Living life to the extreme

First climbed in 1951, Ama Dablam is a mountain in the Khumbu region of the Himalaya range of Eastern Nepal.

Together with Allan Dickinson, Robby Kojetin and expedition leader John Black, Warren will summit this mountain, with a peak of 6 856m, in November.

Warren told the City Times he is at his happiest when pushing the limits.

“It is like crossing the finish line in the Comrades Marathon,” he explained.

Having climbed numerous mountains before, including Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, Denali and Andes Pisco, among others, Warren has always enjoyed the outdoors and taking part in activities such as mountain biking, trail running, hiking and rock climbing.

He said he has no fears of the challenge that lies ahead.

“Obviously not the summiting; I am more concerned about the conditions, the snow dump and chances of an avalanche,” he explained.

After their arrival in Lukla, on October 27, the team will begin their four-day trek to base camp at 4 500m.

They will set out on the four day climb after a few days of preparation at base camp.

Establishing three camps along the way, they will ascend the rocky wall of “Yellow Tower” at almost 5 900m, traverse a very exposed snowfield below Mushroom Ridge at around 6 100m, and then make the final push to the Bergschrund, on November 15, where, it is said, a new threat awaits them.

“In the past couple of years, crevasses have been opening up on the upper snowfield; these will need to be carefully negotiated,” said John.

From this snowfield, an ice crest forms the “aisle” to the summit, where the team will complete the last 100m to make history.

The quartet met through Scouting 15 years ago and have been venturing out together ever since.

“The mountains get bigger as we get older,” said Warren.

“Having climbed many peaks the world over, the team is really excited about being able to take on a lesser known challenge that will push our technical ice and rock abilities to their limits,” said John.

In preparation, Warren has been doing a lot of rock climbing, indoor training, running and cycling.

His advice to others who wish to pursue their dreams in mountain climbing is: “Choose a goal that is within your limits and choose a mountain that is guided.

“Get as fit as you can; the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy it.

“Gather some friends and book your ticket.”

Warren said his plans for the future include more and bigger mountains.

When asked how he manages to make time for climbing, being an engineer and entrepreneur who owns two businesses and runs one more for someone else, his response was: “Just do it, otherwise 40 years goes by and you haven’t done what you’ve wanted to.”

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