Craig van Hoy Summits Mt. Everest [5.16.04]

On May 16, 2004, Craig Van Hoy stood atop 29,035 ft. Mt. Everest!!!

If there's one thing to say about Craig, he's persistent. On his third attempt to summit Mt. Everest, the 45-year-old Clackamas, OR resident finally achieved his goal. His first two attempts in 1987 and 1991 ended just short of the summit of the World's highest peak. This attempt was Van Hoy's first using supplementary oxygen, something most climbers rely on in the oxygen-starved environment of the Himalayas.

Van Hoy is a full time mountain guide and owner of Craig Van Hoy's Go Trek & Expeditions (www.gotrek.com) located in Clackamas, OR. He departed for Nepal on March 18, 2004. His last call via satellite phone from Everest Base Camp on May 9, reported him healthy and in high spirits for his summit attempt. However, Van Hoy did go on to say: "I miss my wife and kids a ton!"

Van Hoy is known as one of America's most accomplished climbers and is no stranger to Northwest peaks. He has over 350 ascents of Washington's 14,410 ft. Mt Rainier, and over 50 ascents of Oregon's 11,240 ft. Mt. Hood. For many years, Craig Van Hoy held the speed record for an ascent of 14,411 ft., Mt. Rainier, WA. in 5 hrs. 22 min. (roundtrip), an ascent most climbers take 2-3 days to complete. In 1989, Van Hoy was a member of the first American Expedition to climb Kangchenchunga (27,466 ft.), the 3rd highest mountain in the World, without the use of supplementary oxygen.

A native of Tacoma, WA, he has been a resident of Clackamas for 4 years with his wife Sone. They have two children, Josiah, 6 and Bethany, 4.

Craig is currently descending Mt. Everest back to Basecamp. Any mountaineer knows, that half of the climb is the descent and Everest climbers aren't truly out of danger until their arrival back at Basecamp. Craig said he will call once he arrives back at Basecamp. He'll be conducting a couple of interviews via sat phone with KGW TV (Ch. 8) (NBC)and The Oregonian Newspaper. Upon his arrival back at Portland International Airport, Craig will be met by his family and friends.

In the meantime, be sure to read all about Craig in the May 14, 2004 Oregonian newspaper (www.oregonian.com).

Check back at this dispatch for up to the minute information about Craig's descent and safe return to the U.S. An arrival "party" is in the works and will be announced here.

Dispatch Written by:

Tim O'Brien

Special Thanks to John O'Brien for help in releasing this information.