Indeed Greg and Omar, who crested the white-capped summit on May 18, 2007, deserve and have our deepest praise and encomium as well as our kudos for succeeding in this stout hearted enterprise. Not many people have successfully climbed Mt. Omar is the first Egyptian to scale Mt. Everest! Our collective hearts sing with pride and joy at Omar's achievement. But when we look at the stupendous achievements and contribution to history made by his countrymen, we are not surprised. Egypt has existed for several millennia and is one of the oldest civillizations on the planet. The Great Pyramid of Egypt is the largest stone structure ever erected, and the wealth of the Tutankhamun temples is still astonishing to this day. With such noble and stalwart African forbears, how could Omar do any less? We can only imagine the glorious celebrations going on Cairo and Egypt not to mention in Omar's adventurous heart. Congratulations to you too Greg. You have achieved a success most of us only dream about and wish we could emulate. You have accomplished the goal you set out to do; you have realized your life long dream of scaling the world's highest peak. This was the reason you gave for setting out on this expedition. Well you did it Greg and the world celebrates right along with you. Let me give this monumental achievement some perspective. Mount Everest, as we all know is the tallest mountain in the world, the highest point on the planet. It is known as Sargarmatha or Goddess of the sky in Nepal. In Tibet she is called Chomulugma Goddess mother of the world. This fantastic peak exerts an almost mystical appeal that attracts thousands of hopeful climbers every year from around the world. Some make it to the top, though a great many do not. Unable to withstand the harsh conditions on Everest, they fall away and return home in defeat.

Before 1990, over a 179 people died trying to reach the summit. The fatality rate has dropped from 37per cent in 1990 to around 4.per cent in 2004. In 1996, Everest took the lives of 19 people so it is and will always remain a dangerous mountain. The first official summit was accomplished by Sir Edmund Percival Henry and Tenzing Norgay in 1953.

But it isn't over yet. Tori and Ben will set out for the summit today May 23, 2007. She is at South Col right now along with the rest of the group. They are all feeling good and ready to make the ascent. We know without a shadow of doubt that they too will soon join that exclusive and merry band of mortals who can say fearlessly and unequivocally ?I too have conquered the Mighty Chomulugma!'

So let's hear it one more time for our gallant and courageous heroes Hip Hip Hooray! Hip Hip Hip Hooray! Hip Hip Hooray!