Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:34:22 -0800WeeblyFri, 02 Mar 2012 16:32:28 -0800http://www.mcquown.us/1/post/2012/03/life-lessons-learned-by-trekking.html

• Sometimes it is helpful to look back at how far you’ve come to get where you’re going
• The shortest distance to your goal is not always a straight line
• When the route ahead looks steep and your goal is far away, it is often helpful to focus on the placement of each foot
• When crossing a raging stream, it is better to face the current and have a partner for mutual support
• There are no shortcuts to any place worth going
• In dangerous situations, chances of survival increase proportionally with self-confidence and optimism
• Try to enjoy the flat terrain instead of dreading the approaching climb
• Well-worn paths are easier but greater rewards are gained by blazing your own
• Beautiful days are not possible without rainy ones.  It is the contrast makes you appreciate the beautiful ones
• I can better appreciate the things I have by spending time without them

]]>Sun, 07 Aug 2011 05:51:10 -0800http://www.mcquown.us/1/post/2011/08/i-am-planning-this-years-trek.htmlThese trips provide an opportunity to reboot my mind, defragment the filing system, and purge programs that are obsolete or incompatible with the current operating system.  I wish it were as easy and effective as it is on the computer.  Even this analogy suggests I need a vacation. ]]>Sun, 27 Feb 2011 17:02:35 -0800http://www.mcquown.us/1/post/2011/02/journal-posted.htmlFinally transcribed travel journal from Himalayan trek.   You can find it here.  I guess I was a bit reluctant to post it, since there is personal stuff in it. But what could be more cathartic than launching it into cyberspace? Anyway, we’re friends, right?

]]>Sun, 23 Jan 2011 15:57:41 -0800http://www.mcquown.us/1/post/2011/01/class-this-tuesday.htmlI’m am looking forward to teaching an 8-hour class this Tuesday at Penn State, primarily because the classroom has all the latest technology.  I was told it even has a “green room” where the instructor can hang out during breaks.  Even though I do this course a couple times a year, I spent all weekend making changes that I thought were necessary.  In retrospect, I probably could have just left it alone and took some personal time off to recharge.  I often have trouble balancing work and personal life.  However, I did manage to go out with a couple friends on Saturday night and had a good time.  I am glad they don’t take my reclusive nature personally because  I enjoy their company. 

]]>Mon, 03 Jan 2011 16:27:44 -0800http://www.mcquown.us/1/post/2011/01/new-photos-posted.htmlI have uploaded photos from the Olympic, Bob Marshall, Glacier, Brooks Range, Andes, Nepal 1997, and Grand Canyon treks.  Most of these photos were scanned from film and slides.  The panoramas from Glacier and Grand Canyon were taken with a disposable camera.  They came out surprisingly well!]]>Wed, 13 Oct 2010 17:28:11 -0800http://www.mcquown.us/1/post/2010/10/time-for-another-vacation.htmlReality is rapidly losing its charm.  Been on the road quite a bit since I have returned.  Haven’t come close to catching up on the work that has accumulated while I was gone.  I have been working in northern PA, NJ, and MD this week alone. 

However, I did have a great time back at my high school reunion in Ohio last weekend.  It was really great catching up with old friends.  Although it is painfully apparent that I can no longer party like I did back then.  

I have started to process and upload photos from my Himalaya trek.  I have posted about 60 on this website and am only about halfway done.  I still have video and my journal to transcribe and upload. I hope to do that this weekend or next.]]>Wed, 06 Oct 2010 18:25:36 -0800http://www.mcquown.us/1/post/2010/10/last-bag-finally-delivered-thirty-year-class-renunion-this-weekend.htmlFinally! My bag that was lost by American Airlines was finally delivered.  I look forward to reviewing my photos and handing out my souvenirs from the trip.  I will be posting photos and journal soon.

I have my 30th-year high school renunion back in Ohio this weekend.  I am hoping I can get there.  ]]>Sat, 25 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0800http://www.mcquown.us/1/post/2010/09/returned-to-kathmandu.htmlReturned safely to Kathmandu after being stranded in Juphal for several days with no planes coming in or out.  They do not fly to these mountain airstrips when it is cloudy since these clouds can have rocks in them.  I was able to get on the return leg of a charter plane that was hired by another trekking company.  I knew the flight was going to be another white-knuckle flight since the Juphal airstrip is one of the shortest in the world.  Needless to say, it lived up to my expectations since the last half of the flight was flown with mountains obscured by clouds.  Watching the pilots quickly point at things was unhelpful at consoling the wide-eyed passengers.   It was a fine exclamation point to an exhilarating trip. ]]>Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:03:52 -0800http://www.mcquown.us/1/post/2010/08/arrived-in-jomsom.htmlMade it safely to Jomsom after the most thrilling and frightening flight of my life.  There were a couple times when I was convinced the wings of the little plane were going to clip the side of the mountain.  The drop after threading –the-needle through a high mountain pass was far more exhilarating than any amusement park ride.  When we touched down I yelled “lets do it again!”  Many of the passengers were less enthusiastic.

This will likely be the last post for a while since the few villages I will pass through will not have electricity let alone an internet connection.  My current positions will still be posted to the “Tracking” page however.  I am filled with anticipation about the coming days.  It has already been an adventure of a lifetime. 

Namaste!
]]>Sun, 29 Aug 2010 17:55:08 -0800http://www.mcquown.us/1/post/2010/08/kathmandu-sightseeing.htmlSightseeing today in Kathmandu after going over logistics with guide. My guide's name is Tendi Sherpa. He is a true Sherpa (not a porter) of the Sherpa caste in the Everest region. I like him already. Tomorrow I fly to Pokhara and then to Jomsom the following day when I will begin the trek. I am not sure if I will be able to find internet access between here and there but my postions should be frequently updated on the Tracking page. ]]>