This Was My Everest

Around August 2008, Terry and I went to Pyramid Mountain in New Jersey. There are several trails that lead to the top and of a rock formation known as Tripod Rock. It’s one large boulder (160 tons) that was deposited long ago by a glacier on top of three much smaller rocks. The boulder sits on top of the rocks, apparently defying gravity and our perception of balance. It’s a remarkable display of nature. I couldn’t make it to the top that trip. I simple ran out of energy, became exhausted, and we had to head back down the mountain. That was before I was diagnosed but it was one of my original symptoms that eventually led me to the doctor. In July of this year I was contacted by Paul Hamell. Paul is a fellow EC patient who underwent successful surgery almost three years ago. Paul is also the administrator of the ACOR list serve for esophageal cancer. For those unfamiliar with the ACOR list it is an email subscription service where patients write in questions, their history, responses to questions, or anything else related to a particular form of cancer. I have learned much from this service including the information about SIR Spheres. Paul and his wife are ardent hikers. Paul is on his local first aid squad. Paul saw this item on my bucket list so he offered to escort us to Tripod Rock. Paul and his wife were the perfect escorts so I couldn’t refuse his generous offer. We decided to wait until the Fall when the weather was more conducive and yesterday’s weather was perfect. We went. AND I MADE IT TO THE TOP!!! The hike was 20 miles round trip ascending 18,000 feet and took 9 hours to complete. OK I’m exaggerating. It was about 3 1/2 miles round trip ascending 500 feet and took 4 hours. That was with me stopping numerous time. I lost count at about 37. BUT THIS WAS MY MT. EVEREST! And I did it. Here's Paul and I at the rock Here's two shots that give you a better view of the phenomenon These two shots show some of the terrain we had to deal with It’s hard for me to express how good it made me feel to have accomplished this. And to be able to have done it while enjoying the company of two beautiful people made it even better. Unfortunately I can’t check it off my bucket list because Terry wasn’t there but it still meant a lot to me. Carry on. --------------------------------------