Super Sherpa Expedition Lands in Nepal
Apa Sherpa and Lhakpa Sherpa are headed to Mount Everest, again. Should they summit, which is highly likely considering their track record, it will be their 17th and 13th summits respectively.A couple of months ago I had the opportunity to share a few moments casually chatting with these two climbers. The event was a pre-screening of a soon to be released documentary by David Breashears (yes that is a wikipedia.org link. David must be out climbing since his own name site says "Coming Fall of 2005") about the storm and events following the May 10, 1996 Everest summit attempt by two teams, that of Rob Hall and the team of Scott Fisher.
What I found most interesting was that while all the event attendees were busy talking one with another prior to the pre-screening, Apa and Lhakpa were essentially flies on the wall. Most were oblivious to these two, not knowing what they have accomplished in the world of high altitude climbing and how it sets them apart from the masses. But after speaking with them I don't think that what they have accomplished are the defining elements of who they are. Humble, happy, big heart, cheerful, kind. These attributes are more true to defining what sets these two men apart.
I watched a couple of the videos on the Super Sherpa website, namely the video "Apa's Message" and "Lhakpa's Message" which gave me further insight into the humble nature of these climbers. If ever anyone had bragging rights, it is Apa and Lhakpa but that is the last thing they would ever do, being completely contrary to their persona's.
So they're off to Everest, having recently arrived in Kathmandu to meet with Nepalese dignitaries and other officials.
As one of Backcountry.com's good friends, Roger Kehr, is the base camp director for the Super Sherpa team I'll be updating this blog with any news we hear from them. Additionally, the Salt Lake Tribune has a dedicated mini-site with a blog where they will be following this Utah based expedition.
Best of luck my friends...Namaste.
Labels: Backcountry.com, Everest
1 comments
posted by powstash @ 12:31 PM
1 Comments:
To learn more about the Sherpa tribe that makes climbing Everest possible, read Beyond the Summit by Linda LeBlanc. Details of Sherpa culture and religion are interwoven in a tale of romance and high adventure. The story has something for everyone: a love affair between an American journalist and Sherpa guide, conflict between generations as the modern world challenges centuries of tradition, an expedition from the porter's point of view.
Below are selections from reviews. To read the complete ones and excerpts go to www.beyondthesummit-novel.com
Beyond the Summit, is the rare gem that shows us the triumphs and challenges of a major climb from the porter’s point of view. The love of two people from diverse cultures is the fiery centerpiece of a novel that leads its readers through harshly beautiful and highly dangerous territory to the roof of the world. Malcolm Campbell, book reviewer
Conflict and dialog keep this gripping story of destiny, romance and adventure moving from the first page to the last paragraph. LeBlanc has a genius for bonding her readers and her characters. I found I was empathizing in turn with each character as they faced their own personal crisis or trauma.
Richard Blake for Readers Views.
A gripping, gut-twisting expedition through the eyes of a porter reveals the heart and soul of Sherpas living in the shadows of Everest. EverestNews.com
A hard-hitting blend of adventure and romance which deserves a spot in any serious fiction collection. Midwest Book Review
LeBlanc is equally adept at describing complex, elusive emotions and the beautiful, terrifying aspect of the Himalayan Mountains. Boulder Daily Camera
LeBlanc's vivid description of the Himalayas and the climbing culture makes this a powerful read. Rocky Mt News Pick of the Week
A rich adventure into the heart of the Himalayan Kingdom. Fantastic story-telling from one who has been there. USABookNews.com
This is the book to read before you embark on your pilgrimage to Nepal. The author knows and loves the people and the country, and makes you feel the cold thin air, the hard rocks of the mountains, the tough life of the Sherpa guides, and you learn to love them too. This is a higly literate, but also very readable book. Highly recommended."
-- John (college professor)
Memorable characters and harrowing encounters with the mountains keep the action moving with a vibrant balance of vivid description and dialogue. Literary Cafe Host, Healdsburg, CA
This superbly-crafted novel will land you in a world of unimaginable beauty, adventure, and romance. The love story will keep you awake at night with its vibrant tension and deep rich longing. Wick Downing, author of nine novels
The book is available from amazon.com, chesslerbooks.com, Barnes & Noble and Borders Stores, and the web site for an autographed copy.
4/12/2007 10:39 PM
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