My Encounter With George Mallory on Mount Everest

[@EverestMystery]

For more on the Mystery of Mallory and Irvine, be sure to check out the Everest Mystery playlist, featuring tons of great content. Click here for the playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLwmpwZ6gVdGy03uHt2aYVqJrc7gXFfPBP

[@stephaniegilcher4577]

@@EverestMystery stupid question: would it be impossible to bring him home or would his body just "fall apart"?

[@EverestMystery]

@@stephaniegilcher4577 cool question! I would imagine that if those transporting him home have taken all the precautions, it would be possible to repatriate him back home without too much damage.

[@stephaniegilcher4577]

@@EverestMystery thanks for your answer. I find it sad that he's up there. Would be nice if he was back with his family. But maybe I'm just sentimental. But I think it would be very expensive too. I'm so fascinated that his body wasn't decomposed after all these years.

[@camojoe83]

His body was broken up pretty well "respectfully" searching it after he was buried by the inital discovery team. There's no videos of the search being done and no photos of anything after they had finished. You have to assume they were rather harsh with his body and bringing it back would show this.

[@MxPx77]

As someone who admits it would be a monumental achievement for me to make it even to base camp, I always find myself feeling like the obsession of whether they made it to the summit is less important than the actual journey they took to get that far up the mountain. They made it SO FAR with SO little. They were amazing!

[@cheryldueck318]

@@MxPx77 Agreed!

[@Pugetwitch]

Yeah, I don't understand the omnipotent desire to summit when I think it would be cool just to hike around Mount Everest in general. I have no idea what the landscape is like, it doesn't look like there's much green belt. I'm sure it's filled with beautifu areas to hike in the lower regions, though

[@camojoe83]

Lol "so little" You don't know anything about that expedition, do you?

[@Ashley_Marie23]

I'm a 33 year old from Minnesota and I have absolutely zero high altitude climbing experience, and I will likely never, but I am always thrilled to hear your stories! I love your informative channel and your passion for sharing these stories! Wishing you well, 💚 🏔️

[@ihcman9130]

I agree completely with you. I'm 43 from ND, no climbing experience at all but I'm entralled by Mt Everest and all the other 8k meter peaks. I'm glad there are other people that are willing to climb them and film and share their experiences as otherwise I'd never see them.

[@Tobias_Kevorkazito]

I’m 60 and share the same sentiment🥊 from Winnipeg, the flattest prairies in Canada 😂🤘🏻

[@wyomingadventures]

I'm 59 and have done so climbing. I love this channel. My climbing days are over. I still would like to do an Everest base camp trek.

[@HELLABRYAN]

I'm 33 from Florida the biggest thing I can climb is a mine hill.

[@thedocochoco]

@AshleyMarie-mr4ry, I’ve been a longtime fan of Thom and his videos. He’s a kindhearted, and very knowledgeable documentarian of Everest and other great peaks around the globe. Many other people have videos out on the great Mallory/Irvine quest but Thom has a way of bringing it all together. I understand, not being a high altitude climber myself, that there is controversy out there in reference to this chapter of climbing. That being said, I have been on the receiving end of a comment made by someone of whom I do not know but I’ve never seen Thom ever act in this way. That alone makes me want you to watch his documentary-videos more. Now, a question for Thom. I have a very curious question for you. Not pointing at any single climber but I was curious if there is any long term impact upon high altitude climbers that spend many years in higher altitudes. Do you think there is any affect upon those mountaineers that have summited many 8,000+ meter peaks? Just something I’ve been pondered over since I’ve been enthralled by high altitude climbing 🧗‍♂️. As always, thanks Thom!

[@antwan37]

In just a few weeks, it will be 100 years since that epic Mallory-Irvine climb. A century ago today, on the 31st of March 1924, the team was already trekking towards Everest.

[@DianaDeLuna]

From your videos it was clear you were on the Mallory expedition, but I never knew you were physically up there when he was found. That gives me chills. If I'd been there, it would've been the first & only time I was ever starstruck by a mummy.

[@ralphbooger4756]

he wasn't... up there when he was found that is! he was there when they went up for a second time to dig him up again to check for more loot, after the first team had found him and buried him.

[@marciajones2993]

@@ralphbooger4756That’s disturbing if true. Heard so many versions. 😢

[@dianebays5484]

Me too!

[@dianebays5484]

booger4756 I doubt they were disrespectful to his body in any way.

[@camojoe83]

Dude laid under him while one of his buddies held Mallory's body up like a board and he snapped photos of his face and petted his cheek stubble. IDK how respectful that is. Keep in mind this is after he was given a proper burial by the first discovery team that chopped him out of the frozen rocks while standing on him and shredding his clothes looking for stuff that he didn't even have.

[@greenwitch9836]

Hi from Australia. My dear Dad was instrumental in me wanting to know all about Everest history so I have absorbed everything possible since the late 50's, especially Mallory and Irvine. I admit I cried when Mallory's body was discovered - the photos are heartbreaking and their desire (as well as others) to go into those conditions in the only clothes available to them of the day is mind boggling. My Dad passed in 2000 so I'm glad that he got to know of some part of mystery beforehand. We had great conversations between 1999 and 2000. I choose to believe that they summited. Thank you for your stories and videos. Subbed!

[@i_luv_hecklefish]

You are a living legend. I always feel privileged to be able to sit back and listen to your stories. You amaze me, thank you. ❤

[@EverestMystery]

Thank you so much for the awesome gift, I truly appreciate it. However, the legends? They were the other guys on the mountain on May 1st....an incredible team of people.

[@thomasmoffatt]

Fifty years ago I knew David Walker who was a widely known Scottish-Canadian author. In his youth, George Leigh Mallory had come to his school in Shrewsbury to talk about mountains. David Walker was quite impressed by him, and never forgot the occasion. In conversations, I felt I got to know Mallory a bit, second hand.

[@EverestMystery]

That's absolutely incredible. My mentor, Bradford Washburn, became obsessed with the mystery when at the age of 15 - so in 1925 or so - Noel Odell visited his school. Brad went onto much fame of his own in the mountain world.

[@derproka]

This video should have 10M views. I’d love for more people to see the amazing world of mountaineering that involves the 8000m peaks and all the history of triumph, pain, and death.

[@EverestMystery]

That's super nice of you, I would love if it had 10M views. Thanks for watching, great having you here

[@01bigtrev]

Hi from The future after some of Irvines remains have been found

[@AlanpittsS2a]

This is a fantastic video.

[@Hootncozy]

I am absolutely in awe of you Sir. The life you have lived so far is what dreams are made of. To explore takes a certain kind of person no? The exploration bug missed me in my 20’s and 30’s but now in my 40’s I wish it would have bit me when I was younger. I love that I can explore because men and women like you exist. ❤

[@jameskelly2559]

Sandy Irvine was from my hometown. Mallory, coincidentally, also lived in Birkenhead for a spell- less than a mile from Irvine's house- but they never met there. Like me, Sandy went to Cambridge University. I feel a strong affinity to them both and this story never fails to move me. I hope one day the truth will be revealed about the discovery and disposal of Irvine's remains. Thanks for this greta overview.

[@macgyversmacbook1861]

Cambridge’s rowing team is even named for Sandy if I remember correctly! I’m not that much older than him but Sandy was closer to my little sister in age, I can only imagine how it felt to be being one of the first Englishmen on top of the world and only being 22

[@leeseaman6068]

Another excellent, intriguing and gripping video Thom. One thought came to mind that the discovery of George Mallory was what can be described as a "Black Swan event" i.e. an occurrence of the highly improbable. The person who first coined the term, Nassim Nicholas Taleb, created three criteria for the fulfillment of a Black Swan, and that is: 1. rarity 2. extreme impact 3. retrospective predictability. As far as I'm concerned the discovery of George Mallory's body in 1999 ticks all three boxes. I'm also deeply moved by Noel Odell's sighting as well as the words he uses in an 1986 documentary just before he died that he saw Mallory and Irvine at the "foot of the final pyramid" before the clouds obscured his vision. From Odell's vantage point it's very clear what he's talking about regarding the "final pyramid", which a significant part of it can only be that final snow slope leading up to the summit. He couldn't be referring to the Second Step because that is clearly on the north-east ridge line, which is not the foot of the final pyramid. He must have seen them in the vicinity of the Third Step, and if so, there would be no obstacle to stop them from reaching the summit. It's also interesting to know that George Mallory's grandson, George Mallory II reached the summit of Everest in 1995.

[@EverestMystery]

Fantastic insight and comment, thank you! I'm screen capturing this for further thought....truly appreciate you taking the time

[@markwaters7760]

Hi Thom! Yeah, i just dont see how you reslove the 2nd Step dilemma! As i told you before, this moment changed my life...inspired me and couple friends to start climbing mountains! Bagged many summits, but never made it to the death zone! Thanks for the inspiration! Sorry about David....we all loved him!

[@rtqii]

Wow. I had no idea you were up there with him. What an amazing story. It's sunny and 77 F outside, and I grab my throw blanket watching these.

[@labranche059]

Something tells me that Mallory and Irvine made it and I hope they did . I love the stories of the wonderful mountaineers ! I wish everyone safe journeys!

[@sharonwalsh2851]

I believe he did as well , someone reported that he had been seen on step 2 , also they had changed oxygen on step 1 . If he was on step 2 then the area his body was found proves to me he was on his way down, there was 2 cameras , question is the amount of stuff they found in his pockets ( but had a bag) where is this bag? Surely it should be still on his person. Something not quite right . Why shove everything in his pocket?

[@chaosncheckt9356]

I was living in Nepal 2008-2010 and had the opportunity to trek to Everest Base Camp. On return, I learned that Mr. Conrad Anker was giving a presentation at the Kathmandu Hospital. Fortunately for me, I was able to obtain a seat right in the front - it ended up being standing room only, and thoroughly enjoyed Conrad’s presentation. Got his book with autograph afterwards. Very impressed deed and kudos to him and all the mountaineers who have attempted as well as summited Everest. Had I another year, I would have made the attempt. A good friend who was also working/living in Kathmandu, did stay a third year and did summit Everest. He said there were just no words for the experience and how he felt at the summit.

[@NefariousEnough]

Fascinating Thom. Many thanks.

[@retriever19golden55]

I'm so glad you found the courageous Mallory. I choose to believe he summitted, though we'll never know. I'm also angry that the Chinese government apparently decided Irvine didn't deserve the dignity of everyone knowing he had been found. It seems to me that publicizing his discovery would have brought them good publicity and accolades.

[@macgyversmacbook1861]

Fun fact, the Chinese government didn’t find Sandy, that was just a rumor. The American climber Jimmy Chin found Sandy’s boot with his foot inside freshly melted out of the Rungbok glacier, meaning the rest of him is probably close by.

[@lindaodd9681]

Fascinating- thank you. I have an interest in the moral dilemmas climbers face when another climber is injured & requires help to survive or get back down the mountain. I have listened to the most famous situations when people are criticised for their behaviour. Humans can be completely selfless & display such empathy & courage. I am in awe of that bravery. Love the interview with the relation I will be watching more! Love & peace from Scotland 🇬🇧🙏🏼

[@Fairdos07]

I think there is a pretty good chance they made it, my thoughts though are if they truly understood what happens to the body at that height? Like did they know that the death zone basically earned its name? Lastly i have to wonder if just even being on that mountain be have one experiencing emotions and things that would be something akin to spiritual? When i hike in the ADK i can get that peace of nature feeling, and ive stood atop those smaller mountains and was in awe i can only imagine what mountaineeeing is like!

[@EverestMystery]

Thank you for watching, much appreciated. Essentially, we're hiking for that sense of awe that you described.... Thanks for supporting the channel!

[@Rambo-j7o]

Hey bro i think they knew about it...They also used oxigen bottles on their expedition...

[@KlausToth]

Conrad Anker's book is already a classic. George Mallory and Sandy Irvine will always be remembered as heroes of the Everest. Thank you for this high quality film.

[@carltuckerson7718]

I remember this distinctly. I was a freshman in college and had always been interested in mountaineering. Thank you so much for sharing this

[@SebSN-y3f]

Thank you very much! I am always impressed by your reports. All the best for you and your family!

[@runninggirl2765]

The information and perspective you offered is new and fresh,....to me...and I have followed this 1999 discovery very closely. Thank you for your presentation. I look forward to more.

[@EverestMystery]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I truly appreciate it

[@nancykane9021]

Thom just found you on KZbin. I enjoyed the Julian Sands podcast. Looking forward to seeing all your work! So very proud of you! Nicely done…. Much love cousin Nancy 🦋

[@EverestMystery]

Hi Nancy, it's so awesome having you here....hope all is well :)

[@Chrissy85308]

I like to think that they made it and fell on the way back down. It is crazy to think what equipment they had compared to what climbers use now. It makes that climb even more remarkable in my opinion.

[@EverestMystery]

They were giants among mere mortals....but the mountain unfortunately had the last word. Thanks for watching and thank you for supporting the channel :)

[@msbethmildhyperbaricoxygen6392]

Thank you for this information. I really enjoy watching your information and learn so much about a world I will never partake of in my lifetime.

[@EverestMystery]

You're so welcome, I'm really glad you've enjoyed the videos!

[@zuzuspetals9281]

Thank you for sharing your personal experience. It’s fascinating to hear the insight from someone who was there and had a sincere appreciation for the man and moment.

[@carolescutt2257]

❤❤ so informative and clear. I gotta say Mallory was a handsome devil x😊

[@janegilmore102]

Wow Thom what a great presentation you did ( where in Sydney were you? ) How was the muscles the next day?. Every time I pop in your talking to someone special. Though now I have forgotten which one …….it was either Mallory’s son or Hillary son & I was gobsmacked. I’m glad you decided to return to us. Keep them coming. 😊🤗

[@EverestMystery]

Jane the presentation was at the Boat House in Barrenjoey (I believe) where ANZEC does a lot of their events. My visit to Australia was one of the brightest trips of my life, all because of the generosity of my friend whom I was on the Viracocha II reedship expedition with in 2003. Thanks for your support, it means very much to me :)

[@janegilmore102]

@@EverestMystery oh near Palm Beach nice - they filmed one of our longest show there called “ Home and Away” I probably watched 10 years of it when all the kids were younger and going to school. Lots of beautiful things to do there. I’m not rich enough to live out there lol. True Aussies are easy to get on with. Glad u had a good time. 👏🏻👏🏻🤗

[@WellyCoaster]

Really enjoyed the video and all your effort into putting these together. Hope this little bit helps😊 I've been wondering what happened to Mallory's rucksack and what he may have been carrying (besides drink and food). We can see Nortons and Irvines in photos. Have been thinking if a camera may have been in his rucksack. Cheers!

[@EverestMystery]

Wow, thank you so much, I truly appreciate it! It does help, very much. And, yes, a missing backpack....pretty big thing to contemplate... Thanks for watching and for supporting the channel

[@hectorlumbagoCringe]

Outstanding work, as always my friend

[@kristinaanderson1047]

You are such a great speaker! Is that a natural talent or did you learn how to do it somewhere? It looks like you aren't even using notes in the presentation! Impressive. Thanks for your videos, I am a big fan.

[@habituallinestepper8839]

Thank you for the amazing story. I had no idea you were involved with the finding of his body. Incredible

[@24934637]

I DO like to think that they made it to the Summit, NOT that I've got anything against Hillary and Tenzing. Getting to the summit back in those days was an incredible achievement (Still is nowadays!) but to be the first in 1924 wearing the clothing available at the time would have been spectacular! Unless the camera gets found, no one is ever going to know for sure, and I have a horrible feeling that the Chinese may well have found the body of Irvine, and 'disappeared' it.

[@catsy-Demeter]

'disappeared' what does that mean? Threw him over ridge or ate him? Lol

[@Sebrof3]

Well, now I guess you know they didn’t eat him !

[@AlanpittsS2a]

Well irvines partial remains have been found at the bottom of rongbuk glacier I would like to see if they can find the rest and maybe a camera

[@catsy-Demeter]

@@Sebrof3 it was a joke because 'disappeared' looked ominous!

[@catsy-Demeter]

@@AlanpittsS2a the Chinese team took the camera so it's been told and mucked up the film trying to develop it

[@PotooBurd]

This is so informative! Great job, fantastic reporting!🌻🌼🐝 Keep it up 🙌

[@schwabra]

Thom, thank you for this video. Of course those who venture into the unknown become the voices we grant to those wonders in our dreams. As Mallory would become the voice of those who desired to climb above the clouds and touch the top of the world for so many, yours and those of others on these expeditions extoll us to continue our own dreams of discovery as well. George Mallory's memory now has more actual information, and eventually, we hope, we will hear more form Sandy Irving. It is no coincidence that you had your moment of questioning whether you had the same tone of these ground breaking explorers before. The odyssey continues and the heroes of the tale become those of our generation heeding their call to history. I wonder if the confidence we attribute to the past explorers was their attempt to convince themselves in their correspondence. It is this correspondence which became their final words to us so it is all that is left to hear. Continue to speak these things and put fourth the success of others while you pursue the questions of today. To frame current wonder against the backdrop of the endeavors of others are the tales of tomorrow. "Because it is there" becomes "I was there too."

[@EverestMystery]

Thanks so much for the great comment....means very much to hear these words. I appreciate the insight and the thoughtfulness.

[@M_Rasmussen58]

Pure enjoyment listening to your story. Thank you SO much!!

[@EverestMystery]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for taking the time to watch and to comment!

[@peach7210]

I'm grateful you didn't include pictures of Mallory. The famous picture you refer to is haunting. Once you've seen it, you can never unsee it. Speaking of pictures, I remember seeing photos of the expedition and you can't help but be gobsmacked by how they were outfitted. Woefully unprepared by today's standards but understandable at the time. Question... If the camera is ever found, would the film still be good after all these years on the mountain? For his descendants sake I hope one day Irvine is located. Maybe it's just me, but if a family member died on the mountain, it would cause me far more anguish if they simply disappeared without a trace. Great video, Thom!

[@tsjackson72]

Great upload! My sons and I always enjoy discussing your vids, as we did tonight, discussing whether they made the summit, not to mention if we would've had the guts to crawl under him.

[@EverestMystery]

That is awesome! Thanks for watching with your sons....to me that's as good as it gets. Thanks so much

[@tomhohum4275]

Hi Thom; walking in to a local grocery store I was surprised to see you there in a conversation with someone. From your KZbin posts I knew you live nearby. I didn’t have the courage to interrupt and say hello to the legend as I’m a total flatlander 😅

[@balke7935]

I’ll never forget watching that bbc documentary on the tv when I was a teenager. It gave me tingles all over my body… the emotion in the voices of the search party, it was absolutely priceless. It’s without doubt one of the best things I ever saw and it set me off on a tangent for years reading anything I could get my hands on concerning Mallory and even retracing his steps on climbs here in the UK.

[@EverestMystery]

Good having you here, thank you for telling us about your story!

[@schism8286]

Phenomenal production here. I am 42 now, followed this story since I was a young adult. New subscriber

[@EverestMystery]

It's great having you here, thank you very much!

[@SAM-zt2uy]

What a story, Im not far off 37 and always fascinated with the stories of Everest can literally watch hours up on hours of these documentaries but know I'll never get there certainly no desire to summit. Thank you for sharing.

[@chk859]

I enjoyed this Malory cover the most. Much more detail. Thank you.

[@elderlemon8020]

I think they made to the summit. No photo of Mallory's wife. Ruth, was found on Mallory's body. He promised to leave her photo on the summit. The real key to the mystery though is Sandy Irving's body. He carried the photographic equipment. Later Chinese expeditions speak of the "English Dead" in an area not near where Mallory's body was found. Irving's body, and his Photos have never been revealed. Politically the Chinese would never have allowed that.

[@RalphBrooker-gn9iv]

@@elderlemon8020 I’ve clung to that belief based on the absence of the photo among GM’s remains. But given the disintegration of the clothing perhaps the photo too?

[@elderlemon8020]

@@RalphBrooker-gn9iv His body was found face down, so if it was in a pocket there's every chance it would still be there when he was discovered. An envelope with a letter inside was found upon his person also. Its like putting a jigsaw together with pieces missing.

[@dianasoto7011]

@RalphBrooker-gn9iv the letters on Mallorys body were intact, why wouldn't a picture survive? They didn't find a picture at the summit, but, being out in the weather at that point, could well have disintegrated in the interim between Mallory and Irvine, and when Hillary and Norgay made it to the top. I think they made it, and the Chinese know it, but they don't want anyone to take away from what Norgay/Hillary did.

[@SoundGGirl]

Really enjoy your videos. You’re an excellent presenter.

[@EverestMystery]

Thanks so much, I am glad you enjoy the videos!

[@JohnnyMcGuireMusic]

Thanks for all you have contributed to this fascinating story. It's so interesting to learn about!

[@EverestMystery]

I appreciate it, thanks so much! Keep on doing your thing, I checked out your channel. Awesome stuff!

[@humbertsmith8864]

You continue to inspire me! What a life!

[@karinbergman1646]

So fascinating, yet tragic that lives were lost. I can't even imagine what it would have been like in 1924 to attempt Everest, or even today. Thank you.

[@brynnharris-hamm1321]

The fact that George said he would leave a photo of his wife on the summit and the photo wasn’t found on his body.. and the fact that his goggles were in his pocket.. meaning it was night when he did that.. seems to really suggest he did make it. I wish he had left something other than a photo at the top. They didn’t consider the corruption of those who would come after..

[@adrianwright8685]

"Fancy climbing Everest, Irvine?", "Yeah, good idea Mallory, when shall we start?" "How about this weekend? Better bring your jacket and a nice warm pullover" "Will do Mallers, and you bring your thermos with some nice hot tea"

[@primrose4514]

@@adrianwright8685 😊😊😊

[@chancevonfreund9145]

It was a massive story all over the world! Amazing.🗻

[@Somemaysayso]

I always wondered if Mallory made it because you guys could not find the picture of Ruth he planned to leave at the summit. Have read the book about Conrad’s discovery and the Wildest Dream. Brilliant stuff. Thanks for your insights, enthusiasm and videos.

[@alanoffer]

As a kid growing up in the fifties UK the names of Mallory and Irvine were names that we knew as British heroes , we imagined them climbing those heights in Harris tweed and plus fours , so it was something when he was actually brought to life ( as it were ) when he was found , it’s still an amazing story hearing it from someone who was actually on the site ,,thank you ,

[@EverestMystery]

It's a pleasure, thank you for watching and for sharing and commenting!

[@birdzilla5692]

I met Andy Politz and Jamling Norgay (sp?) when they were promoting the Everest film at a theater (that had an IMAX) that I worked for in Columbus Ohio. They were both so nice!!! Such a small, big world!

[@EverestMystery]

Andy is an amazing man and a great friend. Very cool that you met him at that film, as well as Jamling!

[@butterfliesarefreetofly6964]

In my humble opinion, I truly think George & Sandy both made it to the top. Id like to think they did & on the way down, thats when they either fell or were sick from altitude sickness. Im truly honored to hear from your own words, how George Mallory was found. Can I ask, do you know if they were tied together by rope? And did anyone check the rope around Mr Mallory to see if it were cut or if it looked different in any way? Thank you for all of your videos💜

[@tracycameron5099]

They were roped together from what i have read. Sandy was not an experienced mountaineer. George took him because of his expertise with oxygen. It is assumed that Sandy slipped and fell, pulling Mallory with him. Tragic.

[@butterfliesarefreetofly6964]

@@tracycameron5099Thank you!! Im sorry Im just now seeing this. I was still wondering all of this time so thank you again!🌻

[@RalphBrooker-gn9iv]

Superb presentation. Absolutely superb. Could George have climbed the second step in that kit? I believe he did. As I understand things it may have been beyond Sandy’s technical ability.

[@EverestMystery]

Thank you so much, I truly appreciate it!

[@9090Glenn]

I agree - finding Mallory was an extraordinary event in alpinist history - it was and remains stunning discovery - the odds were so unlikely he would ever be found ...

[@Banshee5150]

I cannot even imagine the sheer gravity and awe you felt when you not only saw him for the first time, but then looked into his face. You stared into the face of human history, and you were the first to do so since that history had been made.

[@dianebays5484]

Om gosh, Thom, ive been watching your videos, and never realized you actually got to see george Mallory s body. I cant imagine the awe that you felt. I would have felt so honored to have been there. You go, Thom. I love your videos,, i have to say, in not a mountain climber, im a 67 year old retired, overweight, nurse. I couldn't climb a ladder. I choose to think they made it first. I cant stand to hear all about Sir E and Tensing Norgay were first! You cant see his head in that video and i thought it wasnt there. Did you hear that, in 1995, George Mallory , the second, summitted everest with an American team. The son of John Mallory, George Mallory's only son.

[@EverestMystery]

Thank you so much for watching and for taking the time to comment!

[@dianebays5484]

​@@EverestMystery Yes sir, anytime!

[@machineofrage]

The photo of you with your son, it actually made me quite emotional. Do you ever regret the time you've had to spend away from your family and do you ever feel guilt for putting yourself into dangerous situations? (It's called the death zone for a reason) I also struggle with the dilemma of putting myself at risk when I go to work as a fisherman, it's a risk I grudgingly accept, but one that I'm sure my children do not.

[@EverestMystery]

Yes, I struggled with it very much, and passed on several amazing opportunities when they were young. I was young and ambitious, and much less so now. One way I made up for it was by coaching every team they were on from K through 6th grade and through middle school coached my son in football. During that presentation in Australia I choked up twice (talking about GLM's children as well as my own)...but, I've gotten better at stuffing it back in. Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts

[@zuzuspetals9281]

I’m impressed that both of you put your kids ahead of your dreams and ambitions. Personally, I believe you each made right decision and were rewarded with visions far more glorious than mountain summits.

[@acleanpairofsocks]

Very cool video!! Thank you so much for sharing your story!

[@EverestMystery]

You’re welcome ~ thanks for watching!

[@1mouseman]

Great story. I can see you and your team really cares. As a non climber, it is great to see an Everest story that is not about mountains of garbage and millionaires abusing Sherpas.

[@mecaminha]

I adore reading/watching mountaineering tales and don't know how I didn't come across your channel before. I've missed out! 🥹 Fantastic achievement and storytelling in every single video. Thanks for sticking around and sharing everything you know. x

[@alanleemaxwell831]

Absolutely fantastic upload, I hope they manage to locate the rest of Andrew Irvine... Greetings from a fellow Stratocaster player here in the UK 🙏🇬🇧❤️

[@nevertimetotryagain]

Conrad Anker's stepson was a photographer on my antarctic cruise and screened the documentary he made about losing his dad (also a climber, died on a mountain) and eventually adding Conrad to their family. Super interesting!

[@ErinRenee1990]

His stepsons father was Conrad’s best friend who was with him when he died.

[@Jessifats]

That documentary was one of the most raw and beautiful documentaries I’ve ever seen. I was absolutely blown away by the emotions he managed to capture and explain as a filmmaker. What a credit to that whole family for what they’ve gone through and how they’ve honoured their lost father, husband and friend.

[@cindypereira5194]

Thank you for giving Conrad the props. You all did great putting together the search party, but I believe Conrad was led by divine intervention to find George.

[@jakeweeks9135]

Id like to hear more about the Chinese discovering sandy and possibly covering up the summit achievement by taking the camera.

[@EverestMystery]

Here's a video with Jamie McGuinness, who knows far more than me on this topic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXXFg4WLZr6Agtk

[@jakeweeks9135]

Thank you. I enjoyed it. Very fascinating.

[@daverudd-zt3ob]

It makes me almost barf that the Chinese may have got a hold of Irvine's body, took the camera and then tossed him down onto the glacier to hide that someone potentially beat them to the summit. And the powers that be there are utterly capable of this. Horrible!

[@jayanthisubasinghe5091]

I have loved watching your videos as they take me on journey through the mountains and having an imaginary climbing experience which I don’t think will be possible during this lifetime. I really hate when some people did not even have the decency to preserve the belonging and placed them in a Nepalese museum. Even hearing a body was thrown down rather than giving it a respectful burial around the place.

[@EverestMystery]

Thanks so much for watching and for sharing your thoughts!

[@corkyoakes4839]

I’ve been following this mystery for nearly 30 years. Became fascinated with Everest, the Himalayas, and all the mountaineers whoever climbed. could they have summitted? All things are possible, but listening to the description of the second step, I don’t know that it was physically possible. Please understand that I am nothing against them if they submitted. Yes, they would’ve been first to summit, but not first to have completed the expedition as Hillary stated many years ago. He was quite polite about it, but success is a round trip. I enjoy your presentations very much. I have never seen the photographs of Mallory that you mention and I probably don’t want to. I am watching this just a few weeks after Jimmy Chin found Irvine‘s boot. It is exciting and yet quite somber.

[@SharonCorbett]

Having just watched this video by chance after hearing of Irvine's boot being discovered, (wildly exciting news), it was this deeply empathic perspective that brought it all into a profound focus, linked as the events are, sadly, to the other. This video is a sobering, but joyous, relief that amid the kinda alpha-hyped sport summiting Everest has consequentially become, it was beyond fitting that of all who could have first explored this site and Mallory himself, it was by someone so respectfully mindful and so genuinely attentive to that fact, and that this was not just another 'franchised first', but the discovery and care toward someone who was lost and is now found, as compellingly tragic as if it were just yesterday, and not 75yrs at all. This is no small thing, as the families who have mourned these men would attest, but I think all of us are utterly grateful that this moment was in the hands of such strength of character to be so sensitively aware of what was integrally important in that moment of moments... Thankyou and well done! 🙏

[@EverestMystery]

Thank you VERY VERY much, I truly appreciate your thoughts and happy you took the time to comment : )

[@LD-qj2te]

Digging your guitar in the background !! Fun

[@EverestMystery]

Always kept within an arm's length or better yet slung over my shoulders to practice or jam Cheers!

[@sewage1510]

Thank you for sharing your experience, Thom. Like many others I've been fascinated and intrigued by this mystery for many years and have searched for as much information as possible about your discovery of Mallory's body, but information of the account has been sparse and difficult to find. There is one burning question I've been wanting to know: what did George Mallory's face look like when you managed to clear his body from all the scree and ice? Perhaps some may consider this a morbid question but, to me, I think it's natural for people to wonder since the face is such an important means by how we emotionally relate to one another. No details of this aspect of the discovery seems to exist and it remains completely shrouded in mystery, so much that your video is the only one I've seen that mentions anybody having seen his face at all. However, you gloss over the experience rather quickly which strikes me as odd considering how incredibly profound and somber it must have been for you and your team to be looking face to face with one of the most famous and tragic pioneers in mountaineering history. One of the things I appreciated was the incredible amount of care and consideration your team gave while handling Mallory's body. I know you tried conducting yourselves as respectfully as possible, which is why I'm assuming it was decided that it wouldn't be appropriate to publish photos of Mallory's face, but the question remains along with some others. If you were ever inclined to share I would be very interested in learning more details about this. How was Mallory's body interred? Was the grave site marked? Was the specific location kept secret to deter anyone from attempting to disturb the grave? Did your team have difficulty unanimously deciding on how best to proceed? I know burial options were severely limited given the treacherous conditions and the frozen, mummified state of the corpse, but knowing the mountain is in a constant state of change is it likely that the body will eventually resurface again? Based on what I could extrapolate from the "Lost on Everest" documentary it appeared that several articles of clothing had been removed and taken back to camp along with the rest of Mallory's possessions. Was anything left behind and buried with the body? What became of Mallory's possessions? Are they displayed in a museum somewhere? If anyone has more information to share I'd be interested in learning more. It's such a compelling story and with the recent discovery of Andrew Irvine's partial remains a century after his disappearance I'm sure many people out there would like to learn more about the tale.

[@wyomingadventures]

Exploring our world is fascinating. 100 years anniversary is coming up on their climb. Can't imagine what that was like looking at his face.

[@robinhollinger3531]

I love your videos, they're so interesting!

[@ERICpeterson-k9r]

He had a picture of his wife and he was going to leave it on the summit and when his body was discovered there was no picture with him 😳

[@Ashley_Marie23]

I always wondered about that!

[@czarcastic1458]

That was a rumor.

[@jayeengland]

yes i think they made it cuz of the missing picture

[@czarcastic1458]

No proof he carried a picture of his wife.@@jayeengland

[@andym2869]

@@czarcastic1458 no proof that he never either.

[@seandobson499]

I remember this story so well from all the press, radio and TV coverage in the UK and to this very day, I hope that Mallory and Irvine did make it to the summit of Everest.

[@ata1811]

Very interesting! However, if there is no conclusive proof then he didn’t make it. In law….. not guilty until proven guilty. Climbing and summiting, surely if they had they would have left something up there. That is just my opinion. What is fact is that those two (and the others from 1924) were incredible climbers!! Really enjoyed this! Thank you!!

[@danielbonner8309]

Whether they summited or not its kind of crazy that a successful summit could mean that you didn't make it down. Very fascinating topic.

[@PoPo-ee2xb]

Love your passion! I choose to believe he made it. Hillary can have it for the first to hit the top and come back down safely but in my heart, knowing Mallory’s passion, I pray and choose to believe he met his goal before he died. If not, he’s got an even better view of this world where he’s at now 😊

[@teresawesterlind1677]

Love hearing your experiences and stories.

[@moonjewels16]

You are excellent narrator! Love the way you told the story.Thank you❤

[@EverestMystery]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the storytelling....thank you for watching!

[@tholstad1]

Extremely interesting content. I personally would never make it there; I have to wear gloves if it gets colder than 50 degrees F, but what I can take from this and my life experience is this: We all have a purpose in life and we have to find it and do it; otherwise, we start the long slow decline and die eventually, neve having done what we should have, and the body gives up over time if we don't do that thing, whatever it is. We have to be honest with ourselves to find what that purpose is, and we can find it in what we are good at, not even in what we like necessarily. Then we have to make our peace with that thing, embrace it and do it until we no longer can or we exit this life.

[@kenwbrenner]

Hi Thom. A long-time interest in Mt. Everest. I saw Darwin's interview of you and was impressed with all you've accomplished. Have subscribed to your channel and enjoyed this video. Question: Is there one documentary that shows all that occurred on the 1999 expedition? Would be glad to purchase/rent a copy. Look forward to more of your good narration and photography. Hope you and your family have a very blessed Thanksgiving!

[@arsenal10141014]

Always great story telling. Loved the video.

[@peterbarts8351]

Great content. Thank you for your work! God bless you 🙏

[@brendanoneill1466]

In my heart, I think they made it. In my head I am less sure. But they went out doing something that they loved.

[@EverestMystery]

It's a tough call....GLM was very far from the summit where he was discovered. I waver back and forth on whether they made it or not. Thanks for supporting the channel, I really appreciate it!

[@greatsilentwatcher]

Keep up your reporting. Thanks.

[@zanpsimer7685]

Crazy to think Hubble discovered ours isn’t the only galaxy the same year Everest was conquered. Human beings love to explore and discover.

[@mickambler3151]

Just discovered your channel ,fantastic, my friend

[@macgyversmacbook1861]

George was a 5:8 level climber and Everest is a 5:9, Sandy was an all around athlete and 22, I seriously believe that even though the climb was still above George’s record he made it out of sheer determination and the stubborn 22 year old was right behind him

[@chazpatrocles6873]

You're terrific!! Thanks for what you do m n I would be proud n grateful!!

[@geniexmay562]

A bit of a wry smile at you dissing the expedition clothing. But then you point out no frostbite!! 😂😂😂 I visited the Shetland Isles and Tullochs of Lerwick had a proud tribute to Mallory as it had provided Shetland wool garments to him!! But well done to your expedition for finding him.

[@beablemayask7359]

Wonderful Presentation ! For myself, I do not believe they summited. Spa see bah.

[@thegreatexaggerator9077]

Fascinating content, thank you for sharing! I’m unfamiliar with the first and second steps. Did Mallory and Irving attempt a different route to the summit or was the second step renamed the Hillary Step?

[@Pockets_tactics]

Thanks man, your videos are super interesting and your voice is epic so I'm able to listen alot while I'm crunching through paper work

[@czarcastic1458]

Lets see, axe found E of the first step, oxy bottle found E of first step glove found E of first step and Fall line E of first step . With that being the only tangible evidence, one could conclude they never even made to the first step when they fell to their deaths just E of the first step. Thanks Thom I always enjoy your insight.

[@czarcastic1458]

Have you seen the picture of him pointing to the spot he saw Mallory on Everest? It was E of the first step.@@stewartjohnking

[@WellyCoaster]

The third step wasn't recognised in 1924, it was part of the final pyramid. Odell described seeing them climb a step on the ridge before the final pyramid. On his return to camp he had Hazard measure the heights of the foot of the final pyramid and the step sighting location, both were below the third step. He also said in an interview that they would have reached the final pyramid late afternoon. So in his mind they weren't at the now called third step, they were on the ridge.

[@czarcastic1458]

3 other people in camp 5 had telescopes looking for Mallory and Irvine and saw nothing all day long.@@WellyCoaster

[@starcade90]

Really enjoyable video. Daniel - UK

[@EverestMystery]

Thank you, Daniel! I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Great having you here :)

[@wacojones8062]

Thanks!