How’s it going everybody. Welcome to the second episode of the Why the Mountains podcast, with me your host, Stephen Farley. If you are a hill walker, or a mountaineer, or just someone with a love of stories of adventure in the mountains, this is the podcast for you. In this first series we are exploring the history of Irish mountaineers on Everest, from the earliest pioneering days, right up to the latest ascents. We will take you on a journey from the Irish contribution to the earliest years of alpinism, and the exploration of the Himalayas and Mount Everest, through the breakthrough successes of the 1990s, the heart break, the tragedy, the many failed attempts, the loss of mountaineers in their prime, and the latest iteration of Everest climbing through guided commercial ascents. Throughout the following episodes, we will explore what makes these mountaineers tick, how they found their way on to hills and mountains first in Ireland, then further afield, before tackling the often-deadly slopes of Everest. In these next few episodes, we hear from two very well-known Irish mountaineers, Dawson Stelfox and Frank Nugent, leader and deputy leader of the Irish expedition to the north side of Everest in 1993. Sit back and enjoy, and if you like this episode and want to hear more, please like and subscribe to the podcast, and spread the word amongst your friends, family, walking, trekking and climbing partners, there will be something for everyone in this series, and I hope you enjoy!
