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This is just a cool story to read...

Calif boy, 13, aims to be youngest on Everest peak
By BINAJ GURUBACHARYA
Associated Press Writer
KATMANDU, Nepal (AP) -- At age 13, Jordan Romero is headed to Mount Everest in an attempt to become the youngest person to scale the world's highest mountain - and complete his goal of climbing the highest peaks on all seven continents.

The teenager from Big Bear, California, was busy Saturday with his father Paul and stepmother Karen packing mountaineering gear and planning details of their expedition with three Sherpa guides who will accompany them.

The team leaves Katmandu, Nepal's capital, for China on Sunday and then will travel to the base camp on the Chinese side of the 29,035-foot (8,850-meter) mountain.

Jordan has already climbed the highest peaks on six other continents and hopes to reach Everest's summit in May.

"I just wanted to do something big, and this was something I wanted to do for myself. It was all about the experience and I just happen to be 13 at this time," Jordan told The Associated Press.

The record for the youngest climb of Everest is held by Temba Tsheri of Nepal, who reached the peak at age 16.

Jordan, who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa when he was 10 years old, says he was inspired by a painting in his school hallway of the seven continents' highest summits.

Everest, however, will be his first over 8,000 meters (26,240 feet).

"This will be a big leap, but we have been training for the altitude," he said.

His father and stepmother have also accompanied him on his previous climbs.

Jordan said he would not take any unnecessary risks and would turn around if they encounter problems like bad weather. He said he has read about past disasters on the mountain that have claimed many lives and has learned lessons from them.

"This may be the first of many attempts," he said. "It could take a couple of years, but I am determined to do it. If I don't reach the summit this time, I will try next time."

"I do feel ready," he said. "I feel very prepared emotionally, and definitely physically."

While he is acclimatizing at the base camp before the May push to the summit, Jordan plans to do his algebra homework, some book reports and write a journal about his experiences.

He had a blog where you can keep up with his progress. Currently (Apr. 19), he is at base camp.

To keep up with him:
http://www.jordanromero.com

Jordan Romero is hiking now to camp 3 (final camp before the summit). Started 6 hrs ago, 3/4 there! Watch in real time: http://bit.ly/aB8Q1n

You know, if he succeeds, he can lay claim to being the "highest kid" in his school.

Looks like he's heading straight for the summit right now ... he totally bypassed camp 3 and is heading for the 1st step! Don't see any details anywhere, but he wouldn't have bypassed the camp unless he was attempting a summit bid, I don't think. Check it out live...http://bit.ly/aB8Q1n

Yep, this is a confirmed summit bid, report says all is well right now to make it. He's past the 1st step and halfway to the 2nd step. This is WAY better than the Suns!!!!
http://bit.ly/aB8Q1n

That's great, but why when I try to open the file does it tell me that the Silverlight program can harm my computer?

That would be so GREAT!!!!!! I wish him the best of luck, and envy him. Maybe someday.

azbackpackr wrote:That's great, but why when I try to open the file does it tell me that the Silverlight program can harm my computer?

Because it's a Microsoft product. Anytime you run software created by the Windoze crew you do so at your own risk...
Just install it and it should run fine ;)

That is cool, I did not realize they were doing the Northeast Ridge. Taking that mofo from Tibet!!!

Ok, got it. Is there live video, or just those still photos and the route map?

Looks like he summited! http://bit.ly/aB8Q1n
No live video, just photos and Spot GPS live...

Can't view the Microcrap stuff so I read it on the AP. Man gotta get me some kangaroo reproduction juice holders!