Craig John speaks at Groton Public Library about his treks to the summit of Mount Everest
All 75 of us in the audience knew Craig John survived his many ascents of Mount Everest. He was standing right there in front of us in the Groton Public Library, presenting great photographs, a video-clip, and stories that only an experienced mountain guide could tell. But some of those stories and photographs were scary, and we heard about friends of Craig who did not survive their Everest climbs. One of very few people who have reached the summit from both the south (Nepal) and north (Tibet) side, Craig has decades of experience teaching and guiding on many mountains, including ice climbing here in New England.
Craig described and beautifully illustrated the trek to the Nepal base camp, the various higher camps on Everest, and parts of the route to the summit. There was great beauty and drama in the photos, as well as clear challenges on steep climbs and glacier crossings. We learned that Craig is trained and equipped for emergency medical interventions, and one of those interventions saved a man’s life on the mountain.
His recent ascent and summiting from the Tibet side started not on foot as it does from Nepal but with ride in a van to the base camp, owing to new roads. The road winds around the mountain up to Base Camp and the lack of guard rails can make it treacherous in mud slick when it rains. Though simpler getting to base camp, views from the north ascent were as awesome as from Nepal and the difficulties no less challenging. Craig drew on what was clearly deep knowledge and experience with the cultural and religious traditions in the region to weave stories and explanations about the local people and practices into his mountaineering descriptions.
Among the packed audience of adults and a few children were thirteen members of Groton Neighbors. Clearly everyone present enjoyed this successful program, initiated by Groton Neighbors and jointly sponsored by Groton Public Library.