Mark responded to our questions by e-mail from his home in New Zealand in December 2006.
How has Everest changed you (or not)? If this is not your first time on the mountain, how was it different this time?
Yes, it was my first time to Everest, though not to Tibet and 8,000 meters/26,000-plus feet (Cho Oyu in 2004). Changed me? Not so much changed me as given me the confidence, the power, to tackle even bigger Everests, not just mountains.
The film captured how you felt immediately after summiting. How do you feel now? Is there a letdown after such an intense experience?
Everest carried on for me for months. In fact, I am just now celebrating it. Letdown—hell NO!
How has your experience affected your relationships with others (at home and those you met on the mountain)?
Because of all the crap after Everest (that still continues) it has drawn us much closer as a family.
Will you go back to Everest? Why?
Would go tomorrow if I wasn't so busy — love the place, the people.
Are you planning any new adventures?
We have created a charitable trust called Limbs4all (www.limbs4all.com will launch soon) to help the 400 million disabled out there. First will be hand cycles to Kathmandu as well as continuing to support the Cambodia Trust. PeakFuel, my sports food business needs me, so time is, as always, at a premium. Adventures? Too many to choose from— watch this space!
