by: Robin Shortt
Getting to the summit is optional, getting down is mandatory. - David Breashears-
Extreme Skier Maegan Carney:
Extreme skier Maegan Carney had made a bid to be the first woman, and second person to ski down the world's tallest mountain.
Because of the high winds of Mount Everest at that time, Maegan Carney abandoned her first summit attempt.
To find more information about Maegan's quest, go to the mountainzone.com website.
Preparation Is The Secret:
Before you climb a mountain, you need some major preparations:
You definitely need to be physically and emotionally fit.
You should have people in the group who know first aid and of coarse you have a first aid kit.
Make sure you have a schedule set up, because of the dangers involved.
The mountain you're climbing, how long it should take, how many and who are going, and where will you start your assention.
Bring a camera for breath taking views and to record your trip. A cell phone for emergencies and to call someone to share your excitement when you make it to the top.
If you have the proper climbing gear with you, there's no worries about staying the night if you get lost.
Also you know you'll get rescued by morning because the proper people have been notified.
Some Guidelines For Climbing:
It's not a good idea to be flown or driven to altitudes higher than 3000 metres. Begin your walk at below that.
Once over the 3000 metre altitude, travel up in 300 metre increments each day, thats it, no more than that.
Climb up high during the day and sleep at lower altitudes at night.
If high altitude symptoms start to affect you, stop climbing higher. If symptoms worsen, go down right away.
You will need to drink plenty of fluids, hiking dehydrates your body very fast when climbing at high altitudes and this increases as the temperature does.
Do the climb at a slow pace and you'll enjoy your climb more.
Stay away from alcohol, tobacco and other vices that will play havoc with your body and mind at these high altitudes.
A high-carbohydrate diet will really benefit you here.
In the USA there are many resorts above the 3,000 metre level, meaning you will need to keep a watch out for mountain sickness.
Some Mount Everest Facts:
Historic Mountain Climbing Deaths:
George Mallory and Andrew Irvine on June 6 1924, made an attempt on the summit from which they never returned.
An eyewitness claimed he saw the group reach the summit.
A total of 808 climbers have reached and stood on the summit, 764 men and 44 women. There were 161 that died, 36 on the descent.
More About Mountain Climbing Deaths
In 1965, was the best year for climbing, nine climbers summitted and there were no deaths.
In 1996, the worst single year for deaths, 15 climbers died.
About Mount Everest Itself:
The Highest Peak: At 29,035' (8850m), thats about five miles up, the highest summit in the world, and is close to the cruising altitude of a jet, or it is 23 times the height of the Empire State building.
Above 26,000, the body gets a third of the oxygen available at sea level.
Even after getting acclimated, the body starts to shut down, and if someone stays at that height long enough, they will die.
A lot of the climbers use oxygen here for climbing and sleeping.
The weather on Everest allows for climbing only in May and October between winter snows (December-March) and summer monsoons (June-September).
As you can tell, this article is just giving you the basics of what information you'll need to find your way to the top of the world's highest peaks.
Amazon.com has a great source of books on this subject.
About The Author
Robin Shortt is a father of five children and five step children and thoroughly enjoys the outdoors. He is also a Cub Scout leader,who sees the big picture when it comes to helping our children to love and explore the great outdoors. Visit: http://www.goodnightcampingequipment.com. This article is shareware. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including this notice. Copyright © 2004 Robin Shortt.
Robin@goodnightcampingequipment.com
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