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Fergus White

Goodreads Author

Born

Dublin, Ireland

Member Since

December 2017

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Fergus White, from Dublin Ireland, had wondered for some time how far he might be able to push himself. He pondered if the grand adventures he’d seen on TV and read about in newspapers and books were for some reason off-limits to him. Were feats of daring-do only open to certified explorers, round the world yachtsmen, and ex special-forces?

There was only one way to find out, and clocking in and out of banks as an IT consultant was not going to answer that question.

He travelled to the Himalayas to train as a mountaineer. He returned the following year to attempt Everest. His book, Ascent in Hell, published in 2017, details that adventure.

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Hi Fegus, You mentioned some people had their own personal sherpa. Can I ask what that adds/takes away from the experience in your opinion? Were you glad you didn't have one? Just wondering I guess why everyone doesn't have like a 1-1 sherpa !

Fergus White Hi Tasha,

As I’d mentioned, every kilo feels like 10 up in thin air. There’s no doubt that getting assistance with some weight is a huge advantage. The…moreHi Tasha,

As I’d mentioned, every kilo feels like 10 up in thin air. There’s no doubt that getting assistance with some weight is a huge advantage. The Sherpas are genetically better at performing with lesser amounts of oxygen, and thus are able to assist.

Even just lessening 5-10 kilos of weight before, say, Camp 3 could well be the difference between having to turn around early due to exhaustion, or being able to get above Camp 4 and having a shot at the summit.

Beforehand, I’d felt that having an individual Sherpa carry personal gear seemed like an undeserved luxury. It’s a harsh environment, and a beating is to be expected. But in retrospect, being the safe side of exhaustion and being able to enjoy the ascending is perhaps a better idea.

As regards what it adds / takes away … lesser weight (and also less bulk while climbing) is the big gain. At the very personal level, of course, all people are different. Some of the climbers had a very close bond with their personal Sherpa. Some of the personal Sherpas were very experienced and this showed through …there would have been advice given and received, and the pair always climbed together. Sometimes the Sherpa would go ahead near climb’s end to prepare the tent / stove in advance. Such a pair would almost always be referred to in the same breath, by the rest of the team.

Some of the Sherpas had had little prior experience. Or there may have been a language barrier. In these cases, there was almost zero relationship … just some gear packed in advance that was dropped at the intended target camp for the day.

For those climbing with an experienced Sherpa where language was no barrier, the resultant close bond would definitely have added to the experience. They progressively ascended into more danger, and respect & friendship grew concurrently.

I hope that answers your question.
Regards … F(less)

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Book was like popcorn, I couldn't put it down. I trekked in the region about the same time you were aiming for your summit bid. Loved that you didn't gloss over the trek up to base camp, as many mountaineering books do. All around excellent read. Plans to go back to the region?

Fergus White Hi JR,

I’m glad you enjoyed the tale!

A few other readers were surprised that I included the trek-in, but on reading it, they found that it put the whol…moreHi JR,

I’m glad you enjoyed the tale!

A few other readers were surprised that I included the trek-in, but on reading it, they found that it put the whole climb into better perspective. A few who’d read multiple Everest books commented that this was the first time they got any detail on what happens prior to Base Camp. Climbers don’t suddenly quit at Camp 1 because they remember they’d left the gas on back at home! You’ve been up high in the region, so you know what altitude does to us mere humans.

I’ve no plans to go back to the region. There are too many other places to see. And I think I prefer the sun and beers at sea-level!

Regards,
F(less)

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Fergus White’s books

Average rating: 4.47 · 2,336 ratings · 167 reviews · 1 distinct work • Similar authors

Ascent into Hell

4.47 avg rating — 2,336 ratings — published 2017 — 8 editions

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Papillon

by Henri Charrière

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Mar 22, 2018 03:55PM

Quotes by Fergus White (?)

“Ambition drives us forward, takes us to unexpected places, faraway lands. The acceptance of trying and failing defines those who follow a dream. But trying and quitting, I’ve never been good at that.”
― Fergus White, Ascent Into Hell: Mount Everest

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“But that’s the thing about real life; intentions don’t necessarily align with deeds. Nor do they always blossom into rational consequences. A biography written backwards can be hammered into shape, till themes reveal themselves and float across the pages. Reality, however, rarely surrenders such meaning. Perhaps W. B. Yeats described us best, as that “bundle of accident and incoherence that sits down to breakfast.”
― Fergus White, Ascent Into Hell: Mount Everest

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“When the going gets rough up here, mountaineers do whatever it takes to survive. Dignity is an early casualty.”
― Fergus White, Ascent Into Hell: Mount Everest

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