Our brave Paul, who had spent hours climbing on Monday night and yesterday morning but had to turn back at the South Summit, (so close to the top) decided to have another attempt last night.
Although very tired, he hoped he would be able to reach the summit this time.
It is a marathon effort to do it once, but to do it on two consecutive nights is unbelievable.
He almost reached The Balcony before making the brave decision to turn around.
We, your family and friends salute you Paul. You did not fail- you just didn’t reach the Summit.
Thank you both Paul and Fiona for sharing your dreams with us mere mortals- you have been such an inspiration to us all.
Mary
What an effort. Great job Paul!
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From the proudest Dad in The World. Well done and come on back safely together. So much love, Dad
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So sorry to hear that Paul did not make summit, but better to be safe and well to try again. Paul and Fiona have been and are, where only a few others have been. Success is the journey not the summit. Take care Paul and Fiona.
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You have both done such a great job! Thank you so much for sharing this experience with our family. Fiona we admire your courage and strength, Paul your great wisdom and spirit. We will open a bottle of champagne and celebrate as soon as you are both safe at base camp. We will continue to send all our good thoughts and prayer to you both till that time.
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Paul,
You are one of the bravest and most committed people we know. We salute you for your amazing drive but we are so glad you decided to turn around. As hard as it must be, no mountain is worth risking your life for. We agree with everything that has been said before – your achievements are amazing and the fact that you didn’t get to cross those last few metres to the top is immaterial. You still climbed Everest!
Lots of love to both of you on your way down the mountain.
Maddi and DP
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What a valent effort Paul. To try again when you must have been totally exhausted is amazing. Thank you both for sharing this adventure with me.
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Hi Paul,
If anyone deserved to make it, you did. Things didn’t turn out that way but your efforts are no less admirable. Above all you had the presence of mind – twice – to make what must have been heartrending decisions. Well done, no-one could have done more.
Love, Dad H
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Just a super job by both of you. Knowing when to say when saves lives, especially on Everest…and allows for another time in the future. Fi and Paul – Rest, concentrate and don’t be too anxious on the way down. Use good technique and get home safe. This has been a tough year on Everest. Good job.
Bill
Jax, FL USA
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Paul,
A job well done and although I’m sure you’re disappointed, your courage and determination proves that you have ‘made the journey’ and that is an inspiration for me and many others. ALlowing us to ride along in your trip has been awesome and unbeleivable. Be proud of your and Fi’s achievement. The teamwork you showed us is inspirational. Thank you.
Phil M
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from all of us who sit here in melbourne glued to our computers in melbourne as the sun rises we wish you, paul, just one more fragment of luck. about ten years ago there were tee shirts around with sporty inspirational themes… the one i liked said ” luck is the residue of preparation” you have been so well prepared that here it just does come down to luck…so if we could invoke just one more bit for paul
oh, and fiona, congrats for reaching the “big one”
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Paul, never consider this a failure, your strength and good sense are an inspiration to us all. Rest well before your descent and may you have a safe journey home. Chuck
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What a great effort Paul – you have such stamina & determination. You have achieved so much through your everest attack enthralling all of us and inspiring thousands of people to take up a challenge of some sort – maybe extra exercise!! We are so very proud of you, Paul and now we would just like you to come home safely and be with us all. love Marg
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Paul, you are a very wise man in turning back. You know better than most, having been there yourself, how difficult a desicion that is. I salute you.
Wishing you all a safe return to BC and home,
Liz
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Fiona and Paul. .
A wonderful effort. Safe descent and return.
Mary what a wonderful support you are at the listening post.
Love from Jane
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As I said previously, you are both heros to us. I tell myself I cannot believe I know someone who has summited (Fiona) and someone (Paul) who never gave up, then I remember I don’t actually know either of you. However, thru your generous sharing of spirit and information I believe all of the Adler Army think we know you both and consider you to be friends. I won’t sit still until we know you and the support team are safely downhill. We are still the angels beneath your heavy packs. Descend safely. Sincerest CONGRATULATIONS to both of you on your outstanding acheivements.
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Dear Paul, Your heroic effort and your heroic wisdom have proved that you really are what we here on Bonaire believe you to be…a true hero! Be safe and strong on your descent…you are in our hearts. Jim, Jane, Alex, Pete, Meade, Franc, Joe, Amado, Sue et al.
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To Paul
I am sure you must feel disappointed but I say from my heart…you astound me. To have the presence of mind to make an incredibly wise decision twice is truly as much of an achievement as actually making the summit. So many climbers do not make the decision to turn around when they are up high on the mountain and tragically lose their lives. Bravo to you, Paul. You are one of my new “heros”. Descend safely back down to BC and know you have done what so many of us have only dreamed of attempting. MC
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Paul, i had a thought this morning as i tried to get my wife out of bed on a cold melbourne morning……..”how the hell do you get your mrs out of bed to climb everest?” Mate, I suspect few words can get past your own thoughts at the moment, but you must believe that to me and every other mortal watching from a distance, what you have done is simply super human.
…..and together you are really incredible! Come home safe. Love to you both from Ari, Luana and Charli
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Fizz and Paul, that was a great account, so good I won’t have to do it myself now! You must be exhausted, I have just got up and I’m exhausted just from reading about it – will have to go back for a kip now. I can only imagine the mixed emotions you must both have. You have achieved an amazing feat and there is no doubt you both handled the situation exactly the way it should have been. Miss you both so much and can’t wait for you to be home now. Love Jac.
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Hi Paul & Fiona,
Paul your effort with a second attemp at the summit with little time to fully recover from the first attempt is remarkable. I just know you’ll be up there at sometime
in the future. The mountain will always be there for you as will all of us. Awsome effort and hopefully I will get to meet you both on your return to Australia.
Thanks again!
>phil
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A valiant effort indeed. You will get more chances, Paul. I hope you come back and do it again, and bag those few 100 metres. We will go along for the ride.
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Congratulations Paul – you have achieved an incredible thing. And seen things that most of us can only dream of. Seen those views from the highest mountain in the world … twice!
Can’t believe you had the energy to even attempt a second time – what an effort. Such a strong will, drive and determination.
Take care of yourselves as you come back down to the low lands!
Cheers,
Kate and Benno
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Paul.. you truly are an inspiration.
We could not begin to imagine what you have been through in the past 2 days.
You may not have made it to the summit but your acheivements are incredible.
Our thoughts are with you for a safe decent and a speedy recovery.
Best wishes
Jody & Stu
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hey Paul, I feel disappointed for you but you must know that what you achieved over the past couple of days probably adds up to 1.75 summits I reckon (just a guess!!). I trully admire your determination but also your amazing practical wisdom and judgment. With love, Jacqueline
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Paul, the greatest prize was always going to be your safe return. Your valiant second attempt and then your wisdom to realise that your needed to turn back have earned deepest admiration. With love and joy that we will see you soon, Anne and Ron, Melbourne.
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Hi Paul,
You won’t read this til you get back but our positive thoughts and best wishes are with you to get back down safely. Fingers and toes are crossed for you.
xx Sammie and Nick
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Magificient! You both have won the praise of your families, friends, those that have followed your journey from around the world and your country for your skill, determination,courage and decisions.
What a team!Love Johanna & Leo
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We are so proud of you. You two are just amazing – incredible…the words aren’t really enough. Be safe. Lots of love, meals and danny
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Paul, brilliant effort on your second attempt, but so glad you had the strength of character to turn around rather than risk your life. Look forward to seeing you both back in Oz safe and sound soon.
Brad, Tracy, Madi & Paige
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Amazing effort paul and fiona. Very inspirational! Congratulations, and enjoy some rest.
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Dear Paul, you may have lost the final battle, but you certainly won the war – amazing experiences, triumphant ups and frustrating downs, fantastic achievements, the total admiration of your www fan club, and, most importantly of all, a safe return. well done! Jan
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Congratulations Fiona and way to give it all you had Paul! I’ve enjoyed your dispatches greatly. Climb on!
Mark
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Paul and Fiona you are both amazing.
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Congratulations to the both of you!
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What an inspiration!! I have enjoyed reading the adventure and have been barracking from a (relatively) warm Melbourne office chair. Congratulations to both of you on such an amazing feat.
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Congratulations Fiona from all the staff and students at Ringwood Secondary College, Ringwood, Victoria, Australia. What a great achievement to reach the summit! Congratulations to Paul for such endeavour and determination.You both are fantastic role models for all Australians. We wish you a safe descent. Well done and good luck for future climbs.
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Fiona and Paul,
Your brave decision to attempt Mt. Everest and to share your experiences with the rest of the world are to be commended! I recently showed a NOVA video (Everest–The Death Zone) to a GED class that I teach. Your experiences so much parallel this video! I was thrilled to learn of your website! Thank you and good luck!
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Back to back summit attempts defy belief even from someone with your astonishing determination and intense focus Paul. It has been an absolute privilege to follow the highs and lows of your remarkable journey from the comfort of my own home. I like everyone else eagerly await the most important stage of your journey a safe return to BC.
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Hi Paul and Fiona
Great effort..as you know..”it’s good to have an end to journey to but it is the journey that matters in the end.”
Sarge and Annie
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Paul and Fiona
It has all been said before. But you were both magnificant. Come home safely
Love Max and Judy
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Paul, our thoughts are with you for a safe descent to Base Camp. Please take care. You have given so much to this endeavour and shown such guts and determination (as seen throughout your life). You have achieved the respect of all us armchair viewers.
We look forward to a report from base camp.
Rose and family
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Valiant effort. Safe journey on your descent to BC. To those still heading to the summit, Dan and Jim, climb safe..wish you all well.
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Paul, I am astounded by you, man. To get stoked and ready and trudge off from the South Col and head up the summit pyramid of Everest — not just Once, but TWICE in 24 hours — is simply, simply incredible.
You are an athlete and a sportsman beyond compare.
Take the disappointment I know you feel right now and turn it around for good — you have inspired and riveted us with your grand adventure for the past two months. Thank you for that, mate.
Sagarmatha will always be there, Paul. Maybe you will return someday. Maybe she owes you one.
Congratulations and get down the mountain safely.
God’s blessings and grace to you,
Mark R
Safe trip home guys. You are both amazing.
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Congratulations and thanks to you both. Congratulations on your incredible achievements. Thank you for taking us all along with you, and for making the armchair experience so real and so vivid from so far away. It *has* all been said before, but you are obviously both such special people, it will clearly be said again and again!! Well done!
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Wow, Paul – you are amazing. I can not imagine the strength within you to mentally attempt a second try, and you did just that. To get as far as you did the second time, this after being so hight for so long – man, I’m not sure that in itself isn’t a record. I commend your decision to turn around. Quite honestly, I was a little worried – I am glued to you and Fiona’s story. I will continue to follow your climbing adventures as long as you both write them. You are amazing people; I’m so glad I have found your website and have had the honor of posting to you both as you experienced this magnificent feat. I’ve told so many people about you two and I can not tell you how amazing I think you both are. I read many stories and excerpts about climbing – it fascinates me beyond words – but I am not sure I’d ever have it in me to really do it. You guys rock.
Take care of yourselves on the way down, and Paul, do let us know how you are doing personally when you feel up to it.
Jo, WI, USA
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Hello Fi and Paul: I am MC’s husband, and although I have very little interest in climbing or Everest, the two of you captured my heart. Your humble but tenacious spirits are more than amazing, and the courage it took from Paul to turn back twice shows an intelligence and humility rarely seen in the “big league” climbing world. Paul, you are a winner and you have captivated and inspired all who followed your quest. If you live your lives like you climbed this mountain, you will look back at the end and have no regrets. It has been a privilege to meet you vicariously through this website. You two are the paragon, not the mountain. Thank you for sharing it with the rest of us!
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Paul and Fi,
Having just read all of the messages posted today, it has made me realise the profound effect that your journey has had on people all around the world. You have inspired so many people and that, in my view, is your biggest achievement. To inspire and energise such a large, disparate group of people, as you have done, is truly a feat in itself. You have so much to be proud of.
Lots of love
Maddi
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We had been following your progress via everestnews.com and just today found this site. Congratulations Fiona! Paul, I can’t believe the immense effort it must have been to start out on a second try, or how hard it must have been to turn around again. I’m glad you made a safe choice. Summitting is optional, returning is not. We will continue to send positive thoughts your way as you make your way safely back down.
Jean and Frank
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Each May I am glued to my computer so I can hear about the Everest News. You guys caught my eye and I have read your post everyday. I am so impressed with your hard work and dedication. Every good wish to both of you for much health, happiness and many more years of togetherness. My hat’s off to Paul and Fiona!
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Dear Mary, Fiona and Paul,
We are so pleased that Paul, having shown such determination and courage, also had the prudence to turn back when he recognised the impossibility of the task he had set himself. We were really worried for you, Paul, knowing how exhasted you must be after so long clambering around on the roof of the world. Safely down, now, if you please.
John & Lesley
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Paul & Fiona:
I remember as a child we were taught the importance of knowing we had done the best that we could possibly do. I remember always being told —
“It’s not who wins or loses,
but how you play the game”.
You are both winners based on the way you “played the game”. Congratulations to both of you. The rest of your lives await you………
Tam
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Fi, your account of what has just occurred is vivid, moving and bravely honest. I marvel at what you’ve achieved.
Paul, your drive and ambition is second to none. Your determination to tackle such a challenge twice, within a tiny window, is extraordinary. Thank you for encouraging and supporting Fi, giving her the strength and space to achieve so much.
You two make a wonderful, vibrant and inspiring duo. Congratulations on an awesome team effort.
Love Kerry xo
PS Mary – thank you for all of your terrific correspondence, I’ve enjoyed hear all three of your voices via the website.
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Paul, I nearly feel off my chair when I read you were giving it another go… but that is you 100%!! Well done. You guys are amazing, truely inspirational. Have a safe journey home.
Vassie xx
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Congratulations to both of you. That is incredible. It’s over-achievers like you two who make lazy pigs like us look even worse.
Champions.
Emma & Dan
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It takes a lot more courage to make two attempts–and do the right thing by turning back, than it does to keep pushing yourself…
Congratulations to both of you, and thank you for sharing this most amazing adventure!
Donavan
California, USA
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Congratulations and thank you to you both for this amazing and inspirational story of your Everest journey. Fiona I heard you on 774, and I wanted to send you and Paul both a message of love and support. As I sit in my office, at the computer and wonder what I’m doing with my life…you’ve both reminded me that dreams are to be chased….thank you. Go well and stay well.
Sally x
Melbourne.
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Congratulations and thanks so much for this amazing journey from the computer. You have inspired so many people. I feel like I know you and will miss your updates in my inbox. Stay well.
Stephanie
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Paul and Fiona you are the greatest inspiration to everyone. Fiona for having made the summit and Paul you are to be commended for having the courage to turn back when you did.This does not detract from your achievements. Together with Mary you made up a great team
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Paul, you are one seriously together person. The story continues …
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Doing it was the thing and you’ve done it. Awesome!! Congratulations!! Come home safe, and you can both tell us all how the view looks from up there.
Best wishes
Barb Pertzel
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Dear Paul,
What a mighty effort! One Marathon upon another marathon. You are amazing. Congratulations on all you have done and achieved. You are truly an inspiration. Rest well before making your descent. I hope Fiona is resting well after her mighty effort too. Congratulations from Glenda .
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Congratulations!! To me you both climbed Mt Everest, the highest mountain in the world.
Your account is amazing.
Best wishes
Anneke
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Paul – I said it earlier and as “known” it wasn’t long before you were back into it again, what an amazing effort. To be honest I wasn’t expecting the next attempt to be so soon, however as always, you’ve done a “Paul Adler” and given it another crack before anyone was actually expecting you to. As I said to Jacqui this morning when I read about your second attempt, you’ve done a whole lot of climbing in such a short period of time which is almost superhuman in those conditions and we were hoping as hard as possible that you would make it! Nevertheless, your efforts are outstanding and absolutely unbelieveable compared to the rest of us “armchair climbers” who are trekking the great mountain in more comforting conditions! Have a good rest Paul & Fiona, we look forward to seeing you back in Oz soon (having said this though, something is lingering in the back of my mind saying that it won’t be long before we read another headline saying that another attempt will be made… if so, as always, stay safe – thats the most important thing). All the best, Simon & Jacqui.
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Well done Paul and Fiona….May the Mountain spirits guide you and others down to safety.
Paul…Everest will always be there!
You are a strong brave soul.
I am inspired by you and others with you.
Jim Gagne (USA) has made his 7th Summit.
Please, if you remember and see him, pass a “Hello and congratulations from the Sea to Summit”
I am an acquaintance of Jim’s having ridden bikes and done an endurance race here New Hampshire with him.
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Paul and Fiona,
Our most sincere congratulations to both of you. An amazing, amazing effort.
Hutch, Deb, Liam and soon-to-be new arrival.
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To hope is not necessary to start, nor to succeed to perservere…
You have done your best
You have stimulated our dreams
Thank you Paul
Thank you Fiona
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You guys are AMAZING++++ An inspiration to us all. My eyes are filled with tears and I have never met you. You are friends of my sister Anna Every – Ballarat – great friends with Rebecca Rudd! MY GOD WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!!!!!!! I can’t believe it – Both of You
TOO GOOD!!!
Jacinta Melbourne Toorak 3142
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Hi Paul and Fiona,
Congratulations on both your amazing efforts. I have been following your exploits for some time now and have been slack in posting a comment. Well done to Fiona for making the summit and the same to Paul for showing his amazing determination to go for something when everyone else wouldn’t even think of it.
So, good luck in the future and nice one with Everest.
Cheers from London,
Matt.
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Congratulations Paul and Fiona on your amazing journey – your courage and determination is a true inspiration. I always had the tingles when I read your updates. Have a safe journey home.
Best wishes from London.
Melissa Hanton
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Hi Paul & Fiona. Not only were you on the Ch. 9 (Melb.) news again tonight, you were also featured in the Herald Sun newspaper today. We are just hanging for news of your safe descent. Congratulations to both of you, your sherpas and support team. DITTO DITTO DITTO on all of the messages listed above!! Words cannot express how proud the Adler Army is. Safe Descending—Valerie & Rummy
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Paul and Fiona
Congratulations for a job done so superbly. Paul I think yours was probably the hardest, to have to make the decision to abort not once but twice takes incredible strength and fortitude. Fiona bask in your achievement you know how hard it was.
Cheers
Sue
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Paul,
What a gallant effort! It must have been a hard decision to make a second attempt and an even harder decision that it wasn’t safe to continue. If this isn’t testament to your incredibly strong character then we don’t know what is. Well done to both of you. We look forward to you both coming back to us safe and sound.
Love, Dame and Beck
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Congratulations Fiona on an amazing effort and giving us such inspiration with your courage and strength! I wish Paul well on his 2nd attempt and look forward to hearing the exciting news soon.
Love, Megumi (Melbourne)
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What an effort guys.
Fizz, I always knew you would make it to the top of that mountain. Well done.
Paul, you made a fantastic effort. Having a second attempt and still having the courage to know when to turn back is just as inspiring as making to top.
Have a safe trip back.
Ross & Kylie
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Paul and Fi,
I live in Minnesota, USA, and I am an avid follower of the EverestNews.com website. I am not a serious hiker or climber, but must say I’ve been fascinated with Everest and K2 ever since reading Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air a few years ago. I can’t seem to get enough reading material. I have followed your climb and I must say it has given me joy – I feel like I’m reading a live book! I’ve been pulling for you and look forward to your daily updates! My dream is to someday do an Everest Basecamp Trek with my husband. Thank you so much and good luck on the trip back.
Kim T.
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Dear Paul, Fiona and Mary,
Congratulations on the successful finish of your journey. You have prepared very well for it. You made the wisest decisions possible at every situation. Once again we admired you courage and unbelievable hard work. Come back together and alive is the biggest achievement of all.
Thank you for keeping your updates and making us a part of your phenomenal experience.
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Paul, these congratulatory messages must ring hollow right now, especially since one of you made it and the other didn’t. This is not the time to get philosophical. It is the time to go home, recuperate and do this again next year. This is unfinished business. Good Luck!
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Absolutely amazing! Congratulations to you both. What an unbelievable team you are. Such strength and planning and resolve are exemplary. I imagine you are saving the champagne for the warmer climate. Hope you make a safe and speedy trip back down. Peter N
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Paul, we salute you on a fabulous effort. It must take enormous courage to try a second time, and thank God you are safe.
Regards, Geoff and Jillian.
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did any one get frostbite? How big are the duffy bags? And how mutch oxygen do you need to hit the summit?
Manon xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
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e-mail me back. And by the way i am in 3s33 at Canterbury primary. Manon xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
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Greetings from Canada!
My heart goes out to you as I wipe away the tears of relief that you made your journey safely.
Paul…I know your parents, your grandparents and many of your extended family so I can tell where your strength, wisdom and determination come from! How truly wonderful to see how you develop these qualities to such amazing limits with the support of your family and friends to enrich your life so successfully. You inspire the lives of thousands of others around the world as you make your personal dreams and challenges such a great success and inspiration to so many.
Fiona…You are truly a leader among women! You are a special example and inspiration to women around the world.You give them courage to dare to go, one strong patient and determined step at a time, to heights in their lives that they never dreamed achievable and journey to places that they never imagined possible. Bravo to you!
Congratulations and sincere thanks to you both for sharing your lives with us. I admire and appreciate your keen sense of insight and responsibility in conveying your messages and photos daily and gaining support, strength and encouragement out of “thin air” by making your family and friends at home and around the world members of your valubable team. You really give new meaning to the term teamwork in so many ways!
To Mary…Who could have dreamed where a mother’s love and a good sense of adventure would lead you? You are such an inspiration to mothers around the world who need to find ways to support their children and enrich their own lives in the process. You are truly blessed and so are all your children!
As the Irish like to say ….May the road rise to meet you and the wind be always at your back….
Louise Riddell, Campbell River, B.C. Canada
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