Everest 2003: Ben Clark
Update

Hello everyone, it is happening.  After four years of dedication, discipline, and planning, I am departing for 29,029’ Mount Everest Friday April 4th. This is a technically demanding climb and the adventure of a lifetime spanning across the Himalayas of Nepal and into the remote reaches of the world’s highest country, Tibet.

This year’s climbing team welcomes Lhawang Dhondup, Lhakpa Nuru, and Dawa Chiri, three Sherpas whose ability, knowledge and experience is unparalleled on the mountain. This attempt will be on the North/Northeast ridge route in Tibet, should I reach the top, I will be the youngest American to have summited the world’s highest mountain. This adventure is far more important than any record, after four years of persistence and the development of climbing and an entrepreneurial skill set, I am pleased to be able to finally set eyes on the hill and, at 23 years old, know I truly earned the opportunity to take part in such an amazing experience.

I have been training hard since departing 26,788’ Dhaulagiri, last May. I covered five continents this year, found my way to the roof of Africa, 19,340 Mount Kilimanjaro, Mexico’s 18,870’ Pico De Orizaba, for the third time, and many summits in the Indian Peaks wilderness of Colorado and 14000’ peaks, despite the “Blizzard of the Century”.  It has been a wonderful year observing and documenting the fascinating environments of our world on camera, through e-mails and creating slideshows of the adventures you can download from the website!  It has been even more exciting organizing this year’s main event, Everest, and once again closing a deal with Fortune 500 Company EchoStar Communications.

The adventure begins April 6, I invite you to follow and share in the 60 day experience. This Everest expedition is sponsored in part by Fortune 500 Company, EchoStar Communications Corp., Dish Network. This is the second climb EchoStar has funded. In addition, CNN has provided the expedition with satellite communications gear to send back video footage and for a potential live television broadcast from the mountain. Brunton has provided the expedition with Solar panels for keeping our technology powered, despite the absence of running water and electricity. Brunton has also provided the GPS units for tracking the progress of summit day.  La Sportiva has provided lightweight footwear for the approach and the warmest high quality boots made for climbing the upper mountain.  Electrovaya is providing batteries to charge our Apple powerbook G4’s.

Your interest has provided the confidence and support to make this dream a reality! Thank you, I look forward to sharing the adventure with you! Ben Clark

Wake up to it everyday.        Climbing April 6!

Ben Clark

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