Everest 2006: Everest Summiter Dave Watson plans to attempt the real Second Step on Everest

Dawa Nuru Sherpa of Thame. With 6 Everest summits this incredible kind and skillful climber will bring experience and humility to the "Pathfinder 2006," Everest expedition.

Dave Watson, Mountain Guide, who summited Everest in 2004 on an Asian Trekking permit with "ease" according to other climbers plan to attempt the Fantasy Ridge and the real Second Step on Everest in 2006. Dave tells EverestNews.com," It is hard to believe that with all of the people that climb the regular route, none have explored the option of staying on the ridge.  The traverse on the face from mushroom rock to the Second Step is one of the most dangerous and exposed pitches on the whole route.  If a "variation" is possible, I will let you know as I plan to explore the possibility of ascending on the ridge proper from the end of the Pinnacles to the top of the Second Step."

"I will not only be exploring this option for the safe alternative of avoiding the face climb below Step 2, but I find most of the motivation for this project comes from investigating the infamous Mallory/ Irvine mystery.  I believe these men would have avoided a steep, exposed face climb and would have tried to stay on the ridge as much as possible, especially when the face climb ended at a 100 ft. rock wall (Second Step).  By exploring the ridge I hope to find clues that may begin to bring closure to one of, if not the, greatest mysteries in all of mountaineering.  As an Everest summiter, I do not feel the need to "Top Out", the summit to me is simply the furthest point at which to turn around.  Although the top of the world is a magical place, it will always remain there and I can always come back and climb to the summit again.  As I plan to do in the future, in a joint Everest/ Lhotse expedition.  With a history of technical rock and ice climbing, and having summitted Everest in a deadly storm, I am confident that I have the skills to ascend the ridge comfortably and safely to search for the clues of the possible first ascent of Chomolungma." Dave Watson

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