Time for goodbyes

Now the start for Everest is only two nights away and the time of goodbyes has started. These goodbyes have been bitter-sweet. Sweet, as I am about to head off for the big adventure that I have long dreamed of and for which I have worked so much. On the other hand also bitter, since I will have to say goodbye to my loved-ones for a few months and due to the risks in mountaineering, one has to prepare for the worst case scenario- the chance of me not returning home. Obviously I do not consider that an option. but there is always a risk and especially for those closest to me it is a worry until I'm safely back home. For me it is absolutely clear, however, that I am not going to take risks that would compromise my health even if summiting would rely on that.

That last few weeks before the start have also been full of big moments of both joy and excitement as well as anxiety and stress. Even if this project has been prepared for full-time for over six months, there are so many things that add up just before the start, that preparations have become a three-shift work. In addition, I've had a lot of bad luck on several fronts including everything from problems with the technical stuff that I will bring with me to my Achilles tendon getting sore on the last minute. Now that the problems have been solved, and my Achilles is likely to recover before the climb, I can only note that this must be a sign of very good luck on the mountain:) Huge thanks for solving my technical problems goes to my dear godson Lari Harjunen, whose knowledge and tireless help resolved the issues. On the other hand, the weeks have been full of some amazing moments that have reinforced my motivation. Big thanks to Veikka Gustafsson, who prepared me for the coming expedition. I could not think of a better mentor for this challenge, so after our meeting my motivation to follow the same footsteps has been really high. Thank you Veikka.

I've also heard some good news from our expedition, where two top climbers have joined our team, the other one being turkish "snow leopard" Nasuk Mahruki. The base camp for our expedition has already been established by the sherpas and food and part of the gear are on their way to the camp. The official start for our international 16-people expedition to the top of the world is on March 30, when we will meet in Kathmandu, Nepal.

I am also extremely pleased about our joint campaign together with WWF Finland and WWF Nepal, where before the climb I will get an opportunity to visit some bio gas villages, eco clubs and work against poaching in the Terai protectorate. On the day of arrival to Kathmandu, I will also get a chance to participate in the glogal Earth hour -event, which is held at the amazing Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world and a UNESCO World heritage site. More about the event here:

http://www.wwf.fi/earthhour/fi/kiipeilijan-valoton-tunti-kathmandussa/

plus reports from the site to this blog and to the media.

Fresh happy news is also the fact, that I have signed an agreement with Studio A&O, that imports IncaNatura maca-products to Finland. Maca is a plant well known by the Andes mountain people and is highly appreciated for its high nutritional value and good impact on long-term endurance, power and hormonal stability. I will take Maca-products to Everest to help me with obtaining energy and endurance.

The latest articles in Sara-, Olivia-, and Vihreä Lanka-magazines and the great story on thisisFINLAND http://finland.fi/public/ can now be found under the Media-page.

At this stage I would also like to thank all other co-operation partners that have joined me on the journey to the top of the world. I have had the opportunity to meet incredibly great people and great companies with their products and services joining this challenge. I would also like to thank all my friends and you others, who have supported me for the upcoming effort. With the help of that support, I will have the power to continue when my energy seems to cease. Thanks to all of you, who have helped me in your own little or big ways in achieving my dream. Big thanks to mom and dad, who have supported my goal, even if I knew you didn't always think it was a good idea.

You can follow our expedition here in my blog or by joining the Tango Expedition 2010 Everest Facebook- group, through which you can also send greetings. I will tell about the progress of the adventure with text, photos, sound clips and video clips. You can also read more about our expedition from the Peak Freaks homepage:

http://www.peakfreaks.com/everestnews2010.htm.

Welcome to join and follow the Tango Expedition 2010 Everest!

Carina