May 19, 2008
Send your thoughts to the summit of Mt. Everest
Editor's note: The current thinking is that Scott Parazynski's summit window is centered on 22 May. Weather and human traffic are the main factors affecting Scott's progress to the summit.
Our original plan did not work out in terms of comms and updates we planned to do from from Base Camp. So ... here is the back up plan: post your comments below. If you simply want to wish Scott "good luck, best wishes, etc." post that and I will do a head count. If, however, you have something a bit more expansive to say - please post it. Please try and make it simple so that I can condense it down to something I can efficiently convey to Scott and that he can keep in his oxygen-starved brain. Longer comments will be left online for Scott to read when he gets back home.
Scott will be the first human to both fly in space and summit the highest peak on our planet. What does this mean in terms of personal determination and endurance? In terms of exploration and pushing frontiers? As a preview of things to come - and of risks to be taken - on other worlds?
We won't see a similar combination and alignment of first accomplishments again until someone summits the highest lunar peak - or Olympus Mons on Mars.
Send your thoughts to the summit of Mt. Everest. Give Scott something to think about. Be a part of this unique climb.
Further updates and fresh images from Mt. Everest at Everest On Orbit
Posted by kcowing at May 19, 2008 11:01 PM
Hey Scott
If you think the view from the top of Everest is cool, just wait till you are standing on the rim of Shackleton crater!
Good luck Scott. Amazing photos.
Posted by: Mike Hawes at May 15, 2008 8:32 AMThe climb and the view from the summit has been a life changing event for many climbers we know you can do it. We send lots of love and prayers, stay safe . Katy Harmon
Posted by: Katy Harmon at May 15, 2008 9:45 AMFollowing your progress from Florida. As Sir Edmund Hillary said, “Nobody climbs mountains for scientific reasons. Science is used to raise money for the expeditions, but you really climb for the hell of it.”
Good luck and God Bless.
Hi Scott.
Best wishes from the UK. I watched you repair the solar panels on the ISS. This should be a stroll in the park.
Get-R-Done!
Rickydee
Hi Scott,
You are really great with diffent challenges.
Posted by: Piming Kuo at May 15, 2008 10:48 AMScott, Keep up the good work !! from a fellow woodworker in Alabama at MSFC......You inspire me to build my shuttle models.
Posted by: Scott Phillips at May 15, 2008 10:59 AMMost people would have been content after repairing the ISS solar arrays in space. But obviously Scott is a cut above. God speed, Scott!
Posted by: Dave Johnson at May 15, 2008 11:03 AMYour view from the top of Mt Everest should be as rewarding as the view you had from the ISS. Best of luck!
Posted by: Roger Johnson at May 15, 2008 11:29 AMAs has been written by a fine author, "The road goes ever on. . . "
Good luck and have a good trip.
Rob White aka LeBlanc
Posted by: Rob White at May 15, 2008 11:29 AMScott:
When the first astronauts reaches the top of Olympus Mons on Mars, they should call it "Parazynski Base". Have a safe journey home.
Posted by: Eric Fischer at May 15, 2008 11:53 AM"All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night, in the dusty recesses of their minds, awake in the day to find that it was vanity. But the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes to make it reality." -- T.E. Lawrence.
Thank you Scott, for advancing our dreams of exploration into reality.
Posted by: Robert Pearlman at May 15, 2008 12:25 PMGOD BLESS YOU Scott, & May HE Give you success in this endeavor, as he did in orbit!
Posted by: Tom Fleckenstein at May 15, 2008 12:37 PMMany people have flown at 30,000 feet, some have gone to and above 400,000 feet. I think walking to 30,000 feet (Everest) is probably the most difficult of all. Amazing accomplishment! Hey Scott, come back safe, even if you have to turn back at the last 100 feet.
Posted by: Michael Wright at May 15, 2008 12:44 PMHey Buddy, everyone in my world is following your progress and praying for your success and safety. Get up that peak and then back down here for that last 14er! You're my hero. I wish I were as brave as you. Steve Hunter, Breckenridge, CO
Posted by: Steve Hunter at May 15, 2008 12:54 PMScott you are an inspiration and a true explorer! I hope that one day (soon) that we all can follow in your footsteps and then pave a few new trails for you! Space! Ryan L. Kobrick
Posted by: Ryan L. Kobrick at May 15, 2008 1:05 PMHey Scott,
WOW... this is the coolest thing ever!!! Take lots of pictures, and be safe! Your former mentee.....
Posted by: Katy H. at May 15, 2008 1:09 PMThanks for continuing to show us the joy to be found as we slip the surly bonds of Earth by following our dreams. Be safe.
Posted by: Roger Crouch at May 15, 2008 1:25 PMScott, everyone at the Y is asking about you. I'll bring in some of your pictures on Sunday and we'll send all of our spinning energy your way! Blessings and Peace, Cindy
Posted by: Cindy Alford at May 15, 2008 1:43 PMHey Scott! What? The Devil! Huh? The devil is everywhere...
Hey Scott! What? Torn Solar Array! Whoa! The devil is everywhere...
Hey Scott! What? Mt Everest! Woooo! The devil is everywhere...
Good luck on your EO2A (Extra-O2 Atcivity) buddy, be safe. See you at home
Boichi
Posted by: Boichi at May 15, 2008 1:43 PMGood luck Scotty, you are an inspiration for all, a TRULY FIGHTER!!.
Regards from Mexico City!!!!
Posted by: Franciszek Skoryna at May 15, 2008 2:26 PMThanks for reminding us that it's possible to live the dream! I read somewhere that Tibetans don’t say they conquer a mountain, they say the mountain lifted us up. Sending cheers and prayers from Canada :: Kari
Posted by: Kari Dunlop at May 15, 2008 2:43 PMAmazing accomplishment...it does let us know what is possible in this short life! Too bad more of us are not able to follow in your footsteps - but some will ;^) For you, Mr. Parazynski, I wish only the best experience and as easy of a summit as is possible on Everest!
THANK YOU!
Posted by: Jon Current at May 15, 2008 2:49 PMScott, good luck with this. But be careful man and we want you back safe. Just remember the credo that some pilots use. "If something doesn't look or seem right, get the heck out of there." Push onward and upward, but don't do anything crazy. I'll be praying until you get home safe.
Posted by: Jay Chladek at May 15, 2008 3:28 PMHi Scott,
Thank you for providing information on this expedition. Its a thrill just to follow your progress. It definitely provides me and my co-workers at Challenger Network Support some excitement! Curious what the climbers are using for weather information?
Keep the photos rolling in. It's the next best thing to being there! Hope you reach your goal. You guys got courage, stay warm and good luck!!
Editor's note - this was originally posted over at at OnOrbit.com/everest: "Scott, your Mom & Dad send best wishes for you to accomplish yet another challenging goal. Your mountaineering skills and motivation continue to amaze us. We are happy for you and confident you will be giving it your best effort. Our hearts follow you all the way. We look forward to hearing your first-hand account of the past several, interesting weeks. Love to an outstanding son and achiever. Climb on! Mom & Dad (should say that we think of you and Adam as a pair-of-zynskis)"
Posted by: Ed Parazynski at May 15, 2008 3:48 PMHi Scott,
One step at a time,forward,onward and up,were all there with ya,,be happy,safe and well.
Doogie: From your former contingency abort instructor, best of luck and safe climbing. Has to be more fun than a three engine out red case!
Des Welch
Posted by: Des Welch at May 15, 2008 3:56 PMAll I can think about is that silly song from 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.' You put one foot in front of the other... Best of luck from us ground-huggers!
Posted by: Buck at May 15, 2008 4:10 PMScott,
Thanks for being a friend to Challenger Learning Centers! I really enjoyed your presentation to our flight directors 2 years ago in Houston. FYI, you are the first non-Apollo astronaut that I met, so I was thrilled to talk with you and follow your progress on your last space mission (good job on the solar array fix!) and now on your push to the top of the world!
Best of luck!!
Jennie Bellinger, Education Coordinator
Challenger Learning Center-St. Louis
Scott,
What an amazing opportunity! I have always dreamed of an Everest adventure. Please be safe. Thank you for all your updates. Good luck and Godspeed.
Some of us dream about the things you have done...you keep those dreams alive within us every day!
God Speed!
Hello Longbow! The Training Manager girls are keeping up with you. No special EVA DTO's to schedule since you've been gone, and P6 seems to be holding up. Can't wait to see you back here - stay safe! Queenbo & Stephanie.
Posted by: Stephanie at May 15, 2008 4:27 PMStudents and staff here at the George Observatory Challenger Center are cheering you on! All the best for a great adventure! You continue to inspire us all.
Posted by: Peggy Halford at May 15, 2008 4:51 PMScott,
Thinking of you and difficult challenge undertaken in your quest to conquer Mt Everest. Take care, and when you achieve being on top of the world nearest to God - please say a prayer for all those who have dreamed to be there beside you - praying for your safe return!
Hi Scott!
From the country of mountains, valleys and fjords, good luck on summiting the mountain of mountains. This must be a thrilling experience for you and I hope you get to enjoy every single moment of it! This expedition also has an inspirational outreach and I've decided to take a small step in mountaineering this summer by climbing Norway's highest mountain. At a mere 8500 feet I still have 20 000 to go, but it's a start ;)
Stay safe and enjoy the view!
Best,
Kim
God's speed, from Jerry Ross
Posted by: Jerry Ross at May 15, 2008 6:00 PMHi Scott: if you can read this, wave at us who are following your adventures from Brisbane Australia! We'll stand on a milk crate and wave back! (It's south-east from where you're standing ... in case you didn't know ...) My colleagues and I are studying living environments and media needs for future space communities and would like to catch up with you when you get back ... so you've gotta come back safely now :-) congratulations on a fine effort.
Posted by: John Cokley at May 15, 2008 6:15 PMGood luck and the thoughts of scotland are with you
P.S I bet the weather here is worse lol
Hi Scott,
It's Ken Hayes from the Challenger Learning Center in Houston. You've given me yet another reason to be proud to know you. Go man, go!
Ken
Good luck Scott. You are incredibly inspiring. I look forward to reading about your entire adventure and your thoughts when you've completed it.
M
Scott,
I was at your STS-120 flight post-brief at KSC and asked the crew your thoughts at t-30 seconds. answer: "Anticipation". I hope your anticipation and exitement nearing the summit are as good as a launch. Best of luck from your NASA family. Kurt
Sending you good thoughts and positive energy!
Posted by: space-monkey at May 15, 2008 11:27 PMHey Scott!
I'm standing on B.R.HILLS in South India and waving at you!
Thinking of you and the tough challenge you've undertaken.
Good Luck, friend - and who knows? Olympus Mons next??
Ganesh
B.R.HILLS
Hey Scott
You rock!! I will be praying for you. Take care and come back with all your fingers and toes, ok?
In the name of Christ the Son of the Living God.
Doug
good luck scott, you're an inspiration
Posted by: mike desantis at May 16, 2008 12:49 AMHi Scott!
Chris Hadfield told me you were climbing Everest! We have been following your adventure at my school Pearl Hall Elementary in South Houston with 800 kids! May God guide and protect you all! Mount Everest art & songs from the kids at the link below!
http://www.cdneverest2008.com/SchoolOutreach/PearlHall.aspx
Climb strong! Climb Safe!
Cheers from Houston!
Jami Lupold
Texas Music Specialist
WOW, Something great and amazing. I would like to ask you to make more adverts and get more people to particpate in this forthcoming event.
Scott, make this a global agenda please. We Africans so eager to take part in it please.
Regards,
MAKULILO Jr
ernest_makulilo@yahoo.com
TANZANIA
hi Scott Its really great to see those wonderful pics and I wish you Best of Luck. I wanted you tell you that "You are very Lucky and blessed coz You are achieving what you want to do in life".
I wish I cud reach there and I appriciate your patience.
Take care.
Rach
Posted by: rach at May 16, 2008 5:28 AMLuke... who's your daddy?
The Geeks Downunder
Posted by: Dr Anthony Duncan at May 16, 2008 5:47 AMScott,
Best wishes from the "crew" of the Challenger Learning Center in Oregon, Ohio! We think it's great that you'll be wearing a Challenger Center patch as you climb! Have a safe and inspiring journey!
Posted by: Julie Muffler at May 16, 2008 7:49 AMGod keep you safe. All of the staff at the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee wish you God's speed. Please come share your experiences with the Challenger Learning Center network when you return. Your talk in Houston was AWESOME!!
Susan Borland
Education Manager
Hello Scott,
Greetings from the Challenger Learning Center in Columbus, Georgia. I got to meet you in person at the Houston Conference. Your achievements in space and now on Everest are an inspiration to people everywhere. It is nice to know the pioneering spirit is still alive and well!
Scott Norman
Scott
Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.---Mark Twain
Good luck and safe climing from the Crew at the Buehler Challenger & Science Center in Paramus, NJ
Our prayers and hopes are with you.
The Crew
Posted by: Buehler Challenger & Science Center at May 16, 2008 9:43 AMHi Scott,
This is quite a contrast from our MicroG flights but should a breeze for you. Be safe and talk to you when you get back to real humidity. Azhar
Greeting from the "Crew" of the Challenger Learning Center in Colorado! We have a framed shirt of yours from a space mission...think we can get a boot or pick from this expdition?! Thanks for setting such a challenging example for our students (and us)!
We are watching your progress and hold you prayer!
Carol, Bill, Tracey, Susan, Denelle, Wendy and Robbie
PS...I tried to post a photo of our Creww with you at a Challenger Center confernce 2 years ago but can't get it to paste into the text box...you'lll have to see it when you get back. Now there's motivation to summitt and return quickly! ;-)
Editor's note: Here is the image.
Go Scott go, what's next? Olympus Mons ;-)
Posted by: Marc Boucher at May 16, 2008 10:56 AMGood luck, stay safe, and God bless!
Kenneth Renshaw, NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, Piggott, Arkansas
Scott
Thoughts and prayers are with you on exciting and physically challenging quest. "Goo"ed Luck!
Tim Brady
Posted by: Tim Brady at May 16, 2008 2:10 PMSorry to have missed the Everest trip, but enjoyed climbing Aconcagua with you. Denali in '10, want to come? Climb on!
Posted by: Andy at May 16, 2008 2:33 PMHi Scott,
"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills,
where does our Help come from...? Remember
God our Creator as you cling to Him and climb;
He is the greatest Artist of all.
Katie hand
Scott, Toronto sends you best wishes for the a safe exhilarating climb to the top of the world. Be one with the mount.
Looking forward to your stories.
Teressa Black
Ontario Science Centre, Canada
Challenger Learning Centre
Hey "Meathead"!
Scott, you're living our dreams. Enjoy every step of the way, and get back safe.
All the best,
Bob Schulman
Dear Scott,
Greetings from Beaumont, Alberta, Canada! Thank you for continuing to personify the best of humanities abilities, by continuing 'To Boldly Go' where no astronaut has gone before.
You are an inspiration to us in education, as your achievements lift our hearts and minds as well as those of our students.
Whether it's Shackleton Crater or Olympus Mons next, God speed!
All the best,
Ray Suchow
Good Luck Scott!
Brazil.
Posted by: Rodolfo at May 18, 2008 12:03 AMDear Scott, we know you have broad shoulders because 500,000 or so students from Challenger Center are climbing up with you in spirit. Have fun!
Be safe!
Love from June Scobee Rodgers
Callenger Center for Space Science Education
Inspiring, Exploring, Learning
Dear Scott,
I can only imagine how good this trip will be for you. Having been to Kalapatar in Nov'07 and viewing Mt. Everest from there itself was exciting.
One thing that my guide said while we climbed the Kalapatar peak, " Take 10 steps, stop for a bit, enjoy the nature around, catch your breathe and then walk again." Those brief stops to enjoy nature was one of the best moments I still cherish.
So please have fun and enjoy the nature around you. All the best and climb safely.
Posted by: Srirama Raja at May 18, 2008 10:29 PMHey Scott,
In space its the machine up with nature the space in your new endeavour its human being aginst nature. Both are a big challenge. But I guess man versus nature is a bigger challenge. I wish you the very best in this challenge !!!! Come back safe n sound. Cheers !!!
Krishna Prasad (KP)
Posted by: Krishna Prasad at May 18, 2008 10:56 PMHello Scott,
I remember the first time I put on a set of crampons. I dreamed of the day I could scale a mountain and someday Everest. Alas, at 49, two kids, I only scaled 40 foot waterfalls. So now my dream goes with you up the slopes of Everest.
As a collector of Space Artifacts I will frame the picture of you on the Summit as a great Space/Mountaineering accomplishment.
My prayers are with you.
Paul Schultz
San Diego, CA
May Almighty always guard and guide you. May he help you to hold your head high and keep your thoughts clear.
God Speed
Mahrukh Joshi
Scott,
I hope one day to follow your footsteps. For now, good luck and God speed in paving the way in humanity's greatest endeavors.
Posted by: Grant Atkinson at May 19, 2008 2:45 AMScott: You are going for all of us! Best to you and your cohorts from the Everest Team - Chris Johnson and Jeff Ashby! Stay safe and warm! Jeannie
Posted by: Jeannie Kranz at May 19, 2008 10:10 AMDear Scott,
I can't tell you how proud and excited I am for you. This will be an another amazing accomplishment for you. As you look out from the top of the world, just soak it all in and know that we are all basking vicariously in the moment with you.
We're looking forward to hearing all about it and seeing some amazing photos and video.
Much love,
Elizabeth
Posted by: Elizabeth Flagg at May 19, 2008 1:52 PMWe've been following, Scott,and I'm very excited about what you're doing. Very inspirational! You're taking this "Too Tall" thing to the limit, though... Have a great time on the summit, and be careful both ways! Frank
Posted by: Frank Culbertson at May 19, 2008 4:55 PMAd astra per aspera
ET
Ad promontorium per astra
Congrats Scott!
Posted by: Erika Wagner at May 19, 2008 6:09 PMBest Wishes, "Too Tall".
You have been an inspiration since we worked together on the ISS program.Our thoughts are with you and your team as you're soon to become... "Most Tall"!
Looking forward to the ultimate "de-briefing".
Cheers,
Pestanarama.
Scott. Tell Adam our thoughts are with you as we follow your progress to the top.His relatives are all thinking of him & rooting for him. We look forward to hearing more when he gets home. John & Bev & family
Posted by: Bev & John Stewart at May 19, 2008 8:46 PMHi Scott,
Best wishes for your summit this week...I am curious to know how it compares to climbing Mt. Fuji back in 2002! You are a great inspiration. One small step...at a time!
Lindsay Evans (CSA)
In this overwhelming sense of Effort, among the spaces of Space, just remember you have been here before. You belong to something bigger, just be there and watch it happen...
Belong... and believe in this.
Posted by: Lynn at May 19, 2008 9:48 PMScott,
Climb strong, and come back with all your fingers and toes! Looking forward to great stories and pictures. You have a big fan club in the office cheering for you.
John
Scott:
Once again, you are providing those of us office-bound types here in the flat plains of the Gulf a thrilling vicarious experience. Once again, please do all you can to come home safely so you can tell us all about it, and take care of that saint of a wife and those two great kids.
Godspeed.
John
Posted by: John C at May 20, 2008 5:55 PMScotty P, enjoy - be careful - and then get your butt back to work here at NASA !!! We need you in The EVA Branch.
Dave Wolf
Posted by: David Wolf at May 20, 2008 9:18 PMWin, Lose or Draw. Come Back In One Piece. That's all that matters.
Posted by: SW Peterson at May 21, 2008 1:40 AMScott~ Seeing our loved ones faces on the space explorers flag gave me goosebumps, and knowing you are bringing them with you to the top..emotion beyond words. Willie would have loved this sort of adventure. Thank you.
Godspeed and warm bear hug,
Lani, Sean, Christopher and Cameron
Hi Scott,
WOW!!!
I can't wait to hear about your adventure.
always~
Roz
Hey Scott,
Think about it! You will be setting a new record (since Everest is still rising! Way to go for all of us who once said we wanted to climb Mt. Everest in our lifetime. You will reach new heights for us.
Dan Tuttle
Arlington, Va
