The Tramping Report

Ed Hillary on Everest

The Christchurch Press printed this photo of Ed Hillary on its front page on 12 Jan. It was taken by Alfred Greg high on Everest, when Ed and Tenzing were going for the summit. I like it because it features Ed in dynamic mode. (click it to see a larger version) I hadn't come across this image before. I hope it gets made available in a better medium than newsprint sometime.

I was thinking today when it was that I first learned about Ed Hillary and Everest. For my tweIth birthday, a few months after my father died, I was given The Ascent of Everest. This was the book written by expedition leader Colonel John Hunt. I read it through and I can remember studying the photos intently trying to understand what it was like being there. I can't remember the text giving what I needed.

Here's another link to a particularly good obit article from Time: http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/siredmundhillarytopoftheworld;_ylt=AuqDxlx0q4O8wnnf6R9QuTd34T0D

Ed's funeral was today. The country will be back to its routine again tomorrow.

Ed's gone

 

'Big Ed' Hillary, the man that raised the bar for heroes, is gone.

The mainstream newsmedia obituary that appealed most to me was on Fox News: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,321906,00.html

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark also says it well:

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0801/S00074.htm

Tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary, a New Zealand icon Friday, 11 January 2008, 11:43 am Press Release: New Zealand Government

Rt Hon Helen Clark
Prime Minister of New Zealand

Prime Minister Helen Clark said today that the passing of Sir Edmund Hillary is a profound loss to New Zealand.

“My thoughts are with Lady Hillary, Sir Edmund’s children, wider family, and close friends at this sad time,” Helen Clark said.

“Sir Ed described himself as an average New Zealander with modest abilities. In reality, he was a colossus. He was an heroic figure who not only ‘knocked off’ Everest but lived a life of determination, humility, and generosity.

“The legendary mountaineer, adventurer, and philanthropist is the best-known New Zealander ever to have lived. But most of all he was a quintessential Kiwi. He was ours - from his craggy appearance and laconic style to his directness and honesty. All New Zealanders will deeply mourn his passing.

“Sir Ed’s 1953 ascent of Mt Everest brought him world-wide fame. Thereafter he set out to support development for the Sherpa people of the Himalayas. His lifetime’s humanitarian work there is of huge significance and lasting benefit.

“Sir Ed was not one to bask idly in celebrity. He drew on his international prestige to highlight issues and values which he held dear. His enduring commitment to and respect for the Sherpa people reflects the best of what we as New Zealanders can contribute, from our small developed nation helping another less privileged one.

“Sir Edmund established the Himalayan Trust in the early 1960s and worked tirelessly until his death to raise funds and build schools and hospitals in the mountains.

“The legacy of Sir Edmund Hillary will live on. His exploits continue to inspire new generations of New Zealanders, as they have for more than half a century already,” Helen Clark said.

Hawdon hut replaced

The new Hawdon hut has been complete for a few months now. DoC hadn't formally announced it before now as they were waiting for their office people to complete the paperwork.

However it's now been announced. See this article in the Christchurch Press : http://www.stuff.co.nz/thepress/4336534a6047.html

Do take care of this one folks. Remember the previous one was burned down by a fool dumping hot ash from the wood burner under the side of the hut.

See this map for the new hut's location.