True-blue summiteers: The rugged versatility of the Sherpas

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This one is a salute to the workers all over the globe, most especially to those laborers of the extreme environment - the porters and Sherpas, pronounced "Shar-wa", of the Himalayan Sherpa tradition who gained international recognition for their courage and fortitude, their strength, their stamina, and their ability to withstand the demands of life.

"Shar" means east and "wa" means person. Historically, Mr. Tenzing Norgay, of Khumjung and Dorje-ling (Darjeeling) areas of the Himalayas, is the most famous Sherpa.

Today, over 100,000 people of the Sherpa ancestry live in the Himalayan region with many continuing to work as guides on mountain treks. In fact, aged Sherpas pass on this tradition to their children who receive the task wholeheartedly, taking such as a calling of servitude to Chomulungma, the Tibetan name of Mt. Everest, which means "Goddess Mother of the Earth".

Climbs to Mount Everest could not have been made possible if it weren't for the substantial help of these dependable guides who have taken part in every expedition since 1921.

Norgay was the first summiteer of Chomulungma or Sagarmathaji (Mount Everest) on May 29, 1953. He is admired worldwide as an icon of Sherpa dignity, friendship, and courage.

Norgay along with Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand received international fame when they established themselves as first summiteers on the recorded highest mountain on earth.

Norgay played a crucial role as human lifeline to Hillary. This was when returning to Camp 3, Hillary slipped on a block of ice. It broke and he plunged into a deep crevasse. Only Tenzing's quick work on the rope saved him. This was the first time the two climbed as a pair. Hillary saw that Tenzing was an experienced climber. He was also very strong and that he was sure they would make a good assault team together.

By May 14, while on Camp 4 which is the advance base camp, the men ploughed through waist-deep snow. They had chopped steps past trembling ice towers and bridged crevasses with depths that could freeze a man in minutes.

Every Everest summiteer must always work with a Sherpa because the latter is the real mountaineer who knows that at high altitudes, man succumbs to the will of the winds. Most of the expeditions failed because of the reported attitude that underestimates the mood swings of nature and the wisdom of Sherpas - the stewards of Chomulungma.

Sherpas have already mastered the high winds and temperatures of -25 to -60 degrees Centigrade, and are already aware that great piles of snow hanging over the ridges could start an avalanche. They know that to reach the summit would be to jam bodies into gaps on a cliff of snow to be able to move to the top of the earth, and these men know best that when the air gets thinner and thinner beyond 18,000 feet, climbing is best defined as "knowing when to go down".

ADDY BUDDY. "Dear Maria, I read your article on mangrove reforestation published in the Freeman: http://www.philstar.com/philstar/Freeman200604252201.htm

I am with you on the need to plant mangrove especially in critically degraded sites. A word of caution though there are areas that are better left open. There are tidal flats that should never be planted with mangroves. Unfortunately, there are very few wetlands experts in this country. I'm no expert but I've seen mangroves that have to be uprooted just after the usual "mangrove tree planting and picture taking" because they are not supposed to be there. Of course after the participants have left the area! It takes some serious thoughts, field studies and work on all areas being considered for this activity. Of course there is no question about replanting a degraded mangrove forest. Let me know if there are areas you need further assistance. Thank you." - Nilo Arribas Jr. of The Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, Inc., Cebu Chapter (www.birdwatch.ph)

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