Hi everyone, Nick here, Matthew Schultz of the Herald Sun, an Australian newspaper, interviewed Paul just after his arrival back at base camp on Thursday. You can listen to the interview here
Throughout this climb the Herald Sun has supported Paul and Fiona, publishing a series of articles online. Well worth a look here.
Jill, Dallas, TX
Nick,
Thanks for sharing this interview and thanks for your contribution to this whole endeavor. I’m sure we out here in cyberspace don’t realize just how big a part you played in enabling us to enjoy this experience with the climbers. A toast to you!
Congratulations on reaching the summit Paul. You must be thrilled.
I haven’t been able to listen to any audio updates on my computer for some reason, but will try and do so soon.
Enjoy the hike out from base camp. Soak it in.
Cheers
Gavin
ps – what sort of goggles do you use? I also wear glasses and have been looking into some goggles that I can just put over me specs.
Thanks Jill, and everyone, for your kind words. It has been wonderful to work with Paul and Fi both this year and last, to enable both them to share their experience, almost step by step, and vicarious travelers all over the world to go on these two expeditions with them.
The support received by Paul and Fi each night, demonstrating the passionate engagement of a huge support team, really has made a huge difference to them I am quite sure. In the same way that a football team is spurred to ever greater efforts by the roaring support of the home crowd in the stands.
But the team out there on the field are the ones doing the work. The effort to write every single night, to get a connection, to send it through whatever, despite exhaustion, fear, and the cold, is not to be underestimated.
As some of you know I have been researching, theorising and experimenting on the use of the Internet on expedition reporting for quite a few years now, even to the extent of completing my PhD on the topic. Paul and Fi have been willing co-experimenters, incorporating much of the learning into this website. The outstanding support and engagement of the thousands of visitors to MyEverest delights me.
There is still much to learn, but Paul and Fi’s efforts to really make the most of the opportunities the Internet offers for expeditioners, are surely in the vanguard. Three cheers for Paul and Fi!
Nick
Double congratulations Paul.
After reading your detailed account of your summit and descent I am amazed and in awe of what you had to deal with (and somewhat shocked and exhausted as well).
Thank you for sharing such an incredible personal story.
Congratulations not only for summitting and surviving with your own mental and physical strengths but for saving someone’s life.
Not many of us can say we have done that important job.
Best wishes and enjoy those flowers again on the way down.
May the weather gods smile for the mountain airport departure and no delays.
Kathy and Greg
Wow Paul!
Congratulations! I’m really proud of you. I knew you would do it. You must be relieved now, so must be Fiona… I hope you guys have a safe trip back. Enjoy every minute of what’s left of your trip on the mountain! Encrust the images from the Khumbu valley deep down in your mind, so you will never forget them… I’m sure you guys can’t wait to be home. It’ll soon be there. In the meantime, enjoy your victory, taste every minute of it and celebrate!!!!
Congratulations!!!
Aeronik :o)
Hi Paul
Great interview, but boy did you sound tired. As far as Pizza and ice cream are concerned you wont have to go far, as the best Pizza I have had for a long time was at Fire and Ice in KTM and their Ice cream was good too
Enjoy your trek back…all those trees and flowers ( Liz and i had calculated that by the time you guys come down , they will all be in flower ) beyond Pangboche and those lovely valleys. Maybe you even bump into Hans Kammerlander ( Julia’s favourite climber at Camp de Base Namche ). I just heard that after his third attempt in as many years Hans and his Partner Karl succesfully summited JASEMBA an until now unclimbed mountain in Nepal.Last year Hans’s best friend Luis Brugger fell to his death on this mountain. Well done Hans
BTW what will it be Thailand or straight home ?
cas
Nick
I hope you’ll keep us posted with your findings on the use of the Internet on expedition reporting…maybe you’ll write a book???
Thanks for your diligence, skills and time.
MC
Paul
Your summit pic made it to MountEverest.net. Lookin’ good!!!
MC
Congratulations Paul on successfully reaching the summit of your dreams!!! I have only just found your website today, after hearing on the ABC that you finally made it. Congratulations and well done. What will Fiona have to do next so that she can say that you still have to match her achievements? Well done to both of you on achieving your double act. Best regards Michael and Gail Morris – Simon’s (Invizage) parents.