James experiences extreme nature on trip to foot of Everest
0 Comment | Email | Print | 819 views Elaine Walker | Anacortes American
October 16, 2009 - 06:30 AM

Submitted Photo

The Himalayas rise majestically behind Rita James in this photo from her spring trek to the base camp of Mount Everest. James said backpacking is an extreme sport at 17,000 feet, and even a common cold can be life threatening at that altitude.
Additional Images:

This spring Rita James journeyed to Nepal for the adventure of a lifetime, ascending more than 7,000 feet, one step at a time, on a trek with members of the Himalayan Rescue Association, who were headed to the Mount Everett Base Camp to set up a medical clinic.

James and her group encountered pack yaks, golden Buddhist domes, stony Hindu ruins, monkeys and, high above all other wonders, the formidable peak of Mount Everest and the imposing mountain tops nearby. With supervision and guidance of competent and caring Sherpas, James reached for the top of the world — 17,000 feet above her Anacortes home — and found a place of stark but deadly beauty, where something as simple as a chest cold is life-threatening.

James will present a slide show and give a talk about her experiences 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21 at the Anacortes Public Library.

The presentation is part of the library’s travel series, which continues through Nov. 18.

Upcoming talks are “The Pleasures of Canal Boating in France” on Tuesday, Oct. 27; “Travels in Myanmar (Burma)” on Wednesday, Nov. 4; “Independent Travel in Southeast Asia” on Tuesday, Nov. 10; and “Paris: A Travelogue” on Wednesday, Nov. 18.

Questions? Call the library at 293-1910, ext. 21.





Read all 0 comments / share your thoughts
Latest comments


Read all 0 comments / share your thoughts


More Local News

Top Jobs

Established medical office seeks Medical Records Clerk/Receptionist. Must be flex. Position also covers sick & vacation days. You must have computer, customer service and professional telephone skills. Applicant must be neat in appearance, pleasant, reliable, organized, energetic and able to multi-task. Previous medical exp. is helpful but not nec. Send resume to: bonniec-mvwc @verizon.net or File #676 c/o Skagit Valley Herald, PO Box 578, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.


LIVE-IN CAREGIVER. Room and board furnished. Clean, cook, secretarial, farm management. Integrity required. 360-873-9600


Youth Center Staff Supervisor The Swinomish Tribal Community Recreation/ Prevention Department is looking for a dynamic and competent individual who is experienced as a Youth Center Staff Supervisor. The Youth Center Supervisor plans, and does the total duties of a Prevention/Recreation Assistant. This position provides leadership to the other assistants when the Coordinator is out of the office. The Swinomish Tribal Community is a positive and friendly work environment. This is a full-time position with full health insurance benefits. Salary is DOQ. Request a Swinomish Tribal Community application and Job Description by calling 360-466-1216 or e-mail wbill@swinomish.nsn.us. Return cover letter, resume, and application to Wayne Bill, Human Resource Director as soon as possible. Send application packet to; Swinomish Tribal Community, Human Resource Office, 11404 Moorage Way, LaConner, WA. 98257


REFINERY OPERATOR Tesoro is currently seeking to fill the position of Refinery Operator at its Anacortes facility. An Operator monitors and controls refinery process equipment while working a rotating 12-hour shift, often outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. This can be a physically/mentally challenging job requiring mechanical ability and a basic understanding of physical sciences and chemistry. In addition, candidates must possess a positive work ethic, good communications and teamworking skills and have the willingness to take personal responsibility for the safety of themselves and others. Along with a dynamic work environment, Tesoro offers an excellent compensation and benefits package. Starting wage will be $21.38 per hour that will initially increase to $25.59 after successful completion of training. Employment applications (one application per person) can be obtained at the Work Source Skagit, 2005 E. College Way, in Mount Vernon during the hours 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on November 24, 25, and 30, 2009, or until a maximum of 300 applications has been distributed. No applications will be faxed or mailed. You must apply in person. All applicants will be tested on Saturday, December 5, 2009, for basic skills and aptitude. Additional information will be provided with the application. Telephone inquiries and mail-in applications will not be accepted. Successful candidates for employment will be required to pass a substance abuse screening (drug and alcohol), physical agility tests, and complete a physical exam. Tesoro Refining and Marketing Company 10200 W. March Point Rd. Anacortes, WA 98221 Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V


STYLIST for AVEDA SALON AND SPA. Commission. 1019 Cleveland St., MV 336-2985