May 23, 2008
Summit so close, yet so far...
Astronaut Scott Parazynski Everest Update: 22 May 2008: Resting at Base Camp
"I just got a satphone call from Scott Parazynski at Everest Base Camp. The word I'd use to describe his mood is "contemplative". Otherwise, Scott is Scott, and he just always seems to be able to find a positive way to look at things. He was cheering me up!"
Astronaut Scott Parazynski Update 22 May 2008: Summit so close, yet so far...
There I was, literally just 24 hours from standing atop the world's tallest mountain, 6:30 am, May 21, 2008.
The radio call from Casey had just come in, indicating that he, Ari, Danuru and Dawa had actually done it, and with extra determination I gave my pack a hoist, wincing in sharp pain in the process.
Just the day before I'd awoken with low back spasms (something I've dealt with intermittently in the past), but I had still managed to climb the very steep Lhotse face between Camps II and III in a very respectable four and a half hours, cinching my climbing harness like a weight lifter's belt. The night at Camp II had been hard, unable to find a comfortable position for my low back for more than a minute or two. I told myself to persevere, the summit was tantalizingly close --- by morning all would be well, else I'd just "ignore" the stabbing pain and press on to the top.
My buddies Adam, Kami, Namgya, Bob and others at camp were as helpful as friends could ever be under the circumstances --- getting ready to move up to Camp IV for our summit assault -- placing a fresh oxygen cylinder in my backpack and installing the crampons on my boots (there was no way I'd have been able to reach them. With their encouragement I braced myself and led off up the steep slope towards the Yellow Band on a test run. Within 10 paces I did an about face and told my friends "I'm done," averting my wet eyes from probably some of theirs. I knew that if I continued up with them I'd slow them dramatically, possibly compromising their summit success, and conceivably place them in a rescue situation (mine). After 59 days on this expedition, and a lifetime of dreaming about it, it was a painful but easy decision to turn away from the summit...
There's no need to feel sorry for me, though, as I've had the adventure of a lifetime here --- and besides, I can handle a short period of self pity on my own! Thanks so much for following along with my Everest expedition. In the weeks ahead (after I've downclimbed the mountain and flown back home), we'll post some other great photos and videos here.
Namaste,
Scott
Everest Base Camp
May 22, 2008
Editor's note: I sent Scott a reply to this note this morning (we had some indications late yesterday that something had gone wrong):
"I am so .... don't have a word for this ...
Let me just suggest that the true importance of this climb for you - and for others - has just begun to reveal itself. How - and why - you did what you did - and all that you did in space to precede it - can serve as a rich illustration of exploration - all of the joys - and the sorrows to those who need to have it explained to them - and also to the person who will one day accomplish this feat - in space and on Earth.
Perhaps that person may well be you.
Make sure to turn the prayer wheels an extra time on the way down."
Scott,
I'm so sorry that you didn't quite achieve your dream as you had hoped. After some time for your acceptance of the outcome, I hope you will be able to see that in fact your ability to make the right decision when faced with the facts exhibits much more courage than any of your other accomplishments that I am aware of. It is an incredible indication of leadership ability and "grace under fire"
Again, sorry it didn't work out as planned and thanks so much for sharing the experience with us. I look forward to
seeing the photos. You are more a hero to me than ever before.
Get well and be safe.
Roger
Congratulations Scott on having true wisdom on Everest. I can imagine how disappointed such a goal-driven guy like you must be. Sorry that the back acted up, but your head was obviously and most importantly in the game 100% when you made the right decision in the crunch. Selfless, for the good of the team and yourself, and a decision that may well have kept you alive in the face of the most dangerous threat of all: "Go-itis." You did NASA, CB and all us former astros proud from start to finish with this expedition. Cheers!
Posted by: Rick Searfoss at May 22, 2008 9:14 AMYou're a good man Scott. You mission so far is a 100% success and there is nothing to regret. You aimed to achieve an extremely difficult goal, and when it came down to the wire, you had the courage to make the safe and smart decision.
Rick is right, your leadership serves as an example that all of us, even us 'wannabe astros', should follow.
Congrats on making it further than most of us ever will!
Posted by: Matthew F. Reyes at May 22, 2008 10:21 AMScott, the fact that you pushed yourself so hard toward a goal that was just beyond your reach is perhaps more symbolic to those of us following your journey, than a summit would have been. To have sound judgement and selflessness in that extreme of a situation was absolutely even more of an acheivement than reaching the summit. I think all of us will think about all you gained from your experience when setting our own "lofty goals" in the future!
Great job, and thanks for bringing us along!
Posted by: Chris G. at May 22, 2008 11:53 AMScott - Your decision to "back off" on the final climb displayed your maturity of judgment, your "grace under fire," and your wisdom for all of us to see. I'm sure that I'm not alone in feeling extremely fortunate and proud to know you and to have seen so many of your superb accomplishments. Well done!
Warmest Wishes,
Mal Cohen
Scott, You are still my hero. You have done more than most people can even dream. And you will always be an inspiration to to our family. Be proud Scott.
Love Annie
Posted by: Annie Wetherbee at May 22, 2008 4:08 PMMy family's thoughts are with you Scott. You came so close, but discretion is the better part of valor. This is why we value you as an astronaut--your sound judgement in stressful situations. I believe one day you will accomplish this goal.
Warm Regards,
Grant
Scott, Kudos to you for the inspiration of the Everest expedition and for your space exploits. Bill Davis Roxbury NJ
Posted by: Bill at May 22, 2008 5:56 PMA selfless and wise decision, made under great pressure and carried through with courage and grace - classic Parazynski all the way! Thanks for sharing your quest with us all, Scott, and congratulations on a truly successful expedition!
Kathy Sullivan
Scott,
Recognizing that the summit wasn't in cards before putting your team and self at risk demonstrated very wise decision making under very apoxic (~24kft) conditions. Kudos my friend. Thanks for sharing the play by play of the expedition. Look forward to the debrief after your safe return,
Eric
Scott -
Overwhelmingly impressive that you had the wisdom to make the right decision. There's no bigger temptation on this planet. I wish for your sake you could have summited, but in my opinion, it's an even greater achievement to choose as you did. You should be proud!
Posted by: Bob Schulman at May 23, 2008 4:12 AMCowboy up! And whatever you do, be well and have fun!
Best wishes,
Shalin
Scott,
Although you did not stand at the summit, you could do a great presentation on what it takes to hike to the stratosphere, i.e. present similarities/differences of equipment/training/determination to spacewalking. Congrats on your accomplishments!
Scott:
It's just about 90 degrees and sunny back here in H-town -- not a touch of snow and the air is just about thick enough to swim in. That probably doesn't sound all bad right about now, does it?
Come on home, and if we can scare up some ticker tape, we'll throw you a parade down the middle of the SW Freeway -- all your friends, family and fans lined up on every bridge from Montrose to Woodhead.
Echoing all the other posts and my earlier email -- you caught a tough break, but performed valiantly in the face of it, just as we mortals have come to expect from our local hero.
Thanks for giving us another thrilling, vicarious ride.
Once again, welcome home.
Posted by: John C at May 23, 2008 10:40 AMThanks for sharing your adventure with us. What an incredible experience! Safe return.
Cathy and Dave
Hi Scott,
I was so hoping that you would make it to the summit together with Adam. But I guess it was not to be this time. It still sounds like you have had a wonderful experience which will stay with you forever. I am glad that you are safe and I look forward to making a trip in the future with you and Adam.
All the best,
Gordon
Beefacke,
Way to know the true meaning of Boilering Up and admitting when you're feeling Charlie. You still never cease to amaze me, and it has been an honor to be a part of your life. Hope you at least left a little piece of Hello Kitty up there for me!
Can't wait to see you in a few days!!
~Chica
Howdy Scott!
You made the right decision -- a courageous and selfless one. I've enjoyed watching your amazing spacewalks. Thank you for letting us all share your latest adventure!
Have a safe trip home!
Michael
Posted by: Michael at May 24, 2008 9:32 AMHi Scott,
I'm a Space fan from France and I'm following right now Phoenix landing on Mars due in another 18 hours. I've followed closely both you repairs on the solar arays as well as your try to the summit. I was there too back in 2003 for the 50th anniversary of the first climb by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. 3 of us as well as 3 sherpas made it to the top. I was not able to get to the top (so I know what it is to turn back) and even barely made it throught the Ice Fall with a pain in my leg. You've lived such great thinks both in Space as well as into the mountain so I know how strong you are. To tell you the truth I was hoping YOU'll be the first to both made it to Space AND to the top of the world. I have had such a hope myself but didn't get any of them... yet.
All the best, and I hope to meet you one day either in Space or at the Everest.
Gilles Pollini
Scott,
I am so proud of how you handled the setback on the way up to the summit. You demonstrated all the tough qualities that make an astronaut so much a part of a team as opposed to an individual. Mike and I were rooting for you to reach the top, and were so honored you wanted to take our emblem up with you. There is no doubt in my mind you will reach your goal on another attempt in the future. I was on console for your last launch and landing, as well as when you repaired the SAW last fall. I will be on console again when we launch STS-124 next week and hope you are back in the US to see Mark, Hock and their crew continue the build up of ISS.
Semper Exploro!
Posted by: Bill Foster at May 25, 2008 4:20 AMScott, Sorry to hear back problems stopped your summit quest. Just getting as far as you did is a major achievement! It's another experience of a lifetime that most of us will never experience. Following you and my nephew Adam's adventure has let us share in the whole experience. Pass our congrats to Adam and thanks for including him in your adventure. The Stewart family.
Posted by: John and Bev Stewart at May 25, 2008 2:13 PMYour ability to act on your dreams is an inspiration to all of us. Your decision showed the great mind, maturity, professionalism, and training that have carried you so far for so long. The call you made was the right one, for your team, your family, your friends, and yourself. Besides, you've already seen the summit from hundreds of miles above it!
Live in the moment and enjoy this experience. And just remember you continue to live the dream for so many of us. Be safe coming home and Godspeed to you and your team.
Mike Salsgiver
Portland, OR
Scott - safe travels back down the mountain and back to Houston. I look forward to seeing your pictures and hearing about the climb - what an amazing experience!
we'll have a bike ready for you when you're ready for it :)
Peace! Cindy
you made the right decision to turn back. thanks for allowing the whole world to follow you on this adventure. feel better, you have a lot to be proud of.
-mike desantis
Dr. Parazynski,
You truly define the word "explorer". I occasionally give human spaceflight presentations to elementary students. I believe that you would have enjoyed the looks on the faces of second and third graders last week when, as I was showing them a picture of your solar array repair EVA, I told them that you were currently climbing Mt. Everest.
Great job, and thank you for making it easy for me to show students that astronauts are true role models. I hope you have a safe journey home.
Scott Furtaw
Saginaw, MI
www.astronautmemorial.net
