Title: Everest Base Camp: Close Call
Author: Catina Noble
Genre: Non-Fiction, Travel Memoir
Book Blurb:
Everest Base Camp: Close Call is a gripping and fascinating story about Everest told from the perspective of a brave woman who openly shares the triumphs and disappointments of reaching for a dream. Catina Noble pulls the reader in with the warmth from a stove in the dining room at a teahouse, the humorous attempts at using squat toilets, the delicious comfort food and the kindness of the people of Nepal in contrast with the achingly cold conditions and uncertainty felt on her trek. With vivid and absorbing passages, Noble offers a heartfelt reminder that the journey is as important as the dream itself.—Sonia Saikaley, author of The Allspice Bath
Excerpt:
Ran into a small setback last night. (My handwriting sucks because these places are not heated. You can see your breath.) Anyway, they have been keeping track of our oxygen since we arrived in Lukla. They test oxygen level after supper and after our briefing. Our oxygen levels have to be between 80-83%. Mine came back at 74%, which was too low.
After hearing that, I kind of started falling apart. But then I remembered it was out of my hands. I’ve worked hard and done extremely well to get to this point. I am reaching for my dreams. That’s more than a lot of people have the courage or opportunity to do. If I am done with Everest, then I’m done. If my dream stops here, so be it. At least I will still be in Nepal for a few more days. I have kissed Everest—although not as intimately as I would have liked. Another country has been added to my bucket list and another item crossed off.
So last night I tried to relax. I went to bed early. I was told they would check my levels in the morning. If they haven’t improved I won’t be allowed to continue. It will be over. Oh, woe is me.
Despite everything, I did manage a good night’s sleep. I slept for a total of seven hours straight.
I had a good breakfast.
I did a hike with Lak Ba.
I was impressed with myself.
Then I came back to the teahouse and enjoyed a shot chocolate.
Allan let ne the book The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo. I started reading that.
Then we had lunch. I had a veggie burger and fries. It was so yummy, I ordered it again for supper. Tommy was envious of the veggie burger and fries, so now that’s what he has ordered for supper.
Fifteen minutes after I got back from my hike, they tested my oxygen levels and they were at 82%. Excellent.
After lunch, it was tested again with the same result. I can move forward. My dream has not come to an end after all. There is hope people NO matter what the situation, always cling to hope.
***
I am a Popsicle. I am wearing everything I won. Several layers and double socks and two of my toenails are covered in bandages because I think I might lose them.
Not super worried.
I did El Camino.
It’s not like this is new to me.
No matter all he stuff poured and all the precautions you take things don’t always go as planned.
You think I would know this by now with my adventures on El Camino—or adventures in general. I just need civilization and we are still a few days out.
I know this.
Just a few more days, generally speaking.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
Everest is acceptance.
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What makes your featured book a must-read?
Everest Base Camp: Close Call is an inspiring true story of one woman who makes the decision to take a leap of faith to follow her dreams. On her bucket list is the desire to hike up to Everest Base Camp. She experiences many ups and downs but one thing remains clear, it takes courage and hope to move forward into the unknown.
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Author Biography:
Catina Noble is a Canadian writer. She has kept a journal since she was in her early teens. Her writing is diverse and has something for everyone. Noble’s work expands over a variety of genres including: Sci-Fi, YA, Non-Fiction, Fiction, Short Stories and Poetry. Her work has appeared in several publications including Chicken Soup for the Soul, Woman’s World Magazine, Y Travel Blog, Perceptive Travel, Bywords Magazine, Phafours Press, Crowe Creations, Canadian Newcomer Magazine, The Mindful Word and many others. She currently has four chapbooks of poetry, a full length poetry book and a total of ten books published. To date, four of her books: Vacancy at the Food Court & Other Short Stories, I’m Glad I Didn’t Kill Myself , Everest Base Camp: Close Call , Finding Evie won the Reader’s Favourite seal of approval. She has a B.A in Psychology from Carleton University and a Social Services Worker Diploma from Algonquin College. She currently works full-time in her field and is enrolled in the Addictions & Mental Health program at Algonquin College. When she is not busy working, she enjoys travelling, volunteering, cross-stitching and crocheting. Catina’s favourite place to work on her writing is at a local coffee shop. Sometimes, her dog Aspen and her cat, PJ help supervise her creative writing through the entire process.
Social Media Links:
@cncreate