Summary: Climbing Everest | Buzzword Workbook Class 7: Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

Summary

In this chapter, we explore the remarkable life of Reinhold Messner, a legendary mountaineer. From a young age, Messner displayed an extraordinary passion for climbing, having summited his first peak at just five years old, guided by his father. The pinnacle of his achievements came in 1978 when he, along with Peter Habeler, successfully reached the top of Mount Everest without using bottled oxygen, marking them as pioneers in the world of mountaineering.

Messner's thirst for adventure didn't end there. In 1980, he undertook the challenge of climbing Mount Everest alone, without the aid of oxygen cylinders. This solo expedition proved to be his most difficult undertaking. During this climb, he fell into a deep crevasse—a crack in a glacier. Battling the darkness and the urge to give up, Messner pressed on, using a ski-pole and ice-axe to climb out of the crevasse and face the harsh winds blowing at speeds of eighty kilometers per hour.

His solo ascent in the challenging climate of Everest showcased Messner's resilience and determination, making it a defining moment in the history of mountaineering. Messner advocates for the alpine style of mountaineering, emphasizing the minimal use of equipment to respect the essence of the sport and the beauty of nature.

Reinhold Messner's achievements extend beyond Everest. He holds the record for climbing all fourteen peaks above eight thousand meters. Additionally, Messner has ventured alone across the Gobi Desert and crossed Greenland and Antarctica without sledges or snowmobiles. With over sixty books to his name, some notable ones include "Everest Expedition," "Free Spirit," and "My Quest for the Yeti."

List of Difficult Words and Meanings

• Mountaineering: The sport or activity of climbing mountains.
• Pioneers: People who are among the first to explore or settle in a new place.
• Crevasse: A deep crack in the ice or a glacier.
• Resilience: The ability to recover quickly from difficulties or toughness.
• Ascent: The act of climbing or moving upwards.
• Alpine Style: A minimalist approach to mountaineering, using very little equipment.
• Expedition: A journey or voyage for a specific purpose.
• Magnificence: The grandeur or beauty of something.
• Essence: The intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something.
• Ventured: To undertake a risky journey or course of action.