On Wednesday, I went with my dear old mother to see Sean speak at a fundraiser at Durban Boys High School. It’s always nice to chat to Sean with his friendly and down to earth manner. Despite being the first South African to summit all 7 Summits, he is still humble and willing to chat and encourage me on my own adventure.

His talk was funny and interesting with breath taking and sometimes startling footage from his trip up the south face of Everest. I took my mom with help her fill in the gaps and experience a true account of the mountain without any media hype and distortion. A good idea, I thought, until Sean mentioned the 5 deaths in Base camp (1996 season) as well as a few shots of frostbite and some really knackered looking climbers.

For more info on Sean Wisedale and his quests to all of the big 7, go to www.seanwisedale.com

All dressed up and nowhere go but the Big Walk. Robby recently took to the streets of Durban dressed in Insulated Double Boots, salopettes(a mixture between dungarees and sleeping bag) and climbing harness to hand out leaflets for the Climb of Hope. Needless to say that Robby finished in the last 25% of the walkers after 4 hours in the 30º weather having drunk over 3 litres of water.The pink hair in the photo was to support Reebok’s Breast Cancer Project.

It was a good day out and hits on the website show it was a great success.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid452319854/bctid1543415174

Well, after an eventful journey across the planet, the Olympic torch was carried onto the summit of Everest on Thursday morning (8 May). A summit team of 5 managed to take the flame to the highest point on Earth despite relentless weather and several delays.

Once the team had summitted, the Southern side of Everest was opened for teams to begin their summit bids. This delay in timings will surely affect the weeks that follow, being later in the season to attempt Chomolungma - Mother Goddess of the Earth.

In South Africa, Discovery Channel (250) is flighting Series II of Everest: Beyond the Limits, 21h00 Mondays.

It documents an Everest Expedition to the North Ridge of Everest and the daily lives of those attempting the climb to the 8850m summit. The expedition is led by Russel Brice from Himex, Himalayan Experience. Russell is multi-summit veteran with 18 years on the hill.

I will be climbing with Russel and HIMEX in 2009 and with a bit of luck, maybe Discovery will film Series III with some familiar faces featuring

In addition to the riveting TV series, Discovery have an awesome online game where you can register as climber and play various games, navigate through the Khumbu ice fall, read up on the gear,the guides and everything that makes an Everest Expedition. http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/everestbeyond/game/gameplay/index.html