Of Mountains and Adventure

An article in the September edition of National Geographic Adventure magazine described how Mount Everest has become a 'mess' describing Everest Base Camp as the Ringling Brothers' circus due to the amount of tents being pitched up.

In his article A New Everest Mess, David Roberts asks the question: Should world's strongrest climbers should be forced to risk it all for a flagging few?

Taking a professional climber's perspective, keeping in mind that climbing Mount Everest isn't just about glory but also about sponsorships and business deals, one would say No! - why should I forgo glory and money to save some climber who is not prepared for such a challenge?

Taking an amateur climber and adventurous person's perspective I would wholeheartedly disagree - the mountains were created there for everyone and those willing to take a risk should be allowed to do so.

But then again the question is raised why should someone who is not fully prepared for such a challenge potentially risk other people's lives should a rescue/evacuation be necessary? The answer could be that even the best climbers have suffered injuries or altitude sickness - there is no guarantee towards the prevention of altitude sickness - it can hit anyone!

So although climbers attempting Everest should be fully aware of the dangers and do their utmost to prepare themselves for it there should not be any discrimination as to who should climb the highest mountain in the world.

The article probably hit home more than others due to the fact that a rescue effort was lead by Casey Grom, who guided me on Mount Rainier, Washington, three years ago. Casey was the lead guide in our expedition seminar and apart from inspiring confidence and awe showed extreme professionalism throughout the week we spent on the mountain.

Its an honour for me to say that I met him!

To read the full article visit http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/everest/everest-2007.html