Malibu's Johnny Strange making steady progress on Mt. Everest

When I first wrote about and blogged about Johnny Strange attempting to become the youngest Westerner to climb Mt. Everest, a few people wrote in to imply that any sturdy kid with wealthy parents could conquer the world's tallest peak.

That's essentially true if the kid -- in this case a teenager -- had vast climbing experience, was extremely physically fit and harbored remarkable mental fortitude. Anyway, Strange, 17, and his wealthy dad today will climb to Camp 2 and Camp 3, then return to base camp as part of an acclimatization process, before moving higher up the 29,035-foot Himilayan peak.

Of negotiating the notoriously treacherous Khumbu icefall (pictured), Strange posted this dispatch on his website: "If you were to put a ladder between two clouds and walk across knowing what the fall would mean, it would be very similar to the experience of the Khumbu icefall.

"After we made it through that very icefall to Camp 1, we spent a day resting there only to experience the horrors of high wind at Camp 2 for a few nights. Lucky for us our tents didn't blow away ... and we awoke after our third night to trudge back down to base camp."

Being a teenager, Strange happily reported that his iPod Shuffle works at high altitude and, being from Malibu, that he is craving sushi.

Please check back for periodic updates on the expedition.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Mt. Everest's Khumbu icefall has claimed many lives over the years. Credit: Johnny Strange

Comments

[Collin]

Hey, if you can do it, why not?

[yoshiyahu]

I'd be surprised if anyone attempting Everest (besides Sherpa guides) wasn't wealthy-- most 'extreme' sports require a lot of money and time. But if wealth was the only requirement, we'd have far more than a couple hundred people attempting Everest each year.

Johnny Strange is clearly an unusual young man with a real passion for mountainclimbing, and would merit following even if he wasn't a local. While most people can't follow his example exactly, I certainly am inspired by his story and his dedication.

[Wiindfall]

If wealthy teenagers and their parents want to do something truly challenging, constructive and adventurous, I suggest they put their time, energy and money into starting a profitable business anywhere in sub-Sahara Africa. The average person living there on $1 a day or less makes our so-called poor look like an NBA All Star. The conditions are incredibly primitive. Creating a sustainable commercial enterprise in this environment is an endeavor more dangerous than climbing mountains but, ultimately, far more satisfying. Adventure capitalism is not only the world’s greatest engine of progress; it’s also the most humane, enlightened and constructive use to which one can apply his or her resources. If you really seek to make a difference in the world, pass on the look-at-me stunts and, instead, spend a few months in sub-Sahara Africa, figure out how to create a profitable enterprise there and then make it happen.

[coal_train]

I applaud their self-indulgence and commitment to no particular cause except their own privilege.

[jjj]

Windfall, I suggest you go out, work hard, make tons of money so you can embark on your endeavors. As people we all do in life that suits our own. You have a good idea, but is in necessary for all humans to share in your one specific desire?

[extreme couch potato]

Where are the limits on putting children in dangerous situations? What's next, base jumping 5 year old? Climbers die on Everest each year. All the money in the world can't save you up there.

[MacKenna Strange]

Sorry that everyone commenting negatively above is jealous of my dad and brother and their amazing strength, but at least they are doing something with their lives instead of sitting on their butts blogging negative comments about someone with ambition. You are all lazy couch potatoes and if you can't get outside and do something, then at least send them positive comments, or even if not, no comments at all. They are amazingly talented and passionate about this adventure. You do not know them, so why prejudge them? There is no way in heck that Johnny could do this without proper strength and training and the urge to pursue his dreams, so stop saying that anyone with wealthy parents could do this, because I bet if I paid for you to go, you would fall flat on your face. So keep your negative comments to yourself and go blog to someone who cares. P.S. Wiindfall- When Johnny gets back from Everest i'll make sure he gets right on going to sub-Sahara Africa and also maybe finishing high school so he doesn't end up a lazy couch potato like you! :)

[rae]

Wiindfall:
Brian Strange's oldest daughter volunteered in south africa in the summer of 2007. Of course working in underprivileged countries is a constructive way of using funds. But consider the rampant social issue in the United States: the disunity of families. To undertake the climbing of mount everest as a father and son team encourages families to seek adventures together. I applaud the strange family for using their money to pursue an activity that brings them together; I wish Johnny and Brian Strange the best of luck and I can only hope their father/son teamwork encourages other families to get together and get outdoors. And it is true that money can not save you on a dangerous mountain, but money is also unable to mend the rifts that so often come between teenagers and their parents. I applaud Brian Strange for buying his son a ticket to Nepal instead of a new sports car, as the latter would surely prove more dangerous in the end. Further, this family clearly understands the importance of sticking together, as Mackenna Strange, Johnny's sister, has posted above. Congratulations to these people for recognizing the power and importance of family. I encourage other families to support each other in the same way that Brian supports Johnny's passions, and Mackenna supports her dad and brother.

[ian.]

Git 'er done, Johnny!

[Dave Fisher]

Hey Strange family, I applaud you. I'm a professional bodybuilder that has just started climbing myself in the last couple of years. It amazes me to see the negative comments coming from some of you people. I work hard for my money and although I don't have a lot I sure don't want someone telling me what I should spend it on. If I could fly off to Everest I would in a second but for right now I have to stick with the Sierras. Johnny, you climb your heart out and can't wait to hear all about it when you get back. And hey, if you lose a little muscle while up there, don't worry, we'll do some squats together when you get back alright? Hey all, remember what your mother said, "if you don't have something nice to say, then don't say anything at all".

[Dianette Wells]

Johnny,

Kick ass sweetheart. Love, warmth, and safety to you,

Mom

[Dianette Wells]

To Extreme Couch Potato:

How many people die in their bath tubs every year? Or from heart attacks while sitting on the couches? Or simply crossing the street?

[Linda]

Hi Johnny,Following your progress
my HEART is with you
I heard about your quest
and found it terrible wonderful and ambitious
my Prayers are with you
& May the force be with you
Lind

[Dianette Wells]

Johhny Strange summated Everest at 8 am Nepali time May 20th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations and a safe descent. Mom