Everest - the Ultimate Climb
5-7-5 (exhausted climbers)5 total reviews
Comment from LisaMay
Hello Mark, as a resident of New Zealand and one who loves the mountains, it gave me a thrill to see our national hero, Sir Edmund Hillary, referred to in your skilfully succinct poem by way of the step obstacle named after him.
As a matter of interest, the figure in the classic photo of the climber at the summit that your chosen illustration is based on, is that of the Nepalese Sherpa, Tenzing Norgay (Sir Ed was much taller and slimmer), who may well have been the first one to stand on the top, and who, if he were British, may well have had the step named after him instead of Hillary. This is not a known fact - both climbers never actually said who got there first. I'll happily claim the summit for New Zealand.
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2020
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Hello Mark, as a resident of New Zealand and one who loves the mountains, it gave me a thrill to see our national hero, Sir Edmund Hillary, referred to in your skilfully succinct poem by way of the step obstacle named after him.
As a matter of interest, the figure in the classic photo of the climber at the summit that your chosen illustration is based on, is that of the Nepalese Sherpa, Tenzing Norgay (Sir Ed was much taller and slimmer), who may well have been the first one to stand on the top, and who, if he were British, may well have had the step named after him instead of Hillary. This is not a known fact - both climbers never actually said who got there first. I'll happily claim the summit for New Zealand.
Comment Written 25-Jul-2020
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2020
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Lisa,
If I recall Tenzig did it more than once. Regardless of who reached the top first, it was an extraordinary joint accomplishment for both men. And you are right about the ethnicity issue. Sir Ed was white and Tenzing was a Nepalese native. You can be proud of your New Zealander (-:
Mark
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Those Sherpas are amazingly hardy. I have hiked the Annapurna Circuit and been to Everest base camp in the late seventies and seen their strength and endurance at first hand. The loads they can carry is remarkable.
Comment from tempeste
Ciao poet . I gave you your 3 vote!
When Hillary reached the summit in 1953 his name became immortal..
Your poem made me think of all the beautiful mountain ranges we have ..alpine climbing is a popular practise.
The most famous Italian alpine climber we have is Reinhold Messner, who reached Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen in 1978 ..a feat the medical world said was impossible.
The Dolomiti was his playground and by 15 he had already climbed 3000 metre peaks.
In 1970 during an exhibition to conquer Nanga Parbat ( Pakistan killer mountain) he lost 7 toes due to frostbite .. Messner and his younger brother faced the descent separately....his brother Gunther died when an avalanche occurred .
His remains were found in 2005.
By 1986 , Reinhold was the first to conquer all 14 peaks over 8 thousand metres..
Messner explained that mountaineering is not about trophies or fame for him ..
.. it's the love of the mountain, to connect with nature , the wilderness... and to exceed one's limits but as a personal challenge with oneself ..
Reinhold Messner had great mental control/ power and these were important elements that contributed to his great achievements.
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2020
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Ciao poet . I gave you your 3 vote!
When Hillary reached the summit in 1953 his name became immortal..
Your poem made me think of all the beautiful mountain ranges we have ..alpine climbing is a popular practise.
The most famous Italian alpine climber we have is Reinhold Messner, who reached Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen in 1978 ..a feat the medical world said was impossible.
The Dolomiti was his playground and by 15 he had already climbed 3000 metre peaks.
In 1970 during an exhibition to conquer Nanga Parbat ( Pakistan killer mountain) he lost 7 toes due to frostbite .. Messner and his younger brother faced the descent separately....his brother Gunther died when an avalanche occurred .
His remains were found in 2005.
By 1986 , Reinhold was the first to conquer all 14 peaks over 8 thousand metres..
Messner explained that mountaineering is not about trophies or fame for him ..
.. it's the love of the mountain, to connect with nature , the wilderness... and to exceed one's limits but as a personal challenge with oneself ..
Reinhold Messner had great mental control/ power and these were important elements that contributed to his great achievements.
Comment Written 25-Jul-2020
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2020
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I have walked in the Dolomites near Calalzo with the woman I eventually married. (The train ride from Venezia had spectacular vistas.) I think we were at 3,000 meters. It was beautiful and dramatic scenery.
Thanks for your vote, but methinks the current top two will remain on the podium and I doubt my post will earn a Bronze placement in the contest.
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I have never been to Calalzo but I checked it out ..
There is the Marmarole range that stretches out for 13 km.. one can do a 4 day trekking tour .. the mountain lodges are at 1.500, 1,900 and the highest at 2.250m. one grand adventure
..the views must be breathtaking .
I can see why you talk so passionately about your trip .!
Comment from UpNorth
So few words, so many steps. Hillary step, Hilary hero, Hillary mentor claim. Much said in a few words- plenty shared at the top. Good take on a unique subject.
reply by the author on 24-Jul-2020
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So few words, so many steps. Hillary step, Hilary hero, Hillary mentor claim. Much said in a few words- plenty shared at the top. Good take on a unique subject.
Comment Written 24-Jul-2020
reply by the author on 24-Jul-2020
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Thanks UpNorth for your review and stars. I appreciate your comments.
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I did ice climbing on small walls when I was younger-numb fingers and toes on those few outings gave me much appreciation of the slog in winter mountaineering.
Comment from Michael Ludwinder
I'm so glad you explained what Hillary is. I thought this was a weird political twist until I read that. With that understanding I read it again. Very nicely done. You share with just a few words the relief of reaching Hillary. Well done!
reply by the author on 23-Jul-2020
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I'm so glad you explained what Hillary is. I thought this was a weird political twist until I read that. With that understanding I read it again. Very nicely done. You share with just a few words the relief of reaching Hillary. Well done!
Comment Written 23-Jul-2020
reply by the author on 23-Jul-2020
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so pleased you read my note! never thought of it might as a political commentary, but maybe it could be with The Donald and Hillary LOL
Comment from Pam (respa)
-Nice artwork and
presentation.
-The syllable count is good,
along with the topic.
-Effective imagery as you
describe this icy climb.
-A very good concluding line, too.
-Good luck in the contest.
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2020
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-Nice artwork and
presentation.
-The syllable count is good,
along with the topic.
-Effective imagery as you
describe this icy climb.
-A very good concluding line, too.
-Good luck in the contest.
Comment Written 22-Jul-2020
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2020
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Pam,
It must be an extraordinary effort to reach the top of Everest. Sir Edmund Hillary did it with less technological and logistical support than my imagined verse. So pleased for your review and contest wishes.
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You are very welcome, and I appreciate your reply. It was an awesome feat.