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"Because it's there!" Supposedly the words of early 20th century mountain climber the famous and tragic George Mallory according to guest speaker Steve Bell on why ones seeks to climb a mountain. Now retired from mountain climbing Steve Bell gave us an insight to the drive and experiences of a front line mountain climber. His CV notes that he started climbing in 1975, soon becoming one of Britain's top young mountaineers, climbing the North Face of the Matterhorn when he was 18, and the infamous Eiger two years later. Expeditions to Alaska and the Himalaya followed soon after. Then a change, he spent a season with the British Antarctic Survey before joining the Royal Marines Commandos. Fortuitously this provided the means to revert to his passion for climbing by being a member of subsequent Royal Marines expeditions to Everest. Success at Everest, was followed by his commercial venture into high altitude mountain guiding. In 1993 became the first Briton to guide clients to the summit of Mt Everest. He built his business, Jagged Globe, into one of the world's leading mountain guiding companies, and along the way led expeditions to all of the coveted Seven Summits, the highest point in all seven continents. On retiring from active climbing (alas back trouble and age?) Steve reflected on his journey and reasons for it. His open personal reflections, starting as a high school lad searching for that something which he was good at to promote self esteem were insightful. His story of how rock climbing evolved to serious mountain climbing and the ultimate Everest challenges was a fascinating account of personal motivation. In course of his story Steve told with the aid of some wonderful photos of the sheer brutality of the Everest environment. Shocking accounts of the many tragedies which Steve had noted and even been part of at Everest made the audience very aware of the skill, courage and persistence of high altitude mountaineers. In one instance Steve told of his own perilous case and thoughts of resignation to the worst ( "oddly with no hope one had no fear") and eventual random escape. There were many questions. Aspects considered went as wide as the regulation(none) re Everest climbs to the personal hygiene practices on a climb, all fascinating. Steve has turned author and written books on his adventures. Seven Summits - The Quest to Reach the Highest Point in Every Continent (Mitchell Beazley 2000 / Gramercy 2006) Virgin on Insanity - Coming of Age on the World's Toughest Mountains (Vertebrate 2016) |
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of Maddie at Lauriston Girls, one of two drivers for the project to provide items for Melbourne's homeless, thanks all who contributed. 
