Love on Ottomatic

Here are all of the videos all in one place. Enjoy.

A beautiful man by the name of Nick Harper wrote a song on the way home from the hospital where his mother had just passed.  Imaginary Friend. He sang it last year on Mt. Everest to celebrate her life and to send her off, prayer flag blowing in the breeze there right now.  He was kind enough to honor Otto by playing this song again for us.  Words cannot express what that moment did for every one in the room.  Give Thanks! Give Thanks! Give Thanks!

Magical night. Or as Otto would say, “We Rocked It!”

P.S. Cy, are you sure “Saved By Zero” shouldn’t have been saved by Otto?  Hope you don’t mind me using a letter O in place of the Zero. Since hero’s never die I am gonna sing it like that for now on. Much Love.

A day at Machu Picchu

We had a beautiful moment celebrating Otto in various ways.  Each of us saying what we needed to say and using music to go deep into the feeling. Cy, I love you man! Shannon, you mean so much to so many.  Thank you for all you’ve done.

Team Otto, please take a moment to reflect upon how you said goodbye to Otto.  In fact take two moments. Think back to how you met Otto and the time you laughed the most. He touched everyone in a very different way.  Give Thanks!

Our day on Machu Piccu with Otto is posted here. Click to read the posting.

It hit me this morning when I thought about the date October 13 that, one year ago today Otto was diagnosed with cancer. When he called me that night I had no idea where this would take us. He and I had been joking ealier in the week that perhaps it was a parasitic twin named Steve that we could remove and put in a jar. I would so much rather be selling peepshow tickets to see it at BrassTax Halloween than carrying my dear friend. What a difference a year makes.

Today I was able to look down on Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate because of YOUR efforts, love and support.  That was never far from my mind but today I took several hours to really celebrate it. This is your moment! You are here with me.

While the group was taking pictures and dealing with the authorities, There was time to sit by myself and meditate on all of the people who knew or loved Otto. Trip with his I <3 Otto shirt.  Thanks boyz! Gayle, Jen and the Sarver’s organizing the domestic needs. Mark and Ted who took Otto to places he couldn’t have gone alone. The Strenks for everything they did. Marcus, Otto and I having shared the same loss of a loving mother. Give Thanks Elke! Hlo, dela, and Kerry for the Orange bandana we carried across the GG bridge and now here. DaBomb, Shawn, Stacy, the Angels and Amy who created things to lift his spirits. Ray for making it all count. The beautiful Peter Hudson who’s art will always be part of Otto’s smile. All of the MBO (Married by Otto) couples who took Otto’s love home and used it to bind you togehter. The Chico crew who are a part of some of Otto’s favorite years. Indra for holding him close as he was leaving us. My beautiful little Korean brother, Otto loves you so much!  The citizens of Black Rock, all the freaky people make the beauty in the world. The Cowboys, OPS, The Deep End, Garage Mahal and the Brass Tax for your good times. Julie, Angeline, Megan, Michelle and my beloved Sara who have given me so much strength. I gave up many times and you pulled me back through. My new family Schutt. Otto was so lucky to have you.

It was also an opportunity to better appreciate the individuals both living and passed who have inspired my fellow trekkers to make this journey. Judy, Janet, Meme, Ryan, Agnes, JC, Kortney with a K, Robert, Matt, Andrea, Ellen, Gaga, Sharon Held and dozens of others were the never far from the hearts and minds of those who, like me, took each painful step in the name of someone dear. Thank You everyone for giving me another name to add to my heart as we summited. It was beautiful to spend a few moments honoring those souls who motivated us to keep going. Give Thanks!

There is so much hope for the future because of people like all of you.  I spent all of today very focussed on that and grateful for you.  We will celebrate Otto tomorrow. Give Thanks!

Click here for pictures and other stories.

Featuring Laine, Brien, Cherron, Aden, Meghan, Shannon, Jim, Mike, Molly, Sam, Jon, Alex

The guides lie!!!  When they say “flat” or “easy” you know it is gonna be a tough one. But we are getting used to it and taking it one step at a time. Give Thanks! I keep thinking back to the first night on the mountain with our guides and they listened to all of our stories and Domingo said with tears in his eyes.

I bring people up to this place every day and they are looking for the energy we have here in this place.  This is the first time I am bringing people here who are bringing the energy. Thank you for what you are doing for my country.

We have had a few run-ins with local authorities but are still hopeful things will be better at Machu Picchu. It was funny hat night last night. I took a playa shower and some sleeping pills and I still haven’t slept but it is the only altitude symptom I am suffering from. Give Thanks.  Others are not faring as well but still pushing on.  I can feel the vibration of thousand of years of trekers taking the same steps. Such a blessing to be here.

We had our first full on concert with something like a bar tonight.  I can’t believe how much fun we had with the locals and a few other trekkers. I went around and asked for the names of those who inspired the individuals to be here.  At first I wrote the names on my arm but when I ran out of room, I had to tuck the list in my pocket. I have grown to know pretty much all of the personalities on this trip and I am so thankful for the spirits that brought us together.  Wish it had been better circumstances.

Tomorrow Machu Picchu.

Click here for photos and other stories.

Featuring: A Big F’n Tarantula, Annie, Michelle, Oli, Tom, Abbe, Katy, Shannon, Brien, George, Mike, Jules, Mercedes, Kathy, Mayor Jim, Tone, Chip

First night on the mountain and no sleep for the weary. We lost Tracey this morning which makes me very sad.  She had stage 4 colon cancer just like Otto and has been kicking it’s ass for the last 5 years.  It was a difficult decision but she headed back down the hill. Look forward to seeing her again in a few days at Machu Picchu.

Today was nothing like yesterday!  We climbed straight up for 3 hours thinking we were reaching the peak only to find we were only half way up and still had a few hours to make it to the lunch stop.  Moment of truth, I had a bit of a reality check looking up at the peak and said, “I’m not so sure Otto and I we’re all that good of friends.” lol

We stopped and had a bit of an impromptu concert.  Brien McVernon, from Australia, is one of my new favorite people EVER.  He is making the trip in his rocker clothes and a smile has never left his face.  I am using some of his spirit to push onward and upward.

Last night Dex played Hey World by Michael Franti for the team. Spearhead sang it in Monterrey the night of Otto’s big SF fundraiser and we could hear the pain in Michael’s voice as he dedicated it to the big guy.  Not a dry eye in the group.

Hey world what-cha say? Should I stick around for another day?

Hey world what-cha say? Should I stick around for another day or two?

Don’t give up on me, I won’t give up on you.

Please believe in me like I believe in you.

I started singing it in my head to help get me up the hill.  Shannon said she had used a Spearhead song to help her up Everest last year.  Give Thanks for Michael!

The last 1/4 mile was REALLY difficult, but the Peru Rocks team gathered and sang request as we neared the summit.  Some people requested the theme from Rocky or Eye of the tiger.  I requested “I’m a little tea pot” and I laughed all the way up as they even acted it out.  I love each and every one of these people. Give Thanks!!!

This is tougher than I thought it would be.  The pack and the aching muscles are one thing but I feel a little dazed and in awe of all of these people who have triumphed over so much. Cancer survivors making this journey to help others with cancer who they’ve never met. I miss Otto a lot and sometimes I break away from the group to have a Playa walk with Otto. Sometimes we sit and Give Thanks.  I write a big Otto in the dirt and as I’m hiking I can hear the trekers scream OTTO!!! So much love. Give Thanks!

Click here for more stories from today.

Featuring: Erin

Got up at the butt crack of dawn and made our way to the trailhead.  I was WAY too excited to sleep and am sure that is gonna cost me later.  The adventure begins!!!  Our first challange was to cross a bridge made of scrap wood on a bus full of people.  Our bus driver was a bit of a daredevil and didn’t bother to unload.  I’m thinking it woulda been safer to jump the gulley Dukes of Hazard style.  But we made it and that is what counts!  Give Thanks!

Had our first brush with Peruvian authorities when they gave several people a hard time about their passports not matching up on the list of approved trekkers.  Mike got a hard time for having Michael on his passport and Molly has both her married and maiden name.  I on the other hand had no problem even though I was listed as Lee and my passport reads Ishmun.  Otto musta been looking out for me.  Give Thanks!  Our only casualties were two guitars that the authorities took and will deliver back to us in Machu Picchu.  No worries, we’s got spares!

Not so sure Michelle is gonna make it.  She ate some local fruit and I cannot remember seeing anyone as sick as she is right now.  Seriously looks like death warmed over.  At lunch I saw a wasp kill a tarantula and drag it off into it’s lair.  Very cool, but I am checking my shoes twice for spiders in the morning!

If today is anything like what’s to come, this should be an easy hike.  I was a bit worried when we ran out of porters and I am carrying my 55 lbs pack myself.  But a few of us are doing it and I was even running at some points on the trail.  Semper Fi!!!  I mean, Give Thanks!!!

Almost forgot, Armando and Ryan made a deal with the guides to sacrifice Kelly‘s virtue in exchange for sunshine.  It was gorgeous today.  Way to take one for the team Kelly!

Check out photos and the update here.

Featuring Cy, Nick, Tony, Kelly, Annie, Lanie, Jaime, Mike, Jules

I didn’t get much sleep.  Feel fine at altitude but I might be too excited to sleep.  Guess I’ll carbo load for the hike. Prolly won’t get to many chanced at good food on the trail.

Did a little sight seeing.  Checked out Cusco a bit.  And mostly just hung out.  I am really nervous now about the trip now considering I passed out on a day hike a few weeks ago.  Aden is the only guy here big enough to carry my ass down the mountain, and i’m not so sure he will.  Hope they at least take my ashes the rest of the way.

Home sick and excited.  Miss all of Otto’s family both Schutt and non-Schutt.

Check out the photos…

Yeah for video!!! Special appearances by Katy, Aden, Tracey, and Miles.

Today we arrived in Cuzco.  What a vibrant city!  Lots of color and people moving about.  Protest and parades… these people spend a lot of time hitting the streets. Derrick and I got in a did a little wandering around as well.  Lots of excitement as people trickle in.  I spent much of the day feeling like I was waiting for Otto to show up.  Almost like he was just upstairs getting unpacked and would be back for dinner.

Speaking of dinner. Dex had the hook-up and we enjoyed a nice meal with some lovely girls from Colorado, Meghan and Colleen.  Hilarious meal conversation about the social scene and dating in our respective cities.  Missing Sara even more now.

The whole team got together tonight for an introduction session.  Everyone went around the circle and spoke about their motivation for being here.  I am humbled to be a part of such a powerful group.  Survivors and champions for the cause, these people took action.  More than just raising money, each of us had a vision to make it to Peru and with the support of our loved ones back home, here we are.  Give Thanks!

The stress of Otto’s passing is really beginning to hit.  I can’t make it through a mention of him without tearing up and tonight I broke down a bit thanks to Shannon for priming the pump.  All day I kept expecting Otto to come rolling in and set the mood.  It was after I had taken my turn explaining why I am here that I finally realized that Otto was already here.  When we were raising money for his treatment I would send Otto a list of donors every night and he would read each name out loud before he went to sleep.  No dollar amounts, just the names of people who were able to contribute and a few names of people the donations were in memory of.  The weirdest thing has happened since I arrived.  There are like 65 of us and I remember every single person’s name.  No tricks or practice.  I did read through all of the bios on the plane but I really feel Otto is grateful for all the souls of those around me.  Give Thanks!

Talking about souls. I met Julie Peters today and she reminded me so much of the Julie who held everything together after Otto passed. Immediately I knew this was a good spirit and was surprised to find an equally beautiful soul in her husband Mike Peters. Mike is one of the founders of LHS and is the lead singer in the band The Alarm.

Energy, sincerity and passion for the cause good people for sure. Give Thanks!

Check out the photos and official update!

High energy!!!  Today we met some of the main crew including the gorgeous and energizing Shannon Foley…my new shero!  I know it is still the calm before the storm but watching her juggle all of the planning, press interviews, travel arrangements, local resources and staying connected at home…nothing short of super human! Give Thanks!

Of course we hit the bar tonight with the production crew. Damien and Stash are nuts. Not in a nudge nudge these “guys are crazy” kind of way. But in a “My professional opinion is these two patients need treatment immediately.” LOL. They had Derrick and I cracking up with a night of free-style rapping and songs played at the hotel bar. I have no idea how much we drank but the bar was ours and they had a good night!

Wish some of the SF crew were here. Everyone we have met so far would be very much at home at The Deep End. Erin is Shannon’s little sister and never short of one-liners. Oli and Woolsey are quiet observers ready to do some heavy work starting tomorrow. Chip is focused and wants to make this trip a big one. Hard to believe he ever needed a bone marrow transplant. Looks like a million bucks! Gary is the photographer, also quiet with energy that makes you aware that he spends his time savoring the moments in life. Give Thanks!

So far Peru reminds me of Brazil. Seeing the poorest and richest parts of the city gives you a real appreciation of the blessings we have in America. I am so excited for whats to come. Looking forward to hitting the trail. We leave for Cusco tomorrow! Give Thanks!

Check out the Peru Rocks! update