Three Years Later: A Book!

On By Markus Hauschild

It’s been three years since we summitted Everest, but not a day has gone by that I have not thought about some aspect of our climb.  And today is a special day:

Glued to the couch, as I am reading “The Next Everest” by Jim Davidson.  “The Next Everest” is about Jim’s first attempt to climb Mount Everest in 2015 right when the deadly Nepal earthquake happened, followed by our successful attempt in 2017.  Jim’s writing is amazing and inspirational, he is a New York Times Bestselling Author, and the story itself is captivating.  It is incredible how it all comes back as I am reading the book: the experiences that we shared, the tragedies on the mountain, conversations that we have had, and many other things.  Almost feels like I am back on the mountain.

So many unique moments, like right here, when we hiked up Kala Patthar, a local peak near Everest, which turned out to be the most emotional experience of the entire expedition.  I will never forget.

Well, maybe time to return soon.  I kept in touch with my great friend Ngima Sherpa, who summited together with me.  He appears to be rather enthusiastic about another adventure in the near future. Here the two of us on top of the world, enjoying a beautiful sunrise:

Mt. Everest, May 22, 2017, 5:05AM

It took me a while to recover.  My weight was down to 150lbs as a result of the massive effort at high altitude, and I was just skin and bones.  But here the good news: In the meantime, I managed to gain a healthy 80lbs.  Yet, despite the gain in weight, I am able to move surprisingly fast. Skiing, surfing, biking, hiking; all no problem at all. The only “side effect” of the excessive weight gain: I was unable to fully close the zipper of my windbreaker jacket when I went skiing a few weeks ago:

Southern California skiing in the morning, before work

But overall, I think that I am in the best possible shape, ready for “the next big thing”, whatever that may be.  Lhotse or Ama Dablam would be fantastic goals, but there are many other options.  Also, Ngima now has a two year old daughter, and it would be nice to get to know her, while in Nepal.  Maybe 2022…

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