Author Archives: TA Loeffler

Vinson Visual Lojong #15: Whatever you meet unexpectedly, join with meditation

Lojong is a Tibetan Buddhist mind training practice based on a set of 59 slogans first formulated in the 12th century.  For most of my climbs, my Buddhist mentor (or “Buddhist Personal Trainer” as I like to call her) prepares … Continue reading

Posted in Buddhism, Photography, Visual Soliloquy | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vinson Visual Lojong #14: Whichever of the two occurs, be patient

Lojong is a Tibetan Buddhist mind training practice based on a set of 59 slogans first formulated in the 12th century.  For most of my climbs, my Buddhist mentor (or “Buddhist Personal Trainer” as I like to call her) prepares … Continue reading

Posted in Photography, Visual Soliloquy | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vinson Massif: Team returns safely to high camp after summit

Here is the latest update from TA’s team who are climbing Antarctica’s highest peak, Mount Vinson right now: Posted by: Dave Hahn | December 11, 2011 Elevation: 12,400′ Conditions today can only be described as having been perfect for a … Continue reading

Posted in Everest 3.0, Vinson | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Vinson Visual Lojong #13 Abandon poisonous food

Lojong is a Tibetan Buddhist mind training practice based on a set of 59 slogans first formulated in the 12th century.  For most of my climbs, my Buddhist mentor (or “Buddhist Personal Trainer” as I like to call her) prepares … Continue reading

Posted in Photography, Visual Soliloquy | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Vinson summit audio clip

Reposted from the Rainier Mountaineering Blog (http://www.rmiguides.com/blog/) Many thanks to the Newfoundland and Labrador Credit Union for their financial assistance in getting TA to Antarctica to climb Mount Vinson.

Posted in Everest 3.0, Vinson | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Vinson Massif: Summit!!!!!!!

Here is the latest update from TA’s team, they have summited! Posted by: Dave Hahn | December 11, 2011 Elevation: 16,067′ Hey, this is Dave Hahn calling in from the summit of Mount Vinson 16,067 feet above sea level. And … Continue reading

Posted in Everest 3.0, Vinson | Tagged , , , , , | 12 Comments

Vinson Massif: Team rests at high camp and readies for summit bid

Here is the latest update from TA’s team, who weather permitting, will be on their summit bid today!: Posted by: Dave Hahn | December 10, 2011 Elevation: 12,400′ A long and easy day at high camp, preparing for the summit. … Continue reading

Posted in Everest 3.0, Vinson | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vinson Visual Lojong #12: Examine the nature of unborn awareness

Lojong is a Tibetan Buddhist mind training practice based on a set of 59 slogans first formulated in the 12th century. For most of my climbs, my Buddhist mentor (or “Buddhist Personal Trainer” as I like to call her) prepares … Continue reading

Posted in Photography, Visual Soliloquy | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vinson Massif: Move to high camp

Here is the latest update from TA’s team who are climbing Antarctica’s highest peak, Mount Vinson right now: Posted by: Dave Hahn | December 09, 2011 Elevation: 12,400′ Half past one in the morning and the sun is blazing away … Continue reading

Posted in Everest 3.0, Vinson | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vinson Visual Lojong #11: Train in the three difficulties

Lojong is a Tibetan Buddhist mind training practice based on a set of 59 slogans first formulated in the 12th century. For most of my climbs, my Buddhist mentor (or “Buddhist Personal Trainer” as I like to call her) prepares … Continue reading

Posted in Photography, Visual Soliloquy | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vinson Massif: Team carries to high camp

Here is the latest update from TA’s team who are climbing Antarctica’s highest peak, Mount Vinson right now: Posted by: Dave Hahn | December 08, 2011 Elevation: 9,500′ It is a quarter after one in the morning in the Ellsworth … Continue reading

Posted in Everest 3.0, Vinson | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vinson Visual Lojong #10: Liberate yourself by examining and analyzing

Lojong is a Tibetan Buddhist mind training practice based on a set of 59 slogans first formulated in the 12th century. For most of my climbs, my Buddhist mentor (or “Buddhist Personal Trainer” as I like to call her) prepares … Continue reading

Posted in Buddhism, Photography, Visual Soliloquy | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vinson Massif: Rest day for the team

Here is the latest update from TA’s team who are climbing Antarctica’s highest peak, Mount Vinson right now: Posted by: Dave Hahn | December 07, 2011 Elevation: 9,500′ Winds stayed mercifully calm throughout last night, but just as we got … Continue reading

Posted in Everest 3.0, Vinson | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vinson Visual Lojong #9 Two activities: one at the beginning, one at the end

Lojong is a Tibetan Buddhist mind training practice based on a set of 59 slogans first formulated in the 12th century. For most of my climbs, my Buddhist mentor (or “Buddhist Personal Trainer” as I like to call her) prepares … Continue reading

Posted in Buddhism, Photography, Visual Soliloquy | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Vinson Massif: Team moves uphill

Here is the latest update from TA’s team who are climbing Antarctica’s highest peak, Mount Vinson right now: Posted by: Dave Hahn | December 06, 2011 Elevation: 9,500′ Another day of storm, as predicted and expected. But it seemed as … Continue reading

Posted in Everest 3.0, Vinson | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Vinson Visual Lojong #8: When the world is filled with evil, Transform all mishaps into the path of bodhi

Lojong is a Tibetan Buddhist mind training practice based on a set of 59 slogans first formulated in the 12th century. For most of my climbs, my Buddhist mentor (or “Buddhist Personal Trainer” as I like to call her) prepares … Continue reading

Posted in Buddhism, Photography, Visual Soliloquy | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Dave and team carry supplies amidst the storm

Here is the latest update from TA’s team who are climbing Antarctica’s highest peak, Mount Vinson right now: Posted by: Dave Hahn | December 05, 2011 The storm rages on. When we could catch a glimpse of the Vinson Massif … Continue reading

Posted in Everest 3.0, Vinson | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vinson Visual Lojong #7: Don’t try to be the fastest

Lojong is a Tibetan Buddhist mind training practice based on a set of 59 slogans first formulated in the 12th century. For most of my climbs, my Buddhist mentor (or “Buddhist Personal Trainer” as I like to call her) prepares … Continue reading

Posted in Buddhism, Photography, Visual Soliloquy | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Reviewing and sorting while waiting for weather

Here is the latest update from TA’s team who are climbing Antarctica’s highest peak, Mount Vinson right now: Posted by: Dave Hahn | December 04, 2011 Elevation: 7,200′ It turned out to be a lucky thing we flew into Vinson … Continue reading

Posted in Everest 3.0, Vinson | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vinson Massif: Team arrives at base camp

Here is the latest update from TA’s team who are climbing Antarctica’s highest peak, Mount Vinson right now: Posted by: Dave Hahn | December 04, 2011 Elevation: 7,200′ Dave Hahn called from Vinson Base Camp early this morning after the … Continue reading

Posted in Everest 3.0, Vinson | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vinson Visual Lojong #6: Abandon all hope of fruition

Lojong is a Tibetan Buddhist mind training practice based on a set of 59 slogans first formulated in the 12th century. For most of my climbs, my Buddhist mentor (or “Buddhist Personal Trainer” as I like to call her) prepares … Continue reading

Posted in Photography, Visual Soliloquy | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vinson Visual Lojong #5: Work with the greatest defilements first

Lojong is a Tibetan Buddhist mind training practice based on a set of 59 slogans first formulated in the 12th century. For most of my climbs, my Buddhist mentor (or “Buddhist Personal Trainer” as I like to call her) prepares … Continue reading

Posted in Photography, Visual Soliloquy | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vinson Massif: Departure for Antarctica

Here is the latest update about TA’s team Hello from Punta Arenas, We had the call this morning that we were on standby for our flight. Union Glacier was cloudy, but the report was that the weather was starting to … Continue reading

Posted in Everest 3.0, Vinson | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vinson Visual Lojong #4: Be grateful to everyone

Lojong is a Tibetan Buddhist mind training practice based on a set of 59 slogans first formulated in the 12th century. For most of my climbs, my Buddhist mentor (or “Buddhist Personal Trainer” as I like to call her) prepares … Continue reading

Posted in Photography, Visual Soliloquy | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Hurry Up and Wait

Leaving St. John’s in the dead of dark winter and arriving to Punta Arenas in late spring is quite a transition. The evening light fools all of us in staying up too late and the morning sunrise gets us up … Continue reading

Posted in Everest 3.0, Vinson | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

The safe ate my laptop

Hello from The End of the World (as they call it here) This will be a shorter than usual update as I’m finger typing it on my ipod. Why? Because the room safe is holding my laptop hostage. They are … Continue reading

Posted in Everest 3.0, Vinson | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vinson Visual Lojong #3: Rest in the nature of alaya, the essence

Lojong is a Tibetan Buddhist mind training practice based on a set of 59 slogans first formulated in the 12th century. For most of my climbs, my Buddhist mentor (or “Buddhist Personal Trainer” as I like to call her) prepares … Continue reading

Posted in Photography, Visual Soliloquy | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Travel bardo, lots of light and doing as the Chileans

Greetings from SCL, Santiago International Airport for all those who don’t memorize airport codes for fun. I introduced Bobble Head Ted the the wonderful suitcase sculpture here in the Santiago Airport…made from “left luggage” I imagine it’s what baggage handlers … Continue reading

Posted in Everest 3.0, Vinson | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vinson Visual Lojong #2: Always meditate on whatever provokes resentment

Lojong is a Tibetan Buddhist mind training practice based on a set of 59 slogans first formulated in the 12th century. For most of my climbs, my Buddhist mentor (or “Buddhist Personal Trainer” as I like to call her) prepares … Continue reading

Posted in Buddhism, Photography, Visual Soliloquy | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

At the Airport (YYT)

It was supposed to be a vanilla dip but alas travel and adventure and climbing requires an ability to adapt to changing conditions so bring on the Boston Creme! At the airport, after a wonderful afternoon with the my sweetie, … Continue reading

Posted in Everest 3.0, Vinson | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vinson Visual Lojong #1: First, train in the preliminaries

Lojong is a Tibetan Buddhist mind training practice based on a set of 59 slogans first formulated in the 12th century. For most of my climbs, my Buddhist mentor (or “Buddhist Personal Trainer” as I like to call her) prepares … Continue reading

Posted in Buddhism, Photography, Visual Soliloquy | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Antarctica Countdown 1 Day and Counting: Merry Adventure Eve

Merry Adventure Eve. One Sleep. The countdown is over. I leave tomorrow at 5:00 pm to start flying towards Southern Chile. I fly from YYT to Toronto to Santiago to Puenta Arenas then pause for a few days and then … Continue reading

Posted in Everest 3.0, Vinson | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Visual Soliloquy #394 To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom…

To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom. – Bertrand Russell

Posted in Photography, Visual Soliloquy | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Antarctica Countdown 2 Days and Counting: All My Bags are Packed

The bags are packed! How did I ever get packed for expeditions in the past before the lovely and talented Marian was in my life? It’s so helpful to have her to bounce ideas off of and she keeps me … Continue reading

Posted in Everest 3.0, Vinson | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Visual Soliloquy #393 Live out of your imagination…

Live out of your imagination, not your history. – Stephen Covey

Posted in Photography, Visual Soliloquy | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Vinson Massif Press Release

November 27, 2011 For Immediate Release: TA LOEFFLER HEADS TO ANTARCTICA FOR NUMBER SIX TA Loeffler departs St. John’s for Puenta Arenas, Chile on Tuesday November 29. Once there, she will meet her teammates and prepare for the flight to … Continue reading

Posted in Everest 3.0, Vinson | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Antartica Countdown 3 Days and Counting: More Layers

First off, congrats to the RMI Team One who summited today. I hope to be following in their footsteps in two weeks or so. They had terrific weather and made good time. Lots of layers of experiences today including practicing … Continue reading

Posted in Everest 3.0, Vinson | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Visual Soliloquy #392 We are all in the gutter…

We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. – Oscar Wilde

Posted in Photography, Visual Soliloquy | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Antarctica Countdown 4 Days and Counting: Layers upon Layers…

For today’s update, I thought I would take you through some of the specific gear items I’m taking to Antarctica along with some fun facts about them. In cold environments, layers are key. When it is super cold or we’re … Continue reading

Posted in Everest 3.0, Vinson | Tagged , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Visual Soliloquy #391 At times, challenges hit with the force of a roaring, rushing waterfall. The true test, however, is…

At times, challenges hit with the force of a roaring, rushing waterfall. The true test, however, is whether you can put your arms up and enjoy the feel of the water. ~Aviva Kaufman

Posted in Photography, Visual Soliloquy | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment