I love everest so much. Ever since watching the Mallory expedition as a child I wanted to climb. Hoping to climb it next year prove everyone who said I can't wrong (I have autism so people assume I can't do these things)
Conan, this is awesome. It's incredible that the doubters are the ones who inspire us to prove them wrong. I want to follow your progress. Please feel free to reach out to me so that we can stay in touch. All the best to you, I know you can do it! -Thom
Very nice to see Venables getting more recognition these days for his fabulous, unpretentious accomplishments. His book about the Everest ascent is epic but he remains a very humble, sound lad.
@@EverestMystery That picture of Venables, looking like something the cat dragged in, and with ice and snow covered spectacles--spectacles on Everest!!! Is an absolute classic.
@@bellamyhibler It's called 'Alone at the Summit'. Beware the slippery slope (haha) that is the world of Everest and mountaineering literature ... I've dozens and have barely scratched the surface.
You are totally correct, these dudes were BA and only risked their own skin....and made history in the process. Super glad you stopped by to watch, I'm happy you enjoyed it!
@@EverestMystery An all-caps THANK YOU for posting these videos. Do you think Everest is going to turn into a "Conga Line" of climbers every year now? How's the waste issue going? All the best...
I have never became a member to anything on TH-cam . I am so drawn into your stories and your determination to get facts and truth out. You are an amazing storyteller and I appreciate this channel so much
Yes. This man is speaking to what I understand - it isn’t brave to continue forward when you are wiped; it’s self gratification. He is the first mountaineer I’ve heard say that. Yes it takes fortitude (which should be applauded, generally) and probably sheer stubbornness but it’s all in service of self gratification.
The fact that Steve and the others made this climb without Sherpa and Porters is truly an accomplishment to be proud of and bragged about! The people that made the trip with several Sherpa and Porters doing everything for them, including dragging their butz up and down the mountain, have no bragging rights at all. I myself wouldn't even want people to know I was there, knowing that Steve and his friends really made the climb all by themselves.
Thank you for another fabulous video. I was totally mesmerised by your interview with Stephen Venables , not to mention the pictures of his and his team members' climb! I much appreciate hearing about first-hand experiences and feelings about attempting in my mind 'the impossible'! As I've said before, I am in awe!
Wow, thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I hope to interview Stephen in person someday....longer format, to discuss his life in the mountains. He's filled with insight and wisdom from many experiences. Thank you for watching!
I will have to get Stephen back on the channel sometime....he is a treasure and a unique rock star in the world of mountaineering.... Thanks for re-watching!
Thanks for the great interview! This is the type of person meant to be climbing Everest - no Sherpa support, small group, experienced climbers. Not the miles-long lines of people who can afford it and going for the thrill of it with little experience in altitude or true climbing and not truly accepting that the true goal is RETURNING. To me, the Mother of all mountains has been maligned. Keep bringing me these wonderful videos where I can continue loving those special mountain heights, the culture and terrific people from the warmth of my own house (in the mountains!) without traveling back there again (although I certainly would love to).
Working through the back catalogue...Venables dropped a rucsac on another climb....funny...His books are recommended, I think he was posting memories on FB a year or so ago...top man.
Carol, thank you so much! I'm really glad that you enjoyed it. Thanks for visiting the channel. Hopefully, I can get Stephen back again sometime. Take care!
I remember this was quite big news at the time in the U.K. An incredible achievement which he underplays. He talks about being able to walk 20 steps without oxygen as if it’s nothing. You watch modern documentaries now and fit amateur climbers struggle to walk 2 or 3 steps on summit day without a rest and that’s with oxygen.
Yes, absolutely....as an American who was spellbound with the stories of the British climbers of the 70's (Doug Scott, Peter Boardman, Chris Bonington, and more) I always loved the understated response to ultimate suffering (a la Monty Python perhaps). Venables is among the greats of these individuals who inspired me. Thank you for watching!
Amazing climber. You might be referring to his solo of Kanchenjunga in 1992, an impressive feat! I honestly didn't realize he was only in his early 60's. Thanks for bringing this up!
@@EverestMystery Oops, thanks for the clarification. Darn chat GPT. It seems he did climb Kangshung Face, as a member of a Mexican team in 1988, but not solo.
Dude no way, the channel keeps on giving. It was Stephens Ted talk thst i fortunately stumbled across in the TH-cam algorithm many years ago that was the start of my interest. Intrigue and sheer amazement at what you do. Ive come full circle lol. But no crampons for me, im staying in my lane 🤣
I'm so glad you found this video...and also watched that talk by Stephen. He is an incredible, humble individual. Now that I'm a bit older, I've turned my crampons in, having switched lanes....
@@SlavaUkrainiHeroyamSlava-f7m thank you! And, this year I will begin posting more stories of my own. But for now, a couple of my OLD documentaries are on here, one is Storm Over Denali. THANKS, good having you here
@EverestMystery awesome thank you. I'll go have a watch. Do you have a patreon or something similar? I'd definitely contribute 👍🇬🇧 Edit apologies I've just seen the members area. I'll be joining on pay day for sure. My daughter is 1 on the 22nd so money is tight lol 😆
Anytime I see Kangshung face I remember our four friends who climbed Bonnington route alpine style but never returned alive. Their last moments are a mystery but they probably missed the descent route from Balcony and went down the Kanshung face in a white out.
Truly sad story...I'm sorry for your loss. What year did this take place? Has there been any evidence of your friends' whereabouts since this happened? Thank you for watching
@@EverestMystery It isn´t well known, but it was 1988 autumn when Slovac alpinists Dušan Becík, Jozef Just, Jaro Jaško and Peter Božík climbed up the south-west face alpine style. Ascents like the 1984 australian "White Limbo" great colouir and especially the 1988 Kangshung Face routes are truly big achievements for mountaineering... though today "climbers" who pull on fixed ropes in record time (and sometimes even miss the true summit) are celebrated, even Messner who is normally a big critic of such "via ferrata" style lost not one bad word
@@EverestMystery as Rolando wrote already it was 1988. Unfortunately the conditions on the route were bad. Too many nights in extreme altitude took the toll and only Jozef Just made to the summit. On descend they reported problems with vision, extreme fatigue and the window of good weather was over. Upcoming snow storm sealed their fate. Their bodies were never found this is the reason why it is believed they took a wrong turn at Balcony and ended up in Kanshung face (no fixed ropes at that era). Here is the trailer to the film about their expedition. th-cam.com/video/RTBLwZ5yPfI/w-d-xo.html
@@rolandofurioso5498 apologies for taking so long to reply. I'm not notified of responses to comments. This is a fascinating story....I watched the trailer that Pavol shared below....POWERFUL! In 2001 I had been raising money to do a route near the White Liimbo, but was unsuccessful in my efforts to get it off the ground. A buddy of mine was able to go....very small team, they didn't get too far but had a great expedition.
@@Pali65 Thank you for sharing the trailer to the film. It's chilling and powerful...and of course extremely sad. Perhaps this is a story for this channel someday?
There was actually a proper full documentary which filmed much of the climbing of this. And it was on TH-cam, now it's gone. Does anyone know what happened to it, or where to find it? I thought it was the best Everest documentary.
I am not a climber/mountaineer, and my interest first started with the Mallory/Irvine story and from there just reading everything about climbing. I’m just reading the book the howl in Denali and just finished no way down and into thin air. This story of Steven is just mind blowing and fascinating, I shall defo get hold of the books. What I do want to comment is a thank you to Steven for acknowledging that what he did was for selfish reasons. Now I don’t mean that in a critical or nasty way at all. I have nothing but respect for all the men and women who do these climbs and put their bodies through hell! I do have a problem when everyone tries to paint climbing as anything else but selfish! It is a selfish drive because of that burning desire to keep pushing the boundaries and limits of one’s own body and achievement. If they weren’t selfish, they wouldn’t do the climbs! So it was very refreshing to hear that from a climber. I don’t know how they do what they do and I can’t wait to read Steven’s book! Even better is that he’s British! 🇬🇧 Wonderful interview. Thank you. ❤
While I personally don't think that using oxygen takes away from the accomplishments of summiting -so do I personally believe that you can only count these summitings where the climbers used NO porters/sherpas help as real great accomplishments. Because they did it themselves.
Hey if really like your channel your awesome an love your content.. you need an how you break the truth and I would also like to ask you some information on something there is a video on TH-cam with someone laying dead at the Hillary step and I was wondering if anyone knew who it is an the back story to it.. and I only ask because I’ve seen story’s on others body’s in videos but this is the only one I can’t find out who it is and I’m just curious is all.. and I’ve seen this person in so many videos but nothing ever talks about who it is.. thanks for your time an everything’ you do..
Thank you for your comment and thanks for watching! I am not 100% sure but the body you are asking about might be the remains of a gentleman named Donald Cash, a 55 year old American who passed away from altitude sickness at the Hillary Step. From what I have heard, he has not been recovered. I'm not sure why he's still there....might be the wishes of the family. I appreciate that you reached out. I don't see replies to comments, so if you reply here and I don't respond, it's usually because I might not see it. Cheers and thanks!
The internet seems to be recycling the video of that individual still below the step. I was wondering the same thing. Thanks Thom for your sensitive reply🙏
It should be renamed the Kangchung Cliff! The base of the KF is a quasi-cemetery, with multiple bodies that have, either accidentally fallen off, or were intentionally thrown off the Face! Rough history is Everest!
You have found the right channel! No AI here, just cool stories from the mountaineering world. I'm glad you commented. I'll bring more stories like this in 2024. Thank you!
Hello, Robert. I would like to ask you to invest your money/equipment/time in order to entertain me. If you'll let me know of a way to help you do that in some small way, I will tell you to go flux yourself. Sound like a deal? Hurry up. Ain't got all day here, Bucko!
I love everest so much. Ever since watching the Mallory expedition as a child I wanted to climb. Hoping to climb it next year prove everyone who said I can't wrong (I have autism so people assume I can't do these things)
Conan, this is awesome. It's incredible that the doubters are the ones who inspire us to prove them wrong. I want to follow your progress. Please feel free to reach out to me so that we can stay in touch. All the best to you, I know you can do it! -Thom
Wow!!! You can do it! You will light the way for so many others. Keep us informed with how you are doing. Train hard. Reach out if you need help. ❤
@@EverestMystery I would like that, I shall work out how to reach out thankyou Its really nice to have encouragement I havnt had that until now. :)
@Conan Lucas thank you Conan. Please feel free to email me at thom.dharma.pollard@gmail.com - 💪
Good luck Conan! Train hard; and remember that the most important part is coming back!
Very nice to see Venables getting more recognition these days for his fabulous, unpretentious accomplishments. His book about the Everest ascent is epic but he remains a very humble, sound lad.
He is truly humble, which is one of his greatest qualities as a human being. Thank you for watching!
@@EverestMystery That picture of Venables, looking like something the cat dragged in, and with ice and snow covered spectacles--spectacles on Everest!!! Is an absolute classic.
what book is this? im trying to do research on everest and mountaineering and i want to buy all the books i can!!!
@@bellamyhibler It's called 'Alone at the Summit'. Beware the slippery slope (haha) that is the world of Everest and mountaineering literature ... I've dozens and have barely scratched the surface.
@@bellamyhibleryou didn't watch the video eh?
THIS is climbing. THIS is exploration. This is in the spirit of Irvine and Mallory.
You are totally correct, these dudes were BA and only risked their own skin....and made history in the process. Super glad you stopped by to watch, I'm happy you enjoyed it!
@@EverestMystery An all-caps THANK YOU for posting these videos. Do you think Everest is going to turn into a "Conga Line" of climbers every year now? How's the waste issue going? All the best...
@@EverestMysterythey were BFA! Not just BA, I can’t fathom the strength it takes to do what they did
Such a epic statement 🎉🎉
Extraordinary is an understatement. What a show, thanks for highlighting Stephen and this climb!
Thank you my friend! XXOO
Thank you Thom for this, which I only just saw. You did such a fabulous interview, eliciting his story with warmth and grace. I loved it.
Thank you so much for your generosity! I truly appreciate it. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and interview
I have never became a member to anything on TH-cam . I am so drawn into your stories and your determination to get facts and truth out. You are an amazing storyteller and I appreciate this channel so much
Welcome aboard! I am truly honored and so happy that you are here! Happy New Year!
Those pictures are amazing as well!!!
Yes. This man is speaking to what I understand - it isn’t brave to continue forward when you are wiped; it’s self gratification. He is the first mountaineer I’ve heard say that. Yes it takes fortitude (which should be applauded, generally) and probably sheer stubbornness but it’s all in service of self gratification.
Truly pleased that you enjoyed the video and found something meaningful in it! Cheers
The fact that Steve and the others made this climb without Sherpa and Porters is truly an accomplishment to be proud of and bragged about!
The people that made the trip with several Sherpa and Porters doing everything for them, including dragging their butz up and down the mountain, have no bragging rights at all. I myself wouldn't even want people to know I was there, knowing that Steve and his friends really made the climb all by themselves.
Thank you for another fabulous video. I was totally mesmerised by your interview with Stephen Venables , not to mention the pictures of his and his team members' climb! I much appreciate hearing about first-hand experiences and feelings about attempting in my mind 'the impossible'! As I've said before, I am in awe!
Wow, thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I hope to interview Stephen in person someday....longer format, to discuss his life in the mountains. He's filled with insight and wisdom from many experiences. Thank you for watching!
He has a very interesting perspective, I enjoyed listening to him. Thank you for sharing!
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
I had to rewatch this one. Amazing what they accomplished! I can imagine surviving a night out on Everest. Fantastic interview.
I will have to get Stephen back on the channel sometime....he is a treasure and a unique rock star in the world of mountaineering.... Thanks for re-watching!
Thank you both for this. Great stuff!
It's a pleasure speaking with people like Stephen. He has a way of keeping one grounded. Cheers!
I don't think people realize how crazy this is. I salute you sir for this incredible accomplishment
Thanks for the great interview! This is the type of person meant to be climbing Everest - no Sherpa support, small group, experienced climbers. Not the miles-long lines of people who can afford it and going for the thrill of it with little experience in altitude or true climbing and not truly accepting that the true goal is RETURNING. To me, the Mother of all mountains has been maligned. Keep bringing me these wonderful videos where I can continue loving those special mountain heights, the culture and terrific people from the warmth of my own house (in the mountains!) without traveling back there again (although I certainly would love to).
I can’t imagine how frigid he was out all night near the summit. Thank u for this I love them. 🙏
Thank you Meg, Stephen is tells a great story! Glad you enjoyed the video!
Working through the back catalogue...Venables dropped a rucsac on another climb....funny...His books are recommended, I think he was posting memories on FB a year or so ago...top man.
I have a lot of respect for sherpas but applaud these men for their bravery and independence 👏 🙌
I just re-read Stephen's book about this adventure, so especially enjoyed hearing your interview with a mountaineering icon.
Carol, thank you so much! I'm really glad that you enjoyed it. Thanks for visiting the channel. Hopefully, I can get Stephen back again sometime. Take care!
Absolutely fascinating! Thank you for your videos!
I'm super happy you enjoyed it, and glad that you're here and quadruple thank you for being a Member!
Really enjoyed this interview and perspective. Thank you for sharing Thom.
Stephen endured so much on that bivouac and talks about it matter of factly....in the style that I so love from the UK climbers. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the upload, highly appriciated!
Thank you for watching, I'm glad that you enjoyed it!
Great interview! Thank you!
Thank you ! I appreciate your comment and will write more on your longer comment from another video 🙏🕉️I’m glad you’re here
Great interview
Thanks so much!
I remember this was quite big news at the time in the U.K. An incredible achievement which he underplays. He talks about being able to walk 20 steps without oxygen as if it’s nothing. You watch modern documentaries now and fit amateur climbers struggle to walk 2 or 3 steps on summit day without a rest and that’s with oxygen.
Yes, absolutely....as an American who was spellbound with the stories of the British climbers of the 70's (Doug Scott, Peter Boardman, Chris Bonington, and more) I always loved the understated response to ultimate suffering (a la Monty Python perhaps). Venables is among the greats of these individuals who inspired me. Thank you for watching!
@@EverestMystery thanks for the reply Thom and for the continued quality videos, especially the Mallory and Irvine ones
Great video. Very interesting story. Not suprised he felt so lonely bivving on his own at that height. Thankyou.
Excellent post. I have Steves book, but i havnt got Ed's book yet.
Thank you. Ed's book is worth a read!
Great interview of an amazing man!! Great job! Thank you!❤😊
Thank you, super happy that you enjoyed it!
Great video! Thank you!
You are welcome! Thank you for watching!
Great video! Any thoughts on doing a vid on Carlos Carsolio's solo ascent of the Kangshung Face in 1992? That would be an amazing interview.
Amazing climber. You might be referring to his solo of Kanchenjunga in 1992, an impressive feat! I honestly didn't realize he was only in his early 60's. Thanks for bringing this up!
@@EverestMystery Oops, thanks for the clarification. Darn chat GPT. It seems he did climb Kangshung Face, as a member of a Mexican team in 1988, but not solo.
I'd never really heard of that ascent. Thanks!
Thom love the channel and shorts!
Thanks so much, I really appreciate it!
Amazing!
Indeed, thank you for watching!
Dude no way, the channel keeps on giving. It was Stephens Ted talk thst i fortunately stumbled across in the TH-cam algorithm many years ago that was the start of my interest. Intrigue and sheer amazement at what you do. Ive come full circle lol. But no crampons for me, im staying in my lane 🤣
I'm so glad you found this video...and also watched that talk by Stephen. He is an incredible, humble individual. Now that I'm a bit older, I've turned my crampons in, having switched lanes....
@EverestMystery me too. I really enjoy the subject. Are they any videos on the channel about your mountaineering?
Truly a great channel, thank you.
@@SlavaUkrainiHeroyamSlava-f7m thank you! And, this year I will begin posting more stories of my own. But for now, a couple of my OLD documentaries are on here, one is Storm Over Denali. THANKS, good having you here
@EverestMystery awesome thank you. I'll go have a watch.
Do you have a patreon or something similar? I'd definitely contribute 👍🇬🇧
Edit apologies I've just seen the members area. I'll be joining on pay day for sure. My daughter is 1 on the 22nd so money is tight lol 😆
@@SlavaUkrainiHeroyamSlava-f7m my friend, thank you, and congratulations on your daughter soon turning 1! I appreciate your kindness.
Wonderful Thom, merry Christmas
Happy holidays! Thank you Paul
Anytime I see Kangshung face I remember our four friends who climbed Bonnington route alpine style but never returned alive. Their last moments are a mystery but they probably missed the descent route from Balcony and went down the Kanshung face in a white out.
Truly sad story...I'm sorry for your loss. What year did this take place? Has there been any evidence of your friends' whereabouts since this happened? Thank you for watching
@@EverestMystery It isn´t well known, but it was 1988 autumn when Slovac alpinists Dušan Becík, Jozef Just, Jaro Jaško and Peter Božík climbed up the south-west face alpine style.
Ascents like the 1984 australian "White Limbo" great colouir and especially the 1988 Kangshung Face routes are truly big achievements for mountaineering...
though today "climbers" who pull on fixed ropes in record time (and sometimes even miss the true summit) are celebrated, even Messner who is normally a big critic of such "via ferrata" style lost not one bad word
@@EverestMystery as Rolando wrote already it was 1988. Unfortunately the conditions on the route were bad. Too many nights in extreme altitude took the toll and only Jozef Just made to the summit. On descend they reported problems with vision, extreme fatigue and the window of good weather was over. Upcoming snow storm sealed their fate. Their bodies were never found this is the reason why it is believed they took a wrong turn at Balcony and ended up in Kanshung face (no fixed ropes at that era). Here is the trailer to the film about their expedition. th-cam.com/video/RTBLwZ5yPfI/w-d-xo.html
@@rolandofurioso5498 apologies for taking so long to reply. I'm not notified of responses to comments. This is a fascinating story....I watched the trailer that Pavol shared below....POWERFUL! In 2001 I had been raising money to do a route near the White Liimbo, but was unsuccessful in my efforts to get it off the ground. A buddy of mine was able to go....very small team, they didn't get too far but had a great expedition.
@@Pali65 Thank you for sharing the trailer to the film. It's chilling and powerful...and of course extremely sad. Perhaps this is a story for this channel someday?
Hope your having a beautiful holiday weekend! Merry Christmas 🎄Much Respect!⛄💯🎄❤️
Same to you! Thank you, have a blessed day!
I was gonna say this has got to be the smallest team ever to attempt a summit (other than David sharp attempting alone). Thanks for the video!
There was actually a proper full documentary which filmed much of the climbing of this. And it was on TH-cam, now it's gone. Does anyone know what happened to it, or where to find it? I thought it was the best Everest documentary.
I am not a climber/mountaineer, and my interest first started with the Mallory/Irvine story and from there just reading everything about climbing. I’m just reading the book the howl in Denali and just finished no way down and into thin air.
This story of Steven is just mind blowing and fascinating, I shall defo get hold of the books.
What I do want to comment is a thank you to Steven for acknowledging that what he did was for selfish reasons. Now I don’t mean that in a critical or nasty way at all. I have nothing but respect for all the men and women who do these climbs and put their bodies through hell! I do have a problem when everyone tries to paint climbing as anything else but selfish!
It is a selfish drive because of that burning desire to keep pushing the boundaries and limits of one’s own body and achievement. If they weren’t selfish, they wouldn’t do the climbs! So it was very refreshing to hear that from a climber. I don’t know how they do what they do and I can’t wait to read Steven’s book! Even better is that he’s British! 🇬🇧
Wonderful interview. Thank you. ❤
0:05 thousand yard stare
Oh man, for sure!
You da man…. One of Jerry’s kids yay!
Did you sleep that night at the top?🇨🇦
While I personally don't think that using oxygen takes away from the accomplishments of summiting -so do I personally believe that you can only count these summitings where the climbers used NO porters/sherpas help as real great accomplishments. Because they did it themselves.
Hey if really like your channel your awesome an love your content.. you need an how you break the truth and I would also like to ask you some information on something there is a video on TH-cam with someone laying dead at the Hillary step and I was wondering if anyone knew who it is an the back story to it.. and I only ask because I’ve seen story’s on others body’s in videos but this is the only one I can’t find out who it is and I’m just curious is all.. and I’ve seen this person in so many videos but nothing ever talks about who it is.. thanks for your time an everything’ you do..
Thank you for your comment and thanks for watching! I am not 100% sure but the body you are asking about might be the remains of a gentleman named Donald Cash, a 55 year old American who passed away from altitude sickness at the Hillary Step. From what I have heard, he has not been recovered. I'm not sure why he's still there....might be the wishes of the family.
I appreciate that you reached out. I don't see replies to comments, so if you reply here and I don't respond, it's usually because I might not see it.
Cheers and thanks!
The internet seems to be recycling the video of that individual still below the step.
I was wondering the same thing. Thanks Thom for your sensitive reply🙏
The pic at 0.16 sec is terrifying
Truly! Thanks as always Alex!
It should be renamed the Kangchung Cliff! The base of the KF is a quasi-cemetery, with multiple bodies that have, either accidentally fallen off, or were intentionally thrown off the Face! Rough history is Everest!
True about the bodies falling to the bottom of the face.... Thank you for watching!
EPIC AMD BALLSY mountaneering, a bit lucky steven survived, crazyyy
Am I the only person who gets a hint of Andrew Gosden?
One of those crazy climbers lost 8 FINGERS, but he says it was one of the "happiest" experiences of his life to climb Everest. LOL, that man is weird.
There are many who might agree!
Many many have died when they took one more chance !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, for sure....thank you for watching the video!
А по центру стены кангшунг до вершины кто нибудь смог взойти вообще за всю историю?
I discuss this in the video....cheers and thank you!
Commenting in the hopes that TH-cam will give me more content like this, and less AI generated crap.
You have found the right channel! No AI here, just cool stories from the mountaineering world. I'm glad you commented. I'll bring more stories like this in 2024. Thank you!
Algo
Si
I terminated the video when you took time to tell about your sponsor.
Cool! That is your right and your loss.
Hello, Robert. I would like to ask you to invest your money/equipment/time in order to entertain me. If you'll let me know of a way to help you do that in some small way, I will tell you to go flux yourself. Sound like a deal? Hurry up. Ain't got all day here, Bucko!