Mount Everest

My brother Brian and his team summited Mt Everest!

One of his team who he was guiding has an interesting story. The 1st Canadian with diabetes to summit Mt Everest. His website is here:
Sebastien



A group of Vancouver climbers, led by Brian Jones and John Furneaux of Canada West Mountain School

For Brian, 47, and Sebastien Sasseville, 28, the ascent caps their bid to climb the Seven Summits - the highest peaks on each of the seven continents - a distinction held by less than 200 climbers in the world. It is also the first time a Canadian climbing company has led expeditions to the tops of all Seven Summits.

Brian Jones, John Furneaux, Then Dorje Sherpa, Minga Sherpa, Pasang Sherpa, and Chedden Sherpa, reached the top of Mount Everest at approximately 9:30 a.m. Nepal time on Sunday, May 25th (8:45 p.m. Saturday, May 24, 2008 Pacific Time), some 13 hours after setting off from Camp 4.

All returned safely to Camp IV where they will spend the night before descending to Camp II tomorrow morning and back at Base Camp on May 27th.

About the team

Brian Jones is the owner of Canada West Mountain School and a Certified ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide. In addition conquering Everest, Brian has also led successful expeditions to the other six of the Seven Summits - Denali (Mount McKinley), Aconcagua, Elbrus, Vinson Massif, Kilimanjaro, Carstensz Pyramid and Mount Logan. He has also worked as a Mountain Safety Guide for several Eco-Challenge expeditions in BC, Australia, Morocco, Argentina and Fiji.

John Furneaux is a Canada West Mountain School instructor and a Certified ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide. An experienced climber, John has led expeditions to Cho Oyu, Mount Waddington, Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya and Mount Logan.

Sebastien Sasseville is a Vancouver climber diagnosed with Type One Diabetes in 2002. He has now become the first Canadian with Type One Diabetes to reach the top of Mount Everest and to climb all Seven Summits.

Everest from the South Side in Nepal

Base Camp - 17,500 feet (5350 meters)

This is a picture of the popular South Col Route up Mt. Everest. Base camp is located at 17,500 feet. This is where climbers begin their true trip up the mountain. This is also where support staff often remain to monitor the expeditions and provide medical assistance when necessary. Many organizations offer hiking trips which just go to base camp as the trip is not technically challenging (though you must be very fit).

peace and love