| Q: |
How long will it take you to climb all seven summits? |
| A: |
A minimum of three years. Due to unpredictable weather conditions at high altitudes, Evan will probably have to attempt some peaks more than once. Translation: Pray for good weather...we have, and it’s worked, most of the time. |
| |
|
| Q: |
How do you prepare for your climbs? |
| A: |
This question has a three-part answer. First, physically Evan trains six days a week. A lot of his conditioning is through his participation on his high school football and wrestling teams. However, each week also has a component of extended cardiovascular training that is needed for long days climbing on the mountains. Second, you need to do mental preparation. That involves 1) an attitude of "never, ever quit", and 2) pushing yourself in your conditioning beyond your comfort level and maintaining it as long as possible. This helps develop mental toughness. Finally, the travel arrangements, passports, visas, and guide services require a half-year of planning and finalizing. |
| |
|
| Q: |
How long does each climb take? |
| A: |
Climbs vary from one day for Mt. Kosciuszko, to two months for Mt. Everest. The other five peaks can take from seven days to 21 days, depending on weather and acclimatization, the pace at which a climber adjusts to high altitude. |
| |
|
| Q: |
What if you don't summit a particular mountain? |
| A: |
As in our Mt. Elbrus and Mt. Kosciuszko attempts that failed in 2005 due to harsh weather, we go back until we summit. It might include more than one summit attempt on any particular climb. |
| |
|
| Q: |
What will be the hardest climb? |
| A: |
You cannot underestimate any mountain or the weather that any mountain can generate. But due to the extremely high altitude and the unpredictable weather, the most challenging climb will be Mt. Everest. |
| |
|
| Q: |
What do you eat on climbs? |
| A: |
Breakfast: instant oatmeal, smashed Pop Tarts, lots of hot Lipton or Earl Grey tea.
Lunch: a five-pound bag of snacks that you ration everyday. The bag consists of cheeses, dried meats, nuts, smashed crackers, smashed cookies, small pieces of chocolate, dried fruit (prunes to remain regular), and lots and lots of water.
Dinner: hopefully a warm dish of bland pasta or Top Ramen. And more water.
|
| |
|
| Q: |
What do you wear when you climb? |
| A: |
Evan buys most of his climbing gear at REI. He also requires specialty equipment and clothing from Scarpa (climbing boots), The North Face (hand wear), Black Diamond (crampons, harnesses), Gore-Tex (clothing), Marmot (clothing), Patagonia (clothing), Petzl (head lamps), Leki (trekking poles), Gregory (back packs), Sierra Designs (tents) and others. |
| |
|
| Q: |
Why did you choose to help provide housing in areas that you climb? |
| A: |
The poverty (living conditions) in the Baksan Valley, where Mt. Elbrus is located, really bothered Evan. He got the idea to provide housing for them (and others where he climbs) from the fact that both his older sisters help build houses for impoverished people living in Mexico and Russia. |
| |
|
| Q: |
Why did you choose the International Arctic Research Center (www.iarc.uaf.edu) for your contributions to Antarctica? |
| A: |
The research center is doing important research in the study of climate changes. Many of the peaks we have climbed and will climb have had their glaciers and snow packs adversely affected by recent climate changes. |
| |
|
| Q: |
What do you do to relax on your climbs? |
| A: |
We read a lot. We will go through 2 to 3 novels on a mountain. Evan talks a lot with others in his climbing group. We also play cards and listen to our MP3s or iPods. |
| |
|
| Q: |
What worries you the most about climbing? |
| A: |
The weather. You can prepare for your climb, but you cannot predict nor change the weather. You have to hope that you can wait it out for a safe day to summit. |
| |
|
| Q: |
How will you make people aware of Summit7? |
| A: |
Starting with our community, writing letters to groups we belong to, letters to people that have the ability to help spread the word beyond our community. |
| |
|
| Q: |
How do I know that my donation will go where it's supposed to go? |
| A: |
First, the character of the individuals that serve on Summit7's Board of Directors dictates honesty and ethics above all else. The diverse board has been set up to ensure that Summit7 is legitimate, and responsible to our donors. However, anyone can say that, right? So we’re working on having a letter or email sent by the end charity thanking individuals and business for their gifts. And you can contact us directly at info@summit7.com if you have any concerns. |
