EVEREST LIVE

May 15, 2001

From: Kim Johnson and Jonathan Chester

We're continuing our coverage of our invaluable climbing Sherpas who are the backbone of the NFB Everest Expedition. We will be featuring two each day so you can get to know them.

Kami Tenzing Sherpa, Sirdar

Kami is the lead Sherpa, or Sirdar, and works closely with expedition leader, PV Scaturro, to make decisions about the team's movement on Mount Everest. Kami has led trekking and climbing expeditions in Nepal, Tibet and India. The NFB Everest Expedition is his 31st expedition. Last year Kami was the sirdar for the NFB's climb on Ama Dablam. He started working with trekking groups when he was 12 years old as porter and later as a cook. Kami and his wife, Dawa Yangjeen, their daughter, Sunam Yangjeen (age 11) and son, Tsering Phinjok (age 8), live in Khumjung, Nepal. Dawa Yangjeen is in close radio contact with Kami and supports our crew by organizing porters to deliver fresh food and supplies from Katmandu and the Khumbu Valley to keep the team fortified.

Ang Kami, Climbing Sherpa

Ang Kami (age 28) is from Phakding in the Khumbu Valley where he lives with his wife and daughter, Dohlma (age 5). They are expecting a baby in October. Ang Kami has climbed Annapurna 4 and other mountains in Nepal, Tibet and India. This is his first time on Mt. Everest. He likes Mt. Everest so far and says he'll tell us more about it once he has summited!