In 1963, Seattle mountaineer Jim Whittaker became the first North American to summit Mount Everest. At an elevation of 29,028 feet, the Nepal/Tibet Mountain is the highest place on earth. Named for British Surveyor General Sir George Everest in 1865, the mountain is called “Chomolungma” by Tibetans, which means “Goddess Mother of the Earth.”

Climbing to a summit, like all of life’s great challenges, requires preparation, endurance, and the will to succeed.

"For every mountain there is a miracle," observed evangelist Robert Schuller.
•••••

PRACTICE AND FOCUS...
"With practice and focus, you can extend yourself far more than you ever believed possible." ~ Edmund Hillary

New Zealand adventurer Sir Edmund Hillary (1919-) and climbing companion Tensing Norgay of Nepal reached the top of Mount Everest in 1953. A beekeeper and fastidious planner, Hillary prepared for every challenge in his quest for Everest.

"Each night when I went to bed, I'd let my mind dwell on the likely things that might happen the next day," he explained. "And think out carefully the sorts of decisions that might be necessary to make."

"It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves," said Hillary who was also the first to stand at both poles and explore the source of the Yangtze River.
•••••

CAREFUL CLIMBER…
"I am afraid if there is anything to be afraid of. A precipice cannot hurt you. Lions and tigers can. The streets of New York I consider more dangerous than the Matterhorn to a thoroughly competent and careful climber." ~ Annie Smith Peck

Fearless mountain climber and writer, Annie Smith Peck climbed the Matterhorn in 1895. Two years later, she became the first woman to reach the summit of Mexico's Pico de Orizaba. The remarkable Peck climbed her last peak at age 82, the 5,363-foot Mt. Madison in New Hampshire.

"Nothing to mountaineering, just a little physical endurance, a good deal of brains, lots of practice, and plenty of warm clothing," she said.
•••••

BECAUSE…
"Because it's there." ~ George Mallory

Shortly before his disappearance on the slopes of Mt. Everest in 1924, England’s George Leigh Mallory (1886–1924) gave that enigmatic answer to the question, “Why do you want to climb Mt. Everest?”

A mantra for anyone determined to reach their own summit, Mallory’s words celebrate dedication in the face of challenge; the partnerships needed to get there; the goals, hard work, and luck that make each step easier…

…And of course, the PASSION that fuels the spirit up, up, up to the top.

Whatever your climb, risk it. The view at the top is magnificent...