My Everest Story

First Rock Climb

Aug 23, 1992

Mark goes on his first rock climb. Christian encouraged Mark to do this while he was at camp.

First Hike

Nov 1, 1993

Frank takes Mark on his first hike. Mark gets interested in climbing.

Mark Gets Money

Dec 15, 1993

Mark starts to recieve money in the mail. He is getting sponsors to go to Nepal and climb Mount Everest.

First Ice Climb

Jan 24, 1994

Mark goes on his first ice climb. He uses his crampons to dig through the ice.

Trip to Nepal

Mar 7, 1994

Mark takes a trip to Nepal and hopes to climb Everest. He is being pulled from school and has to do some assingments on the trip.

NOLS

Jul 2, 1994

Mark goes to the NOLS program. It is the Natinoal Outdoor Leadership School. There he learns how to live and survive outdoors.

Mark Goes to Peru

Aug 8, 1994

Mark climbs in Peru. He climbs to the highest point in Peru, which is 22,205 feet, his personal highest also.

Mark Trains for Everest

Oct 10, 1994

Mark starts to train for Everest. He does a lot of push ups and running with the help of his trainer Nel.

Mark Flies to Ecuador

Nov 28, 1994

Mark flies to Ecuador hoping to climb. He can't climb because of the fog and bad weather. Mark learns that you fail more than you suceed.

Argentina Trip

Jan 31, 1995

Mark flies to Argentina. There he meets Thor and resumes his training.

Climbs Everest

Apr 1, 1995

Mark climbs Everest for the first time. He can't summit because he fractures his rib.

Everest Climb Two

Apr 19, 1996

Mark climbs Everest a second time after failing to summit the first time. A big storm hits though and is unable to go farther.

Cho Oyu

Jul 25, 1996

Mark goes and climbs Cho Oyu. He is successful and hopes to try Everest a third time.

Mark's Decision

Nov 22, 1996

Mark decides to go back to school. He gives up the record of youngest climber to summit Everest.

Mark's Loss

Jul 21, 1997

Mark's father dies from cancer. He decides to keep focusing on climbing and not to be sad about his dad's death.