The Everest Situation/Nepal Earthquake
4/28/15
I’ve been asked quite a bit lately about the unfolding
scene in the high Himalaya following the devastating earthquake.
The mountaineering community is rather small and I do have two
acquaintances there now. One of
whom is Dan Mazur, the last person to be helicoptered from Camp 1 on Everest.
The other is Alan Arnette who was at Camp 2 when the avalanche wiped out
Everest Base Camp, killing 18 and injuring scores more.
Both Alan and Dan were two of the last to be evacuated from
the camps by helicopter. This means
they were evacuated to base camp and are beginning their treks down to Lukla
where they will likely wait in line for several days for a flight to Kathmandu.
I can only imagine what getting out of Kathmandu will look like and what
getting out of there can entail.
For mountain history buffs, Dan Mazur is rather famous.
In addition to leading the expedition that spurred the book “Three Cups
of Tea” on K2, he is the owner of Summit Climb.
It was the Summit Climb group with whom we climbed Muztagh Ata in 2011.
Brian and I utilized their ground logistics to mount our climb.
I have corresponded with Dan many times, as recently as two months ago in
preparation for another climb next year.
Dan is also famous for rescuing Lincoln Hall in the highly publicized
“Left for Dead” scenario on Everest several years back.
Both Alan and Dan are seasoned high altitude mountaineers
and survivors. Now that they are
off the flanks of Chomolungma, I am certain they will be able to successfully
pick their way down to Lukla, although I am hearing that the trail has been
affected and alternate routes are required.
They may even have to hike all the way down to Kathmandu.
That could be quite epic in its own right.
Alan actually advised me on my Broad Peak attempt and his
life mission is to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s Research.
You can follow him here.
www.alanarnette.com
This is a major catastrophe for the country of Nepal and the Sherpa
culture that will likely take decades to right.
Here is a link for those wishing to donate.
John