Seeing Everest for the first time since having been forced off the mountain in 2008 was a little emotional. This mountain is so challenging on so many levels. It's been on my mind now for over three years.

Despite the anxiety that comes with heading up the valley towards base camp, I'm very relaxed. This trip has a very different feel to the 2008 expedition. We're a very small climbing team, we've all been here before and we all know what we need and expect in order to get to base camp
rested and relaxed.

Having the IBD Adventures trekking team along with us has been fantastic. We've got a great group of eight trekkers who all understand how important this campaign is to me and to IBD sufferers and ostomates around the world. The team is getting along really well and we're having plenty of laughs despite the pain we're putting our bodies through.

I'm glad this isn't my first time through this area. It is very beautiful, but I can still stay focused on the climb ahead and not worry about missing any of the scenery. I'm carrying some of the conversations I had with people at the Great Comebacks^® Awards 25th anniversary last month in Washington, DC. I felt so inspired by the stories shared with me. I know I'll be using that inspiration when the mountain starts kicking up some of the challenges I know she will throw at us.

Rob Hill

For more details, visit Rob's No Guts Know Glory Everest Expedition blog.