Mt. Everest 2006: Christopher Harris to attempt to become the youngest western climber to summit Everest...

Mr and Mrs Sir Edmund Hillary with Lakpa Sherpa and her 15 year old sister who summited Everest

From 2005: Christopher Harris, who earned the title Australian Geographic Australian Young Adventurer of the year in 2003 after being the youngest person to climb 3750m Mt. Cook in New Zealand, is now practicing for a higher ascent:  Mt. Everest.  Chris and his father Richard have been invited by Russell Brice, a leader of Everest commercial expeditions, on an expedition that will attempt Everest from its Tibetan side in March-May 2005. If the expedition is successful, Chris will be fourteen and a half when he reaches the summit.

It is unclear why Chris and his father did not make the trip in 2005, but we understand they have joined the low budget Russian expedition for 2006. It is also unclear if Chris would become the youngest "climber" to Everest due to the fact that Lakpa Sherpa's sister age is unknown as Sherpas do not take a great interest in a birth date....

Chris’ climbing adventures began at age five when he conquered a 15m cliff face in his father’s climbing gym and his accomplishments to date include Kosciuszko, Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains, Mt. Cook, Mt. Elbrus (Europe’s highest mountain at 5642m), and Mt. Kilimanjaro (Africa’s highest mountain at 5900m).  Chris and his father attempted to climb Aconcagua the highest mountain in South America and reached 5800m of the 6962m.

Questions about kids on mountains has long been debated. Nepal, with encouraging from many, including EverestNews.com, passed a ban on those under 16 year old. But Tibet is truly the wild wild west...

Editorial Comment: We have heard too many families, after their loved one do not come home ask, how could this have been prevented? With 14 and 15 years old kids on mountains this high, one has to ask? Who is responsible if they die? Maybe that question should be asked before they go to Everest...

Of course in a few years smart money is on Lakpa and George Dijmarescu's daughter (Sunny) to Summit at ??? Well Vegas probably won't give you a line on it... What do you think? 8, 10??

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