….and you need three of them,’ she said. Right on. So of course I – the 25 year-old, still-has-big-bills-to-pay young professional said, ‘well, I guess I have to avoid monkeys and dogs then.’ Taking my life in my hands, folks. Another ‘first’ for Mary-Eleanor Walker.

The final ‘first’ from the past month has been my impending and ultimately MASSIVE bill from MEC or TAO or the Trail Shop. The fact that I was birthed in September will certainly help with the final $$ figure, but it will be costly.

And speaking of cost and money and so on (you know where this is going), I need help, folks. I have a bit of fundraising left to go – any amount would be more than appreciated. I know The Arthritis Society would appreciate it! Thanks, all! I hope you’ll keep following this blog as I write about the final months and weeks, and of course I’ll be blogging while trekking the big, bad mountain!

Some of you may already have some Cozy Cappers in your possession. I have some new crafty fundraisers to share! The first is a bunny hat. I even made one for myself! (haha…) These hats can be made in brown, light brown, grey, black, white and beige. They’re $15 each and I can drop off them at a convenient downtown location for pick-up!

The second is a tag-along tote. It’s polar fleece. It’s compact. And it’s a great kid-distractor. The cost of $10 includes the colouring book and the crayons! It’s a great back-to-school item and a nice treat to have on hand for longer car drives, waits or general down time.

If you’re interested in either one of these items, you can contact me directly at maryef_walker@yahoo.com to place an order.

Thanks all for your support thus far! I’ve almost reached my $10,000 goal, but still have a little ways to go….

Stay tuned!

I hope you’ll all come out to a fundraiser I’m hosting at Joker’s Comedy Club on Spring Garden Road. Have you heard of Joker’s? It’s a GREAT spot to listen to comedians, it’s right downtown (i.e. very convenient), it serves great drinks and munchies – and the price is right!

I’m hoping this fundraiser will give me the final $$ of my $10,000 goal and I’d love to see you out.

Here are the details:

Where: Joker’s Comedy Club, 5680 Spring Garden Road (next to Onyx)

When: Tuesday, July 13^th beginning at 8 p.m. til approx 10 p.m.

Cost: $10 per ticket

Details: Tuesday’s at Joker’s Comedy Club feature local and amateur comedians who are trying out new material. Should be a very funny time!

It’s very easy to get tickets. You can post a comment here and I’ll drop off tickets to you. You can also reach me by e-mail at maryef_walker@yahoo.com or on my Facebook fan page

Thanks, all! Look forward to seeing you on the 13^th!

So here’s the first in a series of summer fundraising activities. It’s aptly titled, Coins in Motion, which kicks off my aptly titled mission for the summer, $3500 or Bust. It’s a wonder I don’t have a world-renowned career in marketing, eh? (Well, not yet at least. I have big ambitions).

So here’s the deal. You have pennies, you don’t use your pennies – ergo, I want your pennies…and dimes, and nickels, and loonies…the list goes on. It’s quite a simple concept. And I’m hoping the simplicity of the fundraising event will entice people to come out and support me. It’s simple fundraising for simple minds. And I don’t mean you – the kind, big-hearted person who is scouring the couch cushions for coins right now – I mean me. It’s simple fundraising for my simple mind.

The details are as follows:

Wednesday, June 23^rd

11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Scotia Square Fountain (I will be the crazy person running up to you for spare change!)

 I hope you’ll all stop by, enjoy some Scotia Square delectables and get your coins in motion! If you work in Scotia Square…or Purdy’s…or anywhere close by, even better! Please tell your friends, your colleagues, your family, perfect strangers…the more the merrier, as they say!

 See you there!