The former Marine Fighter Pilot and Top Gun Instructor will be gone for nine weeks as he sets off to become the first Long Islander to climb the world's highest mountain.

Bob is climbing in honor of "Contractors for Kids". His goal is to raise awareness and money for its mission, which is to assist children and their families overcome obstacles that have impacted their lives through sickness, injury, or death.

Please visit WBAB.com daily to follow Bob's journey in word, photos, audio and video as he summits Mt. Everest.

Learn more about Bob's climbing team, his route and see photos of Mt. Everest here.

Check out Bob's route up the South Side of Everest and see 360-degree views from base camp to the summit here.

For information about Contractors for Kids, please visit http://www.contractorsforkids.org.

What makes Bob qualified to climb Everest? Check out his climbing resume:

• June 2005 - Mt Rainier, USA (14,410')
• December 2005 - Mt. Cayambe, Ecuador (19,000')
• December 2005 - Mt Cotopaxi, Ecuador (19,348')
• March 2006 - Pico de Orizaba, Mexico (18,701')
• July 2006 - Mt. Elbrus, Russia (17,510')
• January 2007 - Mt. Aconcagua, Argentina (22,841')
• September 2007 - Cho Oyu, Tibet (26,906')

Listen here to Bob's interview with Donna Donna.

Messages from Bob

Tuesday 5/13/08
The Chinese have left that means the Nepalese army has gone too.There were 200 military with guns in base camp and 20 with guns at camp two.No one was allowed beyond there.They also took our cam-corders,sat-phones,laptops etc.We just got down from a week at camp two (21,600) with two trips up to the Lhoste face (22,400) we are now in a rest phase and should start up on the 18th with a summit date of the 23rd.Will update you the day we leave.Should summit around 8-9pm New York time.Going through the ice falls I was crossing a 120 foot deep crevasses maybe 20 feet wide when my crampon got stuck between rungs.I was only 6 feet from the end,so Casey was able to crawl out on the latter and with his ice axe pry my boot loose!Another time in the ice falls we were climbing and I was looking at a large(60 foot by 40 foot)chunk of ice,it was beautiful and maybe 30 feet away.Suddenly it broke off and hit the other side of the crevasses,the side I was on.It shook our piece of ice and made me realize that at any moment things can get bad,that is why the ice fall has such a reputation.We see 10 to 15 avalanches per day.It has been exciting and we feel we are ready to start our summit bid.Have lots of great pic some of me crossing 4 ladders tied together to span these unbelievable canvasses and seracs(some as tall as 4 story buildings)that is all for now,Have my sat-phone back will contact you soon.Have lost too much weight but am working on putting some back on this rest period. Hope all is well,be well be safe,look after each other. Love Dad/Bob

Tuesday 4/29/08
*** This is Bob's latest report from Base Camp.***

Due to the military presence in Base Camp, communication is very difficult (200+ armed soldiers). The Olympic Torch will pass through on May 1st and after that things should improve. Bob was able to sneak a SAT call to Deena a few minutes ago. Aside from the communication restrictions everything is going well. The group just returned from a few days in Base Camp 2. They will rest for a few days and then on May 3rd proceed to Base Camp 3. They will stay there for 4-5 days and then return to Main Base Camp and rest for a week in preparation for the BIG CLIMB! After the week's rest they are just waiting for a Weather Window to start their ascent.

Let's all send "Good Thoughts" to Bob!

Wednesday 4/16/08
*** Greetings from Base Camp.***

Communication continues to be difficult, we have the Chinese Army here at base camp and I can't get computer time. Everything is well, we have taken 2 trips to the Khumbu Icefalls to practice and condition. On average there are about 12 avalanches each day, they are all around us but does not effect base camp. I am getting over a head cold but feeling better and stronger.

Wednesday 4/9/08
We arrived in Base Camp for 3 days of rest and training. All I can say is that it's a Hell of a lot bigger than in the pictures. We've witnessed a number of avalanches today, very cool. The group will soon climb the Khumbo Ice Falls to prepare for Everest. We had our Puja ceremony, so we are "Blessed" and ready to go. Communication is limited and SAT phone time is hard to get, so look to RMI's site for SAT dispatches at http://www.rmiguides.com/himalaya/himalaya_dispatches.html I hope communication will be better in the next few days. It has been an Adventure so far! Be well , Bob

Saturday 4/5/08
sorry I think I misspelled the prayer stone it is moni stone.We leave tomorrow for Lobuche,about 16,000 feet.We will be there for two days then on to Gorak Shep at 17,000 one day there then on to B.C. 17,500.We are at the base of Alma Dablam what a beautiful mountain and it just calls to be climbed go to Google images and take a look.When we arrive in B.C. we will have our PUJA this is a religeous ceremony where a Lama comes in and bless the climbers and their equipment.There is chanting and rye flour is tossed and the head sherpa the Sirdar will spread rye on each climber's cheak and shoulder then the climbers do the same to each other,this can get out of hand and soon handfuls of flour are thrown etc you get the picture but this is good karma.The flour represents long life.The Lama prays for safe passage on the mountain.Everyone is feeling good and we are looking forward to BC.Hope all is well with everyone back in the states.Lets hear it for contractors for kids,I have our whole team behind this. be well talk to you again from BC.Sorry not to answer your e-mails but do not have the computer time but keep them coming I read them all Bob/dad

Friday 4/4/08
Hi from Dingboche 14,500 feet this is higher than Mt. Rainier and as high as most of the rocky mountains and to think Mt. Everest is two and a half mils higher yet.We are deep into the Khubu valley now very pretty with towering peaks verywhere,We were blessed by the high Lama today and given a Khata,a very fine silk prayer scarf which we wear on our backpacks,He also gave us a blessed card and we were told to carry this at al times climbing since no one carrying the card has been killed on a mountain.You can bet I will have it with me at all times.We also saw some Himalayan mountain goats very cool.We also pass mnty stones,these are stone with prayers carved on them.It is said that for each chip one gets closer to enlightenment.It snows everyday now and the temperature is quite cool at night.We will be here for two days then leave for Loboche at 15,500.Ashley please forward this to Alexis.Hope all is well in the real world oh by the way myself and Casey have or are just getting over a stomach virus,everyone gets it better t get it Early and have your body build up immunities. Love be well Bob/Dad

Friday 3/28/08
Greetings from Kathmandu; After a 20 hour flight I finally arrived in historic Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. We saw very little evidence of turmoil regarding the Chinese except more than normal number of police in particular at the Chinese embassy. We fly out tomorrow early for Lukla a small airport carved into the side of a mountain at 9,500 feet. It will be good to start breathing the thin air and star the body acclimating. We went to Rum Doodles last night for pizza and beer(yes Everest beer). This is a famous bar and grill where all expeditions that summit sign a big yeti foot and they put it on the wall. Hope to have ours there soon. I will check in again soon hope all is well back in the real world. Love and miss you already Bob/Dad