In March 2013 I will be leading an expedition through the Nepalese side of the Himalayas to Mount Everest Base camp. From there the team will then attempt the south side of Everest over a forty to fifty day period.
The concept of the expedition is a continuation of the North South Solo expedition to reach (in my opinion) the three poles of the planet. Over the past few years I have set up educational programmes with the help of Skype linking schools en route to Mount Everest with schools around the globe. This ground breaking journey is about remote communication.
“The Skype Mount Everest Ascent Expedition is a symbol of human endurance – Having an awareness of Man’s need to explore and an understanding of our fragile planet is inherent in Mark’s make up. The ever changing environment in the Himalayas is proof of the rapid climate change that is affecting the lives of not only my own people but people around the Globe – we are all connected.
I am proud to be the patron of an expedition that is combining exploration with education – I wish all the members the best of luck and encourage others to follow their journey”
Apa Sherpa – in the Guinness Book of Records for climbing Mount Everest 21 times
I will connect visually to schools and businesses from remote areas during the ascent, by creating a wifi space via satellites. This will allow me to speak about the problems the Nepalese people face regarding climate change. I will also invite climate specialist to talk about the shifting glaciers that have a direct affect on the local people and, of course, the rest of the planet.
Students and companies will also be able to talk through the extreme leadership approach to leading teams in high altitude.
The Skype link equipment has already been tested on the 2012 Everest ascent training expedition. I have already contacted schools and companies in Japan, Norway, USA and UK, with further tests taking place on the next training expedition in January 2013.
Everest has been climbed before, but this doesn’t mean it’s easy – climbing over seven thousand metres is still unknown to me. I will train and prepare for the trek, but like all extreme expeditions, Mother Nature will dictate the eventual possibility of success. I will also continue to film the team and undertake Skype links in mountains and villages we pass through. An independent cameraman has been approached to capture the event and we will then work together to put the Mount Everest, the North Pole and the South Pole films together as one documentary.
The reason why I am taking this journey on is to make the link from the extremes of the Himalayas to high climate change issues – to inspire others to understand their own planet and to encourage people to keep on exploring.
One Response so far.
Leave a Reply
Good Luck Woody with your expedition in March. I will follow your progress as you report it. Have a safe, fun and meaningful trip. Stay safe and enjoy the view at the top. If you want to clear some snow off my drive to help with your training then please do, I can dress as a Polar bear to make it more exciting if that would tempt you.