Team Jordan Romero on its way up Everest’s slopes
Jordan Romero, with Everest's summit just in view. (Photo by Jordan Romero.com)
A quick update on the progress of Jordan’ Romero’s climb of Mount Everest. Jordan, 13, is trying to become the youngest person to ever climb the mountain. He’s climbing with his parents and a team of other climbers. Here’s the text of the team’s latest post, courtesy of jordanromero.com:
******
It’s the night before a big climb. We will go up for some 3 days, to again build onto our Camp 1, then Camp 2 (7,900 meters). There are 3 ‘high camps’ in all. It may seem a little confusing on our map as we go back and forth between camps, but hang in there and we will explain it all to you. These ‘up and down’ trips are completely standard, as we have to train our bodies to be up at these very, very thin air camps. And, of course….we must carry everything up, sleeping bags, tents, food, gas, you name it. The route to the summit of Everest takes time and effort. Furthermore, every move between camps requires a rest day. We try to replenish as many calories as we can and catch up on sleep. Sleeping up here is a major challenge.
We’ll again return to the warm comfort of 21,000-foot ABC (Advanced Base Camp), before making another work trip to the upper camps.
Once that is done, we’ll of course return all the way to the beach like weather of 17,000-foot base camp where we wait for the right weather window.
Thus far, the team is probably ahead of what was expected in terms of acclimatization. Whilst at 21,000, our appetite has not even dipped, sleep has been a tiny challenge, but now we all sleep 9-10 hours minimum. Resting heart rates are low, saturation high, headaches gone. . . . everything is just clicking!
It’s a yo-yo game, just hang in there and be patient, and we’ll try to communicate our strategy the best we can, all things considered.
Jordan, Karen, Paul
*********
Sounds like things are going well. Unlike most climbs, tackling the Himalayan peaks takes a lot of advance work to establish camps, acclimate and, of course, wait for the right weather conditions. There are those elite climbers who go “fast and light” and forgo the seige tactics most teams employ. But those guys are rare.
Here’s hoping for the best for the team, as well as all the other climbers on the mountain. As more news pops up, I’ll update here.
Bob Doucette
Mount Everest route, north side.
Thank you for joining our conversation on Out There. We encourage your discussion but ask that you stay within the bounds of our commenting and posting policy.
Comments
We are a 5th grade class at Green Vale School on Long Island in New York and are reading the book PEAK, which is a story about a 14-year-old who climbs Mt. Everest. We have also been following your adventure and are very excited for you! We hope you make it to SUMMIT. We think you are brave for following your dream and respect your passion for climbing. YOU ROCK! GOOD LUCK!
hey i am in 7th grade at Hudson Middle School in Hudson and in Social Studies class we are learning about Mt. Everest and i think u are brave 2 be climbing Mt. Everest Good Luck.
this is a good thing it does not matter this persons age people, get over it..most of you that are so up in arms about this persons age are just wishing you could do what he does..well go do it or do something else that will test your limits and leave you with a feeling of empowerment.I for one pray for this persons safety and trust in his teams good sense to turn back if necessary..its his dream..dont be negative and turn it into a nightmare try to be a little supportive or just be quiet..you go jordan either get a little taste or eat the whole banana, whatever you do either way will be an accomplishment just be careful, keep your focus on your feet and stay alert..thank you