The final two episodes of Everest: Beyond the Limit Season 3 were quite good; very different from the first three in a number of ways. First, the camera work seemed much better; perhaps because many of the scenes were in full daylight. The editing was smooth and neither episode felt rushed when compared, especially, to the first episode. Then, I think the story line was more even and took us into the team dynamics without any of the conflict. I appreciated hearing directly from so many of the climbers and their unfiltered honesty. Finally, we held a Titter Chat (#EV09) continue reading
Dec 292009
It has been about a month since we replaced our Windows PCs with iMacs so I thought a quick report was in order. I am glad to report – all is fine. As I posted on November 19, we replaced an HP and Dell PC running Windows XP with two iMacs. The installation and data transfers were simple. And the learning curve fast. We both have standard configurations with 4 MB and are pleasantly surprised at the speed. Cathy’s World Looking a bit deeper; I tend to use the computer for more functions than my wife, Cathy, who mostly surfs continue reading
Tigress Productions filmed two teams on Everest this past spring and tonight, The Discovery Channel aired in the U.S. the first three episodes of the five part season. For the first time they filmed on the Nepal, south, side of Everest since the Chinese made it too difficult to climb from the north in 2009. Also they followed two teams, Eric Simonson’s International Mountain Guides in addition to their regular; Russel Brice’s Himalayan Experience (Himex). In a departure from their formula of interpersonal conflict, exaggerated drama and defiant climbers; this season focused almost exclusively on climbing. In the previous two continue reading
Anyone interested in chatting real time during the Discovery Channel Everest: Beyond the Limit tonight; follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/alan_arnette and put #EV09 at the end of each post. If you create a search with #EV09 it will make it easy to follow the chat. Maybe we can get some of the climbers who were there to join us. Starts at 6:00 Mountain Time
A Killer Ski Movie
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Dec 222009
A combination of Friday the 13th and Vertical Limit …
North Face – a new climbing movie
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Dec 222009
Climbers of all skills know of the Eiger. This 13,025′ peak in the Swiss Alps has been a topic of legend and tales for centuries. The North face has been lusted and sought out by climbers and was featured in the Clint Eastwood classic, the Eiger Sanction. It was first climbed in 1938 and 64 climbers have died attempting the steep and dangerous north face. With this drama background, the new movie, NORTH FACE is set to open on January 29 in New York and across the US in February. See the full list here. From the press kit:
Alzheimer's Research in Need
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Dec 172009
Over the past few years, I can summarize the challenge about Alzheimer’s, medical research and fund raising in one of my favorite phrases: Is it hard or Impossible?. And the answer is really, really hard. Not impossible, just hard. And your help is needed. I know we are consistently asked to give to a multitude of worthy causes. However, since you visit this site, I hope that you will feel that a donation to Alzheimer’s is a worthy way of saying thanks. The Cure Alzheimer’s Fund is my choice for research because 100% of all donations only go to research continue reading
According to the production company, Tigress Productions, Season 3 will air on the Discovery Channel in the US on Sunday, 27th December and Wednesday, 30th December. The first three episodes are being shown on the 27th at 8, 9 & 10 pm EST followed by episodes 4 & 5 at 9 & 10 pm on the 30th. Episode One covers early trips through the ice fall, David Tait’s summit with the rope fixing team and the ice fall avalanche that killed the Sherpa. Episode Two concentrates on John Golden’s summit attempt with IMG Episode Three covers the main IMG team continue reading
Dec 132009
Multiple news agencies are reporting on 1 dead and 2 climbers missing on Mt. Hood as of Saturday, December 12. They left the Timberline Wy’east Day Lodge at 1:00 a.m. Friday morning for a 12 hour climb up the Reid Glacier but never returned. Friends alerted Search and Rescue (SAR) when they failed to return as scheduled. Yesterday 26 year-old climber Luke Gullberg was found dead near 9,000 feet. Climbing gear was found strewn randomly on the glacier. Angles in this area reach 60 degrees. 30 SAR personnel were involved in the efforts on Saturday and reported the area was continue reading
Early Season Death on Aconcagua
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Dec 082009
The climbing season on the highest mountain outside the Himalayas has just begun and the first death has already occurred. American climber, Michel Miniesll died during his descent. The 39 year-old climber had attempted the summit twice and on his third attempt was returning via the Polish Glacier, normally a technical route. He is reported to have become lost in a snowstorm. Already this season nine climbers have been evacuated for various physical reasons. Aconcagua is located in Argentina near the border with Chile. It is the highest mountain in South America at 22,841′ and one of the 7 Summits. continue reading
Dec 052009
It may seem a little early, but the 2010 Everest season is just around the corner. I have started my annual coverage with a short introduction to the season on it’s very own Blog. As always, I will cover the climbers and teams as they spend spring making their way up the mountain targeting a late May summits from both sides. Read more on the Everest 2010 Blog.
Dec 052009
I received an early present from my Christmas wish list; the latest GPS Personal locator beacon from SPOT otherwise known as the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger. I took it out for a test drive on an easy hike to Bison Peak in the Lost Creek Wilderness of central Colorado. The SPOT performed well. I wanted SPOT primarily to keep my wife informed of where I was when I was out of cell phone range, which happens often with my iPhone/ATT in the Colorado back country. Also, I thought it would be nice to see my tracks when I got back continue reading
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