Monthly Archives: May 2016

Episode 33: Surviving Everest

Icefall

In Episode 33, Alex Staniforth talks about his recently published book Icefall which details how he survived two of the deadliest seasons of record on Mt. Everest during the 2014 and 2015 climbing seasons.  Alex was picked on in his youth, but talks openly about how he channeled his energy in to outdoor activities – which eventually led him to raise funds and climb the tallest mountain in the world.

In my first international interview, we discuss backpacking in Nepal, hiking to base camp, life on the mountain, and how he managed to survive the avalanches and rock slides that took many lives over the last two climbing seasons.  We also talk about his plans for the future – including where a 20 year old goes from here and how Mt. Everest still fits in to his future.

Subject: Surviving Everest

Interviewees: Alex Staniforth
Interview Date:
April 28, 2016
Runtime:
59:48
Download Now: Surviving Everest (WMA format 47.9 Meg);
Surviving Everest (MP3 format 57.4 Meg)

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Ramrock Mountain – 2002 v’s 2016

Here's what 14 years can do to an overlook on the Appalachian Trail.  Ramrock Mountain and the view in 2002…

Ramrock Mountain View 2002

And the same view looking toward the southeast in 2016.  Note the rock in the center of the photo and tree cover in the background.  The tree to the left in the photo above is no longer there.

IMG_0337-fix

Granted – the 2002 photo was taken in March with no leave cover and the above photo was taken in May, but it's amazing how fast the Southern forest grows.  We enjoyed what remained of the view nonetheless.