133 more days...
Commitment
Everest City
Big things are brewing on Mountainzone.com. This week they have highlighted an
interview with Ed Visteurs, posted a new column by Dave Hahn (about avalanche
work - my current academic interest), and began posting the dispatches from
groups headed to Everest. Visteurs reported from Kathmandu that there are 28
expeditions expected at Everest base camp (for the South Col approach - there
are more on the other side of the mountain) for the attempts to be made in the
month of May. The size of a single expedition varies greatly, but in recent
history it has not been uncommon for base camp to resemble a small city with
300-400 residents, complete with satellite communication and solar power. (A lot
bigger than West Fern, right Stinchfields?) The popularization of big mountain
climbing is nowhere more evident than on Mt. Everest. If you are interested in
the current state of climbing on Everest, with guided climbs and people
literally trying to buy their way to the summit, I strongly recommend Jon
Krakauer's book Into Thin Air. This book is well-known for its dramatic coverage
of the 1996 Everest tragedy, but Krakauer takes a very keen look at the history
of the mountain and what guided, commercial climbing is doing to the mountain
and the surrounding area.
Gear For Sale
In an attempt to find the perfect day pack for this summer, I ended up ordering
a couple of packs so I could choose the one I liked best. I like them all, of
course, but I should probably settle on just one. If anybody is interested, I'm
willing to part with a brand new North Face Exocet for $50. Selling it to one of
you is easier than sending it back and I can save one of you $30 over what the
same pack sells for at Scheels. The pack is a large (2150 cu. in., 2lbs. 2oz.,
torso range 19in.-24in.) and blue and black. Check it out at Campmor.com at http://www.campmor.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prmenbr=226&prrfnbr=90713
for more information. I'm also willing to sell my North Face
waterproof/breathable shell jacket. I've used it for two years but it's still in
great condition. The models have changed slightly but it is most comparable to
the Thunder Bolt, found at Campmor.com at http://www.campmor.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=90916&prmenbr=226.
My jacket is an extra large and blue, black, and grey. The only reason that I'm
willing to sell it is because I'm so picky about gear that I think I need a
Mountain Light, the classic of all North Face jackets. I'd like to get $100 out
of my jacket but I might be willing to bargain. If you're interested in either
or both of these items please let me know! Thanks!
"Everest has always been a magnet for kooks, publicity
seekers, hopeless romantics, and others with a shaky hold on reality." -Jon
Krakauer
