Charlie Lopez- destinations: unknown

By breaking through our own personal barriers we hope to inspire others to achieve what they never dared to dream.

Mission Accomplished!!

Posted on 26 Oct 2009 - by charlielopez In: Charlie Lopez

All I can say is what a great experience!! I have to thank my guide Zach from Aspen Expeditions who was patient and motivating. He kept me moving one step at a time all the way to the top!!

We did two days of mountaineering with the first being at a place they call Le Petit Blue. It is a training area with a small peak that turned out to be quite a bit of fun once we got through the snow at the bottom.

The second day on Mt. Elbert was the day I had been waiting for, and it did not disappoint!! It took us 8 to 9 hours round trip, but I was smiling for every minute of it. It was a looooong hike to the top complicated by the snow on the top half of the mountain. Once we lost the trail, we just worked our way up slowly. Zach led me through the snow and kept our pace steady. I didn’t know I could move for that long, but I just took it one step at a time!!

I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I enjoyed the experience! and please don’t forget to send in your donations!!

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Mt. Elbert Summit (14,433′)

Posted on 18 Oct 2009 - by charlielopez In: Charlie Lopez

Once again, thanks to all who supported me in my first destinations: unknown!! These are pictures from the real climb…Mount Elbert!

Seing the mountain through the trees...

Still able to smile.

My comrade.

Time for a little reflection.

Must be getting closer...

As they say, "on top of the world!"

Destinations: Unknown

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Training Day: Le Petit Blue…

Posted on 17 Oct 2009 - by charlielopez In: Charlie Lopez

Here are some pictures from my training day:

Long Road Ahead

All in a days work

All Smiles!

Not bad for training day.

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Sunday is the Big Day!!

Posted on 16 Oct 2009 - by charlielopez In: Charlie Lopez

I spoke with my guide last night, and it looks like we have a good weather window this weekend. Saturday will be a skills day to get me used to working with the snow gear (i.e. crampons and ice axe), and then Sunday we will head up Mt. Elbert.

I am spending today resting, hydrating, and stretching out my very sore and stiff back. I just have to push through. Hopefully it will not reach the point where it becomes an issue during the climb and force us to turn back.

I will update again tomorrow and let you all know how the skills day goes.

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Charles “Charlie” Lopez

Posted on 10 Aug 2009 - by malcivar In: Charlie Lopez, destinations: team bios

Charlie Lopez

destination unknown: Summit a 14k’er in Colorado – Mt. Elbert (14,443′)
date: October 2009
cause: A Glimmer of Hope (Ethiopia)
age: 37
current residency: Miami, Florida
employer: self (international man of mystery)

What’s an interesting fact about you?
I really enjoy classical music. I just think it is amazing how the great composers could hear a symphony in their head and then translate it to paper.

What do you expect the greatest challenge to be in your destination?
The Altitude and the extreme temperature changes.

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