MERCER ISLAND, Wash. - A Mercer Island man returned home Friday after scaling the world's Seven Summits in record time.
A.C. Sherpa, 38, just finished summiting Mount Everest on May 23, wrapping up his mission to climb the tallest peak on all seven continents in less than 50 days. He accomplished his goal in 42 days.
Sherpa says Everest took him the longest, at 16 days, because he got sick.
"My oxygen mask was bigger and goggle was pushed out... couldn't see anybody in the tent and totally blind out for three days," said Sherpa.
But he didn't climb just for the glory. Sherpa took on the endeavor to raise money and awareness for his foundation - The Himalayan Women and Children's Foundation. He is hoping to build dental and medical clinics and remodel schools in his native Nepal.
Today, as Sherpa arrived home at Sea-Tac Airport, he ran into Jim Whittaker, the first American to reach the summit of Mount Everest, who was there to pick up his son Leif Whittaker who also just summited Mount Everest in a separate expedition and congratulated Sherpa on his feat.
"I was glad everything was safe and he made it up all the seven summits in 50 days, an amazing feat," said Whittaker.
More information: http://himalayansherpa.com/
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