Finally back to base camp, Paul spoke with Lindy Burns of 774 ABC Melbourne about his ascent to the summit yesterday, how he continued to be dogged by oxygen problems, and how an unexpected attack of snow-blindness led to a terrifying descent.
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congratulations Paul wonderful achievement.And a big congrats to my colleague and friend Marg for being at base camp
love Elizabeth Price
Paul & Fi,
The West Ends have been drunk in your honor. Well done, Sir. I just heard your interview and will do so again several times, because much of your words sounded muffled. I’m sure as time goes on, you’ll fill us in on the last part of the climb, which seems surreal. None of us who haven’t been in your shoes could possibly imagine what it’s like up at the top in the conditions you endured. It is a testiment to your character that you succeeded both in the ascent and afterwards. Can’t wait to hear the details. Good on ya.
Steve D.
Paul,
I wonder if someone enterprising could invent googles that could block out UV rays and prevent snowblindedness for those who wear glasses. It would seem that one shouldn’t have to suffer the decision of wind versus bright light for glass wearers. Maybe this’ll enter your decision to do Lasik?? Again, congratulations on a job extremely well done.
Steve D.
paul . just listened to your interview.welcome back to b/c. bet that shower felt good. well done! you and fiona are an amazing couple!rest up well. cheers!!!![ken.nz]
Paul, I’m terrified just listening to this interview! Praise God you and Fi are both safe. We’ll be bringing you a huge bottle of vintage bubbles when we’re in Melbourne in September! *hugs* to you both. (And have we said this yet? “CONGRATULATIONS!” :>) Kyna + Kiwis.
Paul,
WOW! What more is there to say-congratulations! You got through so much to stand at the summit. I salute you! You’re due some R & R. Have a great trek down from basecamp! TA
WOW PAUL!
COngratulations on your amazing effort and ohhh goddddd, scarey! Not oxygen problems again???? Now please step carefully now back down the hills to Namchee, take it slowly and you and Fiona take it all in with complete contemptness that you have both acheived such a an amazing goal. It is so inspiring listening and reading about you, we really have visualised being there with you.
Take care Sonam, Rebecca & Lhamo xx
Glad you made it back to BC!!! Now you can soak it all in…you did it! The summit of the highest mountain in the world. Boy, do you deserve to sign the wall at Rumdoodles!!!
The best,
MC
“As you are striving for your goal, remember that the challenges, the difficulties and the struggles will make your success all the more rewarding.” mc
Congratulations Paul. Glad to hear you made it and made it back safely.
It’s probably way too early to ask, but I wonder what on earth you might try next!
John C
Congratulations Paul you have fulfilled your life long dream to get to the top of the world.Have a safe trip home you and Fiona.Lots of partying when you get home.We are all proud of you.Good luck for your future
Wenda,Nell and all the Roe family
Congratulations on an amazing accomplishment! I am a friend of a friend of Pat’s who has been following your adventures from the comfort of my computer for the last several weeks. Your pictures and comments have given me an insight into a part of God’s creation that I can only experience vicariously. Thanks!!! Patsy P.
Congratulations Paul and to all the support team. Glad to hear that your sight is ok. Looking forward to catching up Marg. Maree
Congratulations, Paul and Fiona, this has been an amazing couple of years!! So glad you are safe and back together. Will look forward to reading the details of the summit and descent and seeing photos. Thanks so much for sharing your journey with all of us on myEverest. I’ve loved every moment.
Really glad that you made the summit this year – and especially glad that you had a successful return to base camp. It’s been great being able to tune in from the other side of the world and watch the adventure.
Andy
It’s been amazing to follow your postings over the last few years, and it’s an amazing achievement! Congratulations and have a safe journey home to Melbourne! Philippa & Rob
Congratulations on your summit climb and safe return Paul, and also to Fiona for her strength during her interview with Lindy on the ABC yesterday. Lindy asked Fi some interesting but emotive questions, and sometimes interviews that sound easy, just aren’t. Now you’re safe and for you and Fi, all the Shuttleworth girls say Hooray! Cheers from Wendy.(Kyna’s sister) PS. Our Mum was praying for your safe return too.
Amazing stamina and willpower. I can only imagine what you went through to get to the top. So whats the next big challange for you and Fiona? I’m thinking a couple small adventurers climbing your couch cushions in diapers??? Just kidding, sort of. I will leave it up to the grandparents to push you on that one. one more time let me say Congratulations on your accomplishment.
Ray
Not many more to say:) you did it, and you did it great. Time to celebrate:) have a great dinner at Rum Doodle. You seemed to be great teammates with Attila which could have made the climb so much enjoyable. You always have a place to stay in Hungary if you wish for some flat land
Cheers, Mira
Jill, Dallas, TX
We lit candles – we implored our Higher Power. Now, we must thank the same for answered prayers! What a “trial by fire” or should I say “by lack of oxygen, cough, snowblindness” but you were PREPARED and you ATTAINED the prize! Pleeaasse write a book soon – the two of you! We “need” this on our shelves as almost OUR “trophy” for “helping” you and Fi (note the familiarity, now that you are “family”) for the last year or so! I guess this sounds selfish so you don’t HAVE to do it (but it WOULD be nice). I think you two will float back down the mountain – enjoy, enjoy, enjoy…
Hi Paul,
Listening to your interview with Lindy I could hear the pain in your voice mixed with an obvious deep sense of satisfaction. But for 100 metres you’ve climbed Everest twice and I’m not sure what that proves, that you are incredibly brave or completely nuts. I’m more inclined toward the former but either way you’ve earn’t yourself a place in history in a very elite club and I envy you that. Not only have you proven what can be achieved with sheer dogged determination but you’ve demonstrated what can be done with an amazing partner in Fiona and a great backup team behind you.
Jen and I can’t wait to shout you guys dinner next time we are in Melbourne so we can have the luxury of a first hand account of your amazing adventure.
Congratulations . . . seriously!
Steve & Jen
PS – my prediction is that you’ll soon be inventing a revolutionary new UV/Wind/Sun proof face mask with built in oxygen feed/regulator . . . .
Hey Paul,
Great to hear that you are safely back on base camp.
Bloody good work – it must be a huge relief to know that you have that enormous challenge out of the way, and now that you can focus on everything else that you have got going on.
Looking forward to hearing all the details when you get back,
Love Tim & Inna.
P.S. I am sure that you have heard by now that Pat has also summited.
Hi Paul,
Congratulations! Have a great trek home and enjoy your time reflecting on how amazing you are!Strong climb!
Ann and Graham
Glad you are SAFE
I have just heard there is no luxury in Kathmandu due to a power failure in the city…. so guys we are going to need some more candles here to lit them – this time thankfully not for your safe summit Paul and others. Grab all the candles around you and start to celebrate.
Paul:
So great to hear that you are back in Base Camp! Way to go! We are all breathing a collective sigh of relief. What a summit story! We are looking forward to hearing much more about it and seeing your pics.
From Liane and all the kids at QE
Congratulations to you both – South Australia has produced some winners over the years and here is yet another! I haven’t followed your progress, but I did hear your interview on 774 ABC Radio and was immediately completely absorbed by your reflections. I hope there is more to come, you sound different to all the other climbers who I have got to know through my multiple book/armchair accents with them.
David Saunders, Melbourne