Greetings to all the enthusiastic members of the Montana State University community, as well as friends and family members of the participants! With the anticipation building up like a crescendo, we stand at the cusp of an exciting journey - just one month away from the commencement of our remarkable scientific field study in the breathtaking Himalayas. It's time to delve into the final preparations, share our excitement, and unveil the connections that tie us to Nepal.
Bringing Together a Community of Explorers
In the spirit of anticipation, participants from diverse corners of the world have converged to discuss the intricacies of our upcoming expedition several times over Zoom in the past year. The gatherings served as a platform to familiarize ourselves with essential details, ranging from visa procedures to our route, the support we'll extend to local schools, and the deep-rooted connection between MSU and Nepal.
To provide a glimpse into the profound ties between our institution and the region, we're excited to share a couple of videos that reflect our journey's significance:
"The history is in the mud" - A National Geographic resource highlighting MSU's involvement in the Gokyo valley. Watch here
"Expedition Everest" - A captivating documentary available on Disney Plus, chronicling the Everest expedition, featuring biologists, glaciologists, and meteorologists who installed a weather station on the summit. Watch here
Lessons Taking Shape
As I collaborate with our participants, and ChatGPT, to create these engaging blog posts, our participants are busy crafting lessons that bridge our trekking adventure with classroom learning:
Tom: Exploring the realm of outdoor learning
Amber: Diving into biometric instrumentation
Jonathan: Unraveling altitude phenomenon
Donna: Navigating the world of ethnobotany
Vince: Embarking on a geological exploration
Kim M: Unpacking physiological changes through a compelling case study
These lessons will serve as a testament to the rich educational experience our journey promises to offer.
Training and Preparations
The journey ahead demands both physical endurance and mental resilience, and our participants are embracing these challenges head-on:
John Graves, our leader, conquered Mt. Blackmore and pushed through a post-COVID hike with determination.
Amber Lloyd's dedication shines as she shared her fitness journey, fueled by gym sessions and a summer filled with rewarding hikes. She also shared a video to show what it looks like above the clouds. Watch Here.
Vince Lorenz may not have elevation on his side but his race walking endurance and determination are his allies.
Donna Tully's Teton adventures, spanning 10 to 20-mile treks, are preparing her for the wonders of Nepal.
Last, myself, from Seoul, South Korea, I'm gearing up for the trek with cross-country coaching and trail runs. No photos from me yet, but soon enough!
A Month of Anticipation
As we stand on the precipice of this incredible adventure, our excitement is palpable. The countdown begins, and we invite you to journey with us. Keep an eye on this space as we share our experiences, challenges, triumphs, and most importantly, our learnings. Our expedition is not just a journey of discovery; it's a testament to the joy of lifelong learning and the bonds we forge through shared experiences.
Stay tuned as we take you along on our Himalayan adventure, and join us in embracing the anticipation of the incredible journey that awaits us just a month from now!
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