Danielle Fisher Tops Out On Shisha Pangma–Only Shisha Summit of the Season!

After weeks of heavy snow and high winds, teams turning around and heading back off of Shisha Pangma, we are getting word that there has FINALLY been a Summit!

Danielle Fisher and Alpine Ascents’ Lhakpa Sherpa have claimed the first and only summit of the world’s 14th tallest peak this fall season.

On Oct. 14 WE SUMMITTED!!! We started at 3:30 a.m. in the dark and in our down suits. It was about -30 degrees. When the sun came out it quickly warmed up and I took my down suit off.

With many teams heading back due to high avalanche risk ect., Danielle and Lhakpa Sherpa were able to top out by side-stepping a risky ridge.  Rather than climbing over it to the central summit, they climbed around it. 

The summit push would take close to 12 hours from beginning to end in freezing temperatures and high winds.

At 22 years old, Danielle Fisher has quickly been making a name for herself in the mountain climbing community.  She has already pulled off the Seven Summits–and became the youngest person to ever do so in the process.  Her last peak, Mt. Everest, was ticked off in 2005 when Danielle was just 20 years old.

Other News From Shisha

Alan Arnette, a good friend of mine whom I was following quite extensively on Shisha Pangma this season, has arrived back home safe and sound.

He has put up a new post on his own site informing us of his early return home and his collection of over 2000 photos that he took along the way

If you want to checkout Alan’s great photography of Tibet and Shisha Pangma, click one of the following links:

• Climbing Shisha Pangma
• Faces of Tibet  (Alan’s Personal Favorite)
• Scenes of Tibet
• Lhasa
• My Teammates and I

I am sure Alan was a bit dissappointed in not being able to make a successful summit of Shisha Pangma this year, but he did manage to get to over 7,000 meters without any kind of problems from the high altitude.  To Alan, the experience is worth more than the summit anyways.

Alan is currently on a year long quest that will land him back on Mt. Everest next spring.  The recent Shisha Pangma expedition was just an acclimatization and training climb for Everest, and with this in mind, the climb was definately a success!  Way to go Alan!  Glad your back home! (sorry, had to fit that in there someplace.)

Alan is currently climbing for a cause.  His Road Back To Everest is being done solely on his own funds.  Alan is trying to raise Awareness and funds for the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund.  The Cure Alzheimer’s fund gives 100% of it’s donations straight to the doctors and researchers helping to win the war on this terrible disease.

Stop by, look at Alan’s photos–listen to his story, then show the love and make a small donation to help his cause.  I know Alan would appreciate it.

Alan Arnette on Shisha Pangma

My good friend Alan Arnette is currently sitting at Advanced Base Camp on Shisha Pangma–the 14th tallest peak in the world.  His acclimatization has went well, his communication problems from the mountain have been solved, but now it looks like the weather and time might be his enemy–

The Project Himalaya Team have now been bunkered down at ABC for five days straight.  The weather conditions continue to hamper any further progress for the team and now the questions are beginning to be asked…will they have a shot at the summit?

The weather forecasts moves more than the Ravens. The team energy moves in proportion with the daily weather. Day one was nice, day two it snowed, day three it snowed more and became extremely cold, day four warmer but more snow, day five bright and sunny, that night however it was brutally cold.

The team only has a limited window to make a push for the summit.  They are planning a mid-October return home, yet the days and hours tick by.  Other teams are stranded as well.  Some have even left the mountain.  For them, Shisha Pangma would not relinquish the summit.

Alan has spent time acclimatizing.  After a rough time on Denali, he has questioned his own health, but thus far Alan’s health has proved immaculate.  He has had no problems with the altitude and has now been higher than any mountain in the United States.  He is waiting.  He is ready.  If only the weather would clear…

Alan Arnette’s journey to Shisha Pangma is a personal one.  Last year, Alan learned that his mother had been diagnosed with Alzheimers.  A terrible disease that eats at your thoughts.  It takes away your past and makes you forget everything around you, including who your loved ones are.  Alan has made it his mission to help in the fight for a cure for this dreaded disease.  Alzheimers has affected all of us in one way, shape, or form, but Alan has taken it upon himself to do something about it.

At 53, Alan might not be the youngest climber.  Actually, it is pretty safe to say that he is not.  He does have experience though.  He has been to Everest twice.  He is hoping for a third time in 2008.  The summit still eludes him.  Now,  it isn’t about the summits though.  It isn’t about the glory.  It is about his mother and that dreaded disease.  The memmories and the memmories lost between a mother and child.  Alan will climb on.

Sitting in the mess tent with his fellow teammates, they all contemplate their future.  Alan questions how to bring more awareness to his cause, and if people even care.  Since leaving in August, Alan is brutally honest when stating that his Alzheimers fund has only managed a mere $110 increase in this time.  Is it all for nothing?  No.  To Alan every little bit helps.

When I first began to talk with Alan Arnette just about a year ago, we had alot in common.  I was new on the scene.  Alan had been covering Mt. Everest and his passion for climbing on his own site for a few years.  He became someone I could look to for honesty and a helping hand.  He kept it real.  Over the past few months, Alan has given himself completely to his cause.  Helping his mother.  Helping those of you that have been touched by Alzheimers.  Even in the face of death–being airlifted off the high slope of Denali a few months back–Alan still wanted to climb on.  He knows the importance.  Time is his enemy.

It is very rare–actually, I don’t remember a time where I have made such a plea in the past–yet, for Alan, I am going to.  100% of the money given to Alan’s Alzheimers fund goes directly to the doctors..to the researchers trying to come up with a cure.  Alan is climbing on his own money.  $50,000.  That is a cheap rate for climbing Mt. Everest.  Add in Denali, Shisha Pangma, and 12 14,000 Ft. peaks in Colorado and you can begin to see the time and money Alan is putting towards his goal.

It isn’t about the summit.  It is about his mother!  It is about your family and friends.  It is about the memmories. 

We have all enjoyed following Alan and his tremendous efforts.  His brutally honest dispatches have taken all of us to Shisha in a way that few of us have ever experienced before.  Let’s give him a hand.  Let’s show our support.  Let’s give—even if it is a dollar–I average over 10,000 readers a month.  If each of us would give a dollar..that is $10,000.  A far cry from the $110 thus given during this Shisha Pangma expedition.  Now imagine if we each gave $5.00, or perhaps even a bit more.  I am not rich.  I don’t have money flying out of my ass, but I do think all of us could sacrifice that Bigmac to help out a worthy cause.  To help out a friend.  I am sure Alan would appreciate the efforts.

To help out, you can make your donations by following the link found below.  As Alan always says “Memmories are Everything”.

Gifts to support breakthrough research in Alan Arnette’s campaign to raise $100,000 can be made through online donations, or checks can be mailed directly to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund (please be sure to designate your gift to The Road Back to Everest: Memories are Everything). Feel free to call 1-877-Cure Alz (287-3259) with any questions or if you’d rather make your credit card gift over the phone.

You can follow this link to make your donation now:  The Cure Alzheimers Fund.

American Climber Dies Enroute to Shisha Pangma

The fall Himalayan season has just kicked off and already, we are hearing reports that an American climber has died. 

Ray Yeritsian, originally from Armenia-but moved to the States in 1991–died while enroute to Shisha Pangma.  He was set to climb Shisha with an expedition team from Asian Trekking.

From ExplorersWeb:

The team was supposed to start out on 11th of September. Due to landslide, the expedition was delayed and planned to reach base camp on September 15. But according to Doctors, Ray suffered a ruptured artery in Nyalam.

Ray was an avid climber.  He had taken on many of the World’s top peaks including successful summits of Aconcagua and Denali and a failed attempt on Mt. Everest in 2000.

Asian Trekking is reporting that Ray’s body is enroute to the United States on request from the family.

Our thoughts and Prayers go out to Ray and his family and friends.

Alan Arnette Arrives at Shisha Pangma Advanced Basecamp

Alan Arnette and the Project Himalaya Expedition team have arrived at Shisha Pangma’s Advanced Basecamp.  The Project Himalaya team, after a 5 hour trek and a gain of 2,000 feet, are finally getting settled into their new home for the next couple of days.

From Alan’s first night at Shisha Pangma ABC:

As the snow fell harder, I fell into a deep sleep. It felt good after the long day. But this new altitude would have its revenge. I awoke with a start. Gasping for air, I recognized my condition as periodic breathing, a common condition at altitude. Nothing serious. So another round of Diamox was in order and I switched on my headlamp. But something else seemed different.

Alan then goes in to some detail about his first night at the new altitude and the teams first snow on Shisha Pangma.  Alan had to wake up three different times during the night–probably attributed to the diomox–but subsequentially ended up having to unbury his tent.  The storm was trying to bury them in on the first night!

The next morning all was ok.  The snow had stopped and Alan was feeling great.

Alan also goes into an amusing take of the trip to ABC with the Yaks that were SUPPOSE to be bringing up the Project Himalaya equipment for the team.  I will let you read this for yourselves.  Follow the link to get Alan’s latest expedition report on Shisha Pangma.

Over the next couple of days, Alan Arnette and the Project Himalaya team will be concentrating on acclimatization.  Each day will bring them a bit higher on the slope of Shisha Pangma–then back down to ABC before they head up to the next camp.

Alan Arnette is climbing Shisha Pangma completely for charity.  He is looking to raise some funds to aid in Alzheimer’s research.  A very devestating and debilitating disease that has touched all of us in one form or another.  Please look for the link to his charity on his Shisha Pangma Expedition page and see what you can do to help.

Alan Arnette Arrives at Shisha Pangma

After a couple of days of travel, Alan Arnette and Project Himalaya have finally made it to Shisha Pangma Basecamp.

Alan is reporting that all is well.  He is able to sleep comfortably and his acclimatization seems to be going rather well.  He has had no problems to speak of–which is a very good sign after the Denali scare a few months back.

“Last night after dinner, I just stood in the middle of the field staring upwards. So many stars. So many stars. The Milky Way appeared as a dense cloud that stretched from the north horizon to the south horizon without interruption. It was a pure rainbow of stars and galaxies. One felt small looking at the vastness of deep space. Over the Himalayas into Nepal, lightening provided a constant light show.”

As you can tell, Alan has a way of making us all feel the surroundings in his posts.

Over the coming days Alan and the Project Himalaya team will be going up and trying to establish ABC camp.  From the photo of Basecamp above, at roughly 16,500 ft., it doesn’t look like much at this time–over the coming days Alan will be going up another 2,000 ft. and hitting the snows that the Himalaya is famous for.

To read Alan’s personal trip reports of recent days, head on over to his site where he is posting regular dispatches from Shisha–the world’s 14th tallest peak.

Alan is also all over the place.  Besides his own site, myself as well as The Adventure Blog and ExplorersWeb are posting regular updates.

Keep in mind that Alan is climbing to help raise awareness and funds for Alzheimers Research.  100% of the funds raised during this process and his eventual landing at Mt. Everest in 2008 are all in support of this project.  To help Alan out, stop on over and make a small donation.  You don’t have to donate to follow along, but I am sure Alan would appreciate the generosity and support.  You may leave a small donation by clicking here:

Alan Arnette Makes First Live Broadcast Enroute to Shisha Pangma

My good friend Alan Arnette has made his first live broadcast and posted it to his site today.  Alan is currently traveling from Lhasa, Tibet to Basecamp of Shisha Pangma–the world’s 14th tallest peak.

After listening to what Alan had to say, it makes me wonder why he is not a Professional speaker.  He really puts you in the mood and brings you right along to Tibet with him…Potholes and all.

I do reccomend if you have never checked out a live broadcast from an expedition, to head on over and check this one out.  It will show you a bit of what can be done with today’s technology.  Pay particular attention to his “Tibetan Restraunt Review”  Very interesting to say the least.

 

This is Alan’s second major test before heading to Mt. Everest in 2008.  Earlier this year, Alan traveled to Denali..and now he is off to Shisha Pangma for his biggest test yet.  He is climbing with Project Himalaya.

Please note that Alan is climbing strictly for charities sake.  His cause, to help in Alzheimer’s research.  Stop by his site, check out the new audio podcast–then if you want to help, make a small donation.  You may do so by following this link:

Alan Arnette Chimes in From Lhasa, Tibet

My good friend Alan Arnette has reported in from Lhasa, Tibet on his journey to the slopes of the 14th highest peak in the world–Shisha Pangma.

Alan arrived in Tibet with his team, Project Himalaya, a few days ago.  Before heading off to Shisha Pangma, the team has had a small three day break in which they were allowed to take in the sites and sounds of Lhasa.

The above photo is just one of the many sites that Alan has had a chance to visit these last couple of days.  This photo is of the Potala..home of the Dalai Lamas–all 13 stories!

Stop by here to read up on the history of this structure over at Alan’s own site, as well as check out the rest of the fantastic photos.  Alan has been running a debate with himself in regards to Lhaka being an ancient society or a modern high-tech society..his answers may surprise you–

Alan is also reporting that since the members still in Lhasa are right around the 11,000 ft. of elevation level, that in fact this is looked upon as an acclimatization excursion.  He said all is doing well and no major problems with anyone on the Project Himalaya team.

Tomorrow Alan will be heading out to Shisha Pangma Basecamp

Let’s all remember that Alan is climbing 100% for charity this year as he tries to land himself back on Mt. Everest.  If you would like to show Alan your support, it is asked that you please make a small donation to his cause:

Alan Arnette: Safely in Tibet and a BIG Announcement…

Alan Arnette has safely arrived in Lhasa, Tibet via Kathmandu.  Many of you that follow Alan or this site will know that Alan is currently in route to try his hand at Shisha Pangma–the world’s 14th tallest peak.  His report today begins with his plane ride out of Kathmandu..into and over part of the Himalayan mountains..and into Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.

The view from above is quite breathtaking.  This is the look from outside Alan’s plane today.

Once arriving in Lhasa, Alan ended up running into a couple of old friends and climbing mates:

Arriving at the hotel, I was pleased and surprised to see two old friends. Ang Tshering who is a Sherpa who organizes and leads local logistics mostly for Adventure Consultants and was here to lead a Cho Oyu climb. I was with him on Ama Dablam and Everest so it was great to see his gold filled smile once again. I also saw Ryan Waters, leading an RMI Cho Oyu trip, whom I was in Pakistan last year. Once again it goes to show what a small world it is.

Alan also made a public announcement today concerning himself and a special presentation he has been involved with. 

 Alan Arnette will be featured on the very popular “Rest of Everest” series in an upcoming episode.  The “Rest of Everest” series has garnered a huge following in the Web world with a new episode being featured every week.

Just before I left for Nepal and Tibet, I was interviewed about my Road Back to Mount Everest: Memories are Everything. Jon Miller, who runs the website The Rest of Everest has become the leading source of Everest content via Podcasting. His weekly episodes are followed by literally tens of thousands loyal viewers.

When he learned of my Journey he generously offered to do a special edition and thus this one. My sincere and deep thanks to Jon for helping get the word out about Alzheimer’s.

You may view Alan’s Rest of Everest interview by clicking this link, as well as a few kind words regarding this endeavor by Jon Miller, himself.  Jon has also promised more podcasts concerning Shisha Pangma this season, as well as my good friend Alan Arnette.  That will definately be something to look forward to.

 

Once again, if you would like to follow along with Alan, you may do so by visiting his site at www.alanarnette.com, then clicking the “Shisha Pangma” link.  Be sure to checkout his “The Road Back to Mount Everest” area for an overview of what Alan has been on a mission with, as of late…including the whole reason he is climbing Shisha Pangma..Alan is currently trying to raise $100,000 for Alzheimer’s Research and 100% of the money raised goes directly to the mission.  You may help out Alan by making a donation at the following link:

Climb On Alan!

 

Alan Arnette Arrives In Kathmandu!!

 

My good friend Alan Arnette has posted his first dispatch from Kathmandu today.  Many of you will know that Alan is currently off preparing to climb the world’s 14th highest peak, Shisha Pangma. 

Shisha Pangma will be Alan’s second major step in his efforts to land back at Mt. Everest in 2008.  Earlier this year, Alan went to Denali where a slight health concern forced him to abort his attempt.  After confering with doctors and getting the green light to continue his climbing, Alan subsequently climbed 12 of Colorado’s 14,000 ft. peaks.  Now, it is off to Shisha Pangma in the Himalayas.

From Alan’s dispatch today in Kathmandu:

Kathmandu! What a city. After leaving Colorado early Thursday morning, I finally arrived in this wonderful city. Nothing has changed. The last time I was here was in 2003 for Everest. The arrival at the airport was what I expected - organized chaos.

From there, Alan goes into detail of finding his luggage, trying to figure out what time it is in Kathmandu, and finally meeting up with his Project Himalaya teammates.  It sounds like Alan is glad to be back in Kathmandu, even though not much has changed since Alan was last there in 2003 while attempting Everest for the second time.

Alan has sent back a few nice pictures of the scene outside the airport in Kathmandu.  He is also promising to try his hand at a little videography while he is on this expedition.  Alan will be trying to post daily reports of his trip to Shisha Pangma–before, during, and after his attempt at the 14th tallest peak in the world.

Remember that Alan is climbing solely for charity.  That is the whole reason he decided to try to head back to Everest in 2008.  His mission is trying to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research.  100% of all money donated to Alan’s charitable cause will be going to this effort. 

If you would enjoy following along with Alan as he makes this attempt on Shisha Pangma, you may do so by following this link to Alan Arnette’s Shisha Pangma Expedition.  I will also be posting coverage as this climb progresses.  If you are feeling a bit geneerous, perhaps you could even help Alan with his cause by making a donation at the following link.  I know Alan would appreciate all of the help and support he can get.

Climb On My Friend and have a safe journey!  We are all watching!

Alan Arnette: Shisha Pangma A Go!

My good friend Alan Arnette has either already left or is preparing to leave for his next goal:  Shisha Pangma.

Many of you that read this blog quite regularly are already familiar with Alan.  I have made quite a few posts concerning him here on The Adventurist and will be making quite a few more in the future.

Earlier this year–actually during the 2007 Mt. Everest climbing season–Alan Arnette announced that he was going to try to back to to Mt. Everest for a third time in the Spring of 2008.  Two previous attempts at the World’s Highest Summit had to be aborted when Alan became ill.  He has yet to reach his summit…

Alan’s journey back to Mt. Everest began shortly after his announcement.  His first big step would be Denali–North America’s highest peak.  Alan climbed strong and hard clear up to the end–the end not being the summit, but a rather mysterious stomach ailment that forced him to abort his attempt, as well as get his first hand view of a high-altitude rescue on Denali. Read more

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