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Northern California climbers call off Everest trip

Kuhmbu-jpgSACRAMENTO, Calif. (KCRA) —Two Northern California climbers called off their trips to the world’s tallest mountain this week after growing tension in base camp and dangerous climbing conditions on Mt. Everest led to their tough decisions.
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Adrian Ballinger is the lead guide and owner of Alpenglow Expeditions based in Lake Tahoe. Ballinger was to lead a group of six climbers to the summit of Everest in the coming weeks, but via his Facebook page Thursday morning announced he was cancelling the trip.

The decision comes after 16 Sherpa were killed in an avalanche earlier this week.

The Sherpa are essential support staff for the hundreds of international climbers who attempt to scale the mountain each year.

Following this week’s tragedy, many Sherpa vowed to close the mountain and threatened violence for anyone who would choose to stay and attempt to climb.

The Sherpa also presented a list of demands to the Ministry of Tourism requesting better pay, medical coverage and benefits for survivors.

Ballinger, who has summited Everest six times and has close ties with the Sherpa, said this was a time for them to grieve and be with their families.

“Our Sherpa are grieving the loss of their friends. They are a tight-knit community with family and friendship ties that link them closely across villages throughout the region. They need time to mourn their losses and their families want them at home,” said Ballinger on his company’s Facebook page.

Government tourism officials were traveling to Everest base camp to meet with guides and Sherpa leaders to assess the situation, but were requesting military escorts for fear of violence.

Read more: http://www.kcra.com/article/northern-california-climbers-call-off-everest-trip/6413215