Story Archives of 'Mountaineering'

Last month, Jim Gagne became the first New Hampshire native to reach the summit of Mount Everest. That, in itself, is a stunning accomplishment, but Jim, a professional firefighter, paramedic and registered nurse also assisted on five rescues, threatening his own mission in the process. We'll talk with Jim about the harrowing adventures he experienced en route to the top of the world's highest peak.

We'll also hear about a special Everest-related art project in Brunswick, Maine. We'll meet Jeff Clapp, a sculptor who makes bells out of used oxygen canisters collected from the mountain. This story comes to us from the Public Radio Exchange. Click here for a direct link to the story.

Five years ago, writer and mountaineer Guy Waterman committed suicide at the summit of Mount Lafayette. His wife Laura Waterman has written a book, Losing the Garden, that tells the story of their relationship, Guy's long battle with depression, and his decision to end his life.

Writer Rebecca Brown went to France recently to climb Europe's tallest mountain dressed in 19th century garb. Now she's back in the states, and she talks to Morning Edition host Lisa Peakes about her trip.

In the 19th and early 20th century, many female mountain climbers braved social convention, and very unwieldy clothing to climb the highest mountains in the world. Many of them have been forgotten over time, but their stories are told in, Women on High, published by Appalachian Mountain Club Books. The author is Rebecca Brown, writer, journalist, and editor of the Littleton Courier.

Mountain Week continues with Mike Pelchat. He?s a mountaineer, technical climber, and rescue worker. He?s been a leader in developing mountain rescue and trail maintenance operations and he?s manager of the Mount Washington State Park. He talks about the beauty of the mountains, and the danger. He?s been involved in dozens of rescues over the years.