Everyman on Everest

[mgc1961]

SEATTLE — My friend John Rudolf left for Mount Everest on Monday, off to clamber up toward the roof the world at an age, 62, when some people have trouble getting out of bed in the morning — or at least finding a motivation to greet the dawn.

He’s in great shape, full of the kind of energy that could keep a poker game going at 3:00 a.m., and I’m convinced if weather, luck and logistics are on his side, John Rudolf will join a very small club of people who have climbed the highest point on each of the seven continents. For him, Everest is the last one left on this most rarified of bucket lists.

Oh, and he’s been diagnosed with prostate cancer as well, though at this point it’s in a wait-and-watch stage.


Check out the whole story at http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/31/everyman-on-everest/?ref=opinion

[TuxedoKat]

1. Wow

What an endeavour. My hat is off to people who attempt Everest, having read various mountain climbing books. I could nver understand what would make people want to attempt such a dangerous feat until I read an article where the author described looking down from a mountain and that helped me understand the compulsion. Good luck to him and I'll say prayers he makes it safely. 62! What an inspiration!

[Recursion]

2. Here's a good Everest blog that tracks the expeditions each season

http://www.alanarnette.com/news/

Reports every summit, accident, etc.