It’s the only time of year when weather conditions are favourable enough for an expedition. And, as we reported in our April issue, this was the plan for four brave South African women – they were to set off on the adventure of their lives.
But, as we all know, the coronavirus pandemic caused a global shutdown, forcing mountaineers Deshun Deysel, Lisa Gering, Tumi Mphahlele, and Alda Waddell to hang up their highly specialised K-Way down expedition suits until at least next year’s Everest summit climbing window.
Not only did COVID-19 interrupt travel plans, but it’s caused dire financial consequences for world economies, and placed an immense burden on countries’ healthcare systems. No more acutely are financial burdens felt than on an Everest trip, which can cost upwards of $50 000 (±R920 000) to fund (a rate that doesn’t include flights or gear). Just two weeks prior to the women’s departure date for Nepal, only Lisa had secured all the funding needed.
‘I was all good to go when it was announced that Nepal was closing the mountain,’ says Lisa. ‘The impact on Nepal is immense – they rely heavily on the trekking and climbing season, which brings tens of thousands of tourists, and that was all closed off.’ Many of the trekking and climbing guides in Nepal earn upwards of 80 per cent of their annual income during this period.
This story is from the July/August 2020 edition of Popular Mechanics South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July/August 2020 edition of Popular Mechanics South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Can a retired rocket engine take us to Mars?
The space shuttle's main engine was mothballed with the programme in 2011. Now NASA believes it's the future of interplanetary travel.
6 metre waves. All engines on fire. 1 500 Km from land.
How Flying Tiger 923 and its 'miracle pilot' made an impossible ocean landing.
Land Rover Discovery D300
A FEW MONTHS ago a $2 billion lottery jackpot was won in the United States. It’s fun to sometimes ponder outrageous winnings like that, and how I’d spend it, even if it’s completely detached from reality.
Volkswagen Taigo R-Line 1.0 TSI
The compact proportions make this a delightful daily commuter.
Mazda CX-5 2.2 L De Akera AWD
Floor the pedal and overtaking is achieved easily and safely.
Making the most out of your grinder
THE HUMBLE BENCH GRINDER IS A STAPLE of the handyworker's home shop, largely due to its versatility. But, while you can employ one to remove metal from just about anything, the traditional kind may not provide the precision you need for every grinding operation. Here, we shed light on the best ways to use the different types of grinders, gleaned from our testing.
Unlock your devices' full potential with a USB-C hub
AS NEW TECH SHRINKS EACH YEAR, essential ports such as USB-A, HDMI, and ethernet are being replaced by the slimmer USB-C.
WE BUILT THE WORLD'S FIRST V-8 TESLA
THE RICH REBUILDS TEAM HAD A DEAD MODEL S. THEY FIXED IT WITH A CAMARO ENGINE.
I bought a GHOST TOWN
This abandoned California mining village once had 400 buildings. Now I'm restoring the 20 that remain.
F1 taught me that speed starts with comfort
AS A FAN OF MOTORSPORT, I'M ALWAYS fascinated with the finer details that go into Formula One racing. Piloting the fastest racing cars on the planet subjects drivers to savage forces - up to 6 G's under braking which has led to an almost endless pursuit of comfort.
