Alyssa: There’s still a mountain to conquer
ALYSSA Azar was expecting to be scaling the summit of Mount Everest this week.
Instead the 17-year-old adventurer is back home in Toowoomba, determined as ever to continue training for next year’s attempt at climbing the world’s highest peak.
Her long-anticipated trek was halted by last month’s freak accident, an avalanche which tragically killed 13 Sherpa guides.
While she didn’t know the Sherpas killed, she was close to her own guide and admired and respected the mountain peoples’ values.
“They are not materialistic and a very strong people,” she said.
She said being on the mountain after the disaster was a surreal experience.
“It was a weird feeling, with the uncertainty – we’re going to climb, we’re not going to climb,” she said.
“After it was called off I just wanted to go home.”
Having been back for just a couple of weeks, Ms Azar said she’d had some time to reflect on the tragedy and face her own disappointment.
“At first it was business. After we found out we weren’t climbing we had to organise the trip home,” she said.
“Now I’m home I’ve had a chance to think back, it’s hard to believe I was that close to it.”
Not one to stand still, Ms Azar had already resumed training which she said was a catharsis.
“Physically I’m ready to go again. Money is the main obstacle; it takes a lot to pull together an expedition.
Ms Azar said her sponsors for this year were keen to continue supporting the venture.