Summit Murder Mystery Series

Water Could Hold Living Microbes

2012-02-09T21:49:00.000-08:00

In Antarctica home of the amazing Mt. Vinson Massif, an amazing discovery was made! Water could hold living microbes! Take a look below at this article from the Associated Press.

Opening a scientific frontier miles under the Antarctic ice, Russian experts drilled down and finally reached the surface of a gigantic freshwater lake, an achievement the mission chief likened to placing a man on the moon.

Lake Vostok could hold living organisms that have been locked in icy darkness for some 20 million years, as well as clues to the search for life elsewhere in the solar system.

Touching the surface of the lake, the largest of nearly 400 sub glacial lakes in Antarctica, came after more than two decades of drilling and was a major achievement avidly anticipated by scientists around the world.

"In the simplest sense, it can transform the way we think about life," NASA's chief scientist, Waleed Abdalati, told the Associated Press in an email Wednesday.

The Russian team made contact with the lake water Sunday at a depth of 12,366 feet, about 800 miles east of the South Pole in the central part of the continent.

Scientists hope the lake might allow a glimpse into microbial life forms that existed before the Ice Age and are not visible to the naked eye. Scientists believe that microbial life may exist in the dark depths of the lake despite its high pressure and constant cold - conditions similar to those believed to e under the ice crust on Mars, Jupiter's moon Europa and Saturn's moon Enceladus.

Valery Lunkin, the head of Russia's Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute, said reaching the lake was akin to the Americans winning the space race in 1969.

"I think it's fair to compare this project to flying to the moon,"said Lukin, who oversaw the mission and announced its success."

Murder on Vinson Massif will be released next month! Stay tuned for more information, by visiting www.summitmurdermystery.com and www.irionbooks.com

Russian Mountaineers Abandon K2 Winter Ascent After Death

2012-02-07T09:56:00.000-08:00

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- A spokesman for a Russian mountaineering team seeking to be the first to climb K2 in winter said Monday that it has abandoned the attempt after one of its members died on the mountain. The 15 climbers had been on the mountain the world's highest after Mount Everest, since late December and were hoping to make a summit-push in mid March. Naiknam Karm said one of the climbers died Monday of breathing difficulties at base camp and said the team was waiting for better weather before being flown from base camp by helicopter.

Winter ascents of the world's 14 highest mountains are some of the most prized achievements left in climbing.

K2 sees winter temperatures of 50 below zero and winds of up to 70 kilometers an hour (40 miles per hour) in winter.

We are very sorry for the loss of your team member.

COVER RELEASE

2012-02-03T08:00:00.001-08:00

We are gearing up for the release of Murder on Vinson Massif! It won't be long and we will be releasing book number six of the Summit Murder Mystery series! To tide you over until then, here is the cover for you to gaze upon :)

Don't forget that until March 1st, you could win all seven books in the Summit Murder Mystery Series by helping me choose a cover for the last book in the series. You can vote on a cover, and enter into the contest by clicking HERE. For more information about the Summit Murder Mystery series, CLICK HERE!

New Review of Murder on Aconcagua

2012-02-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

AWESOME review received for Murder on Aconcagua, take a look!

"When I received the chance to do a book review for Murder on Aconcagua, I was very intrigued. It had been a long time since I had read a murder mystery and I was happy to have the opportunity to read this book. I have heard a lot of good reviews about the Summit Murder Mystery series and this book definitely did not disappoint. From the moment I read the Prologue I was hooked. The characters, story setting and weaving of historical locations made for a gripping tale. I found myself having a very visual concept of Aconcagua as I was reading. I could see the deep snow; the mountain trail ahead of me and even imagine the exhaustion and bitter cold, blowing winds as the altitude reached new heights. Among all the excitement of the climb you get wrapped into the characters and their ulterior motives. Mystery, murder and even a few creepy moments keep you turning page after page. As I reached the end of the book I realized I was left cliff hanging on Aconcagua. I will most definitely read the next book in this series. I will also be going to the bookstore to find and start my read with the first book in the Summit Murder Mystery series. If this is the first book of the series that you have picked up to read just like I have, no need to worry. The authors do a wonderful job of pulling you into the story and acquainting you with the characters. Thank you Charles G. Irion and Ronald J. Watkins for the exciting, action packed journey!" - J. Meredith, MI

To order your copy of Murder on Aconcagua, CLICK HERE!

6 Iconic Mountains You Can Climb

2012-01-31T10:02:00.000-08:00

You don’t need extensive climbing experience to tackle these peaks. Good health, fitness and the right background knowledge will take you all the way to the top. Why do people climb mountains? Does it represent humanity’s spiritual quest to reconnect with nature, to brush against our limits by trying to touch the sky? Or has Climb Every Mountain from The Sound of Music influenced us more than we’d care to admit?

Some peaks need nerves of steel: technique, training and a familiarity with crampons. Others, as I have discovered, need only basic fitness and a dose of common sense. So, lace up, grab a water bottle and get ready. It only takes three hours to reach some of the world’s most famous peaks. Let’s start easy and work our way up.

Table Mountain, South Africa

Table Mountain forms a silhouette that symbolizes Cape Town. Its three-kilometer plateau stands guard over the harbor, the prison that housed Nelson Mandela and the ragged townships that represent the worst of the apartheid years. Yet the three-hour climb allows you to leave the city behind.

Platteklip Gorge, which translates encouragingly to ‘flat stone gorge,’ offers the most straightforward route. Wrap up warm, check your mobile phone and take plenty of water. While there is a café at the top, the route itself is isolated, leaving you alone with the 2200 protected plant species that make the park a World Heritage Site. The neighboring mountain may be called the Lion’s Head, but you’re more likely to see the dassie or rock hyrax en route. This furry cross between a rabbit and a guinea pig significantly outnumbers the porcupines, snakes and tortoises you may otherwise stumble over.

When you reach the peak at 1,086 meters, take comfort in the knowledge that you can always take the cable car back down.

Mount Snowdon, Wales

Another peak with transport and dining facilities is Mount Snowdon, once uncharitably described by Prince Charles as “the highest slum in Wales.” While the facilities are now undergoing renovation, the natural beauty of the highest mountain in England and Wales still eclipses the squabbles at the top.
On a clear day, you can see the territories of England, Ireland, Scotland, and of course, Wales. Clear days are, unfortunately, rare on Yr Wyddfa – which means burial place in Welsh – and it’s important to take weather warnings seriously. 1,085 meters may not sound like much, but Sir Edmund Hillary trained for Everest here and the mountain still claims around a dozen lives each year.

You can access the starfish-shaped Snowdon by several separate routes, with most newcomers choosing the Llanberis path. Plan on around four hours up and three to get back down. Amidst the fog and cloaks of cloud swirl legends of King Arthur, scarlet dragons and the secret underground tunnels linking the abandoned mines and quarries.

Mount Sinai, Egypt

Predictably, historians and archaeologists remain as divided as the Red Sea on the question of whether Mount Sinai really was the one, but the locals seem pretty clear. “You want to climb the Moses Mountain? See 10 commandments?”

To avoid the crushing heat of the Egyptian desert, climb at night so that you arrive at the 2,285-meter peak ready to enjoy the smoky-orange sunrise. You don’t need a guide, but you will need a torch, layers of warm clothes and, as usual, sturdy walking boots with proper ankle support.

Modernization has morphed the former Israelites’ camping ground into a car park, but the climbing routes, although busy, are unspoiled. Choose between two aptly named paths: the grueling Steps of Repentance that head straight up or the easier Camel Path, where Bedouins tout camel rides for weary travelers.

Mt Fuji, Japan

Dreamy Mount Fuji rising through the clouds and framed with cherry blossom – it’s an image that smiles from every postcard rack and guidebook in Japan. With luck, you can see this volcano through the Tokyo city smog and for two months every summer you can access its cratered summit.

The magic wilts a little with reality – the blossom is out of season and concrete bunkers line the strict zigzag paths – but the journey has its rewards. Shinto pilgrims form a nocturnal torch-lit procession, the elderly shuffling alongside children, as they file through the crimson gates to reach the Konohana Sakuya Hime shrine.

Most begin their journey at the 5th station, reached by bus from Kawaguchiko. From here it’s around an eight-hour climb through damp forests and onto blackened rock. You don’t need a guide but you still need all the usual precautions – plus a master plan for what you will do after the three-hour descent. Buses finish early here and taxis can be hard to find.

Everest Base Camp, Nepal

If size really doesn’t matter, then explain Everest’s notoriety. High in the Himalayas, surveying the world beneath its 8,848 meters, climbing Everest has filled many a mountaineer’s dreams. And unless you are a committed, professional climber, that’s probably where it should stay. While commercial trips to the summit do take place, they cost around US$65,000, require flawless climbing skills, 2-3 months of your time and, er, if you get injured you will be left on the ice to die.

Everest Base Camp, on the other hand, is accessible to the enthusiastic novice, with triangles of rainbow-colored prayer flags fluttering along the path. Several bases sit snug beneath the mountain the Sherpas call Sagarmatha, meaning goddess of the sky. The most popular one lies to the south in Nepal, facing the notorious Khumbu glacier.

If walking to the beginning section of someone else's climb sounds feeble, consider that it still takes at least two weeks to trek from the Lukla airstrip to the camp at 5,360 meters. Given the risk of altitude sickness, most guides recommend spreading the journey over three weeks. Slow and steady wins the race here, giving your body time to adapt to the thin air.

From the base you can climb Kala Pattar (5,545m) to witness the only thing missing from climbing Everest – a view of the mountain itself.

Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Africa’s highest mountain rises out of the humid banana plantations with a triumphant majesty. Evocative name? Check. Literary references from a Nobel prize winner? Check. Higher than Everest base camp? Oh yeah, baby.

While the Marangu route avoids the need for ice axes or even basic scrambling skills, don’t mistake the Kili ascent for a walk in the park. With all the help in the world you still need to breathe by yourself at 5,892 meters and altitude sickness still kills.

“Pole, Pole,” caution the obligatory guides in Swahili. Slowly. Once again, it pays to take your time. The longer, more challenging Machame route adds on an extra day to help acclimatise. It also allows you to sleep in your own tents, a more fragrant experience than the crowded Marangu huts.

After five or more days plodding towards the sky, there’s something disheartening about realizing that it only takes one day to get back down. For all the exhilaration and exhaustion, there’s a kind of hollow madness to mountain climbing.

A journalist once asked George Mallory, who later disappeared on Everest, why he wanted to climb the mountain so much. Mallory’s famous reply: because it’s there.

For more information about the Summit Murder Mystery Series, CLICK HERE

*article from bootsnall.com

Best Mountain Climbing Locations for Beginners

2012-01-30T13:40:00.000-08:00

Even if you're nowhere near the Rockies, there are probably a couple of great mountain climbing locations for beginners near you. If you're just getting started with mountain climbing, you hardly need glaciers, barely livable altitudes, and sheer drops to contend with. You should cut your teeth on a mountain that is perfectly safe, yet still lots of fun. You can challenge yourself even on relatively small mountains, especially if you aren't already at an extremely high level of fitness. Train on a small, local mountain and you'll also get the opportunity to test your equipment and find out what works and what doesn't work for you personally. Then, when you've mastered your local peaks and you're kitted out with everything a pro mountain climber could need, you can save up some cash to travel to a more well-known and intimidating climb.

Mount Rainier
Just an hour's drive outside of Seattle, Washington, Mount Rainier is considered by experienced mountain climbers to be the world's best training mountain. Rainier has dozens of climbs you can choose from, some half day treks that are appropriate for kids and others that will require you to camp overnight and bring pickets and pulleys. You can buy a year pass for just $20 and spend the entire year trying out Rainier's many trails, gradually choosing trails that increase in difficulty. Rainier is technically an active volcano, but shows no signs of an impending eruption. Most mountain climbers visit between May and August; call the national park service ahead of time to make sure that your trail is open and not already full of climbers.

Mount Katahdin
Mount Katahdin is the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, located in Maine. Katahdin is the highest mountain in Maine, towering one mile above sea level, and may have formerly been a volcano. Though Katahdin is definitely the biggest mountain in the vicinity, it's actually quite easy to climb. Most of the trails are day hikes, save for a couple of technical trails. Be aware before you head out to Katahdin that this mountain is more tightly regulated than most, thanks to the local people's desire to preserve the natural beauty of the park. Katahdin only sells a few climbing permits per day and is often sold out before 6AM during the busy summer months!

Mount Shasta
Mount Shasta is California's most popular peak for mountain climbers, located in the Cascade Range along with Rainier to the north. That's because, on a single route, you'll encounter snowfields, glacial features, and rock moraine. Like Rainier and Katahdin, Shasta is full of fun and exciting climbing opportunities to people of every skill level. Make your climb during the summer to avoid avalanche and storm threats.

Mount Haleakala
Is snow really not your thing? Trek out to Maui's Mount Haleakala, an active volcano that covers 75 percent of the island. This mountain is so easy to climb that it's actually accessible by road. If you want to challenge yourself a bit, though, you can scale over 10,000 vertical feet of trail here in a single day. For an extra treat, make plans to camp out overnight, since the peak of Haleakala is one of the best spots on Earth for star gazing.

For more information about the Summit Murder Mystery Series, CLICK HERE!

*article found via google

10 Mountain Climbing Training Tips

2012-01-25T10:11:00.000-08:00

Climbing a mountain is no small task, but these 10 mountain climbing training tips will have you on your way to a successful climb in the near future.

Take an orienteering class. Contact your local mountaineering club to find out when they have a mountaineering class scheduled. Learn to use a compass and gain some survival skills before you think about making a large climb.
Start resistance training workouts. While endurance is important for mountain climbing, don't discount the importance of strength. Basic resistance training is adequate for mountain climbing. You don't need to purchase any fancy equipment because dumbbells and your own body weight provide all the necessary resistance.
Eat right for mountain climbing. A good climbing diet should get 50% of its calories from carbohydrates, 25% from protein, and 25% from fat. This is the time to stop eating fast food, and start concentrating on high quality food that you can make at home. If you just can't get enough healthy protein in your diet or if you just get tired of eating all the time, you can always supplement your diet with protein shakes.
Take the correct supplements. When buying supplements, you shouldn't be looking for a quick fix or a magic elixir to make you a better athlete. Training for mountain climbing means that you will have a need for some extra vitamins and minerals those who don't climb mountains. Make sure you are at least taking a multi-vitamin and an antioxidant supplement.
Meet other climbers. Talk to other climbers that have climbed the mountain you have set your sights on climbing. Ask them about their conditioning routine and what experiences they had while climbing. This is also a great way to find a climbing partner for future climbs.
Increase your aerobic conditioning. Reducing excess body fat will go a long way towards helping you reach your mountain climbing goals. Your daily workouts should be high-intensity with few breaks. Try hiking, walking, running, and climbing stairs to increase your aerobic conditioning.
Start a stretching routine. Stretching is important to avoid injury and increase joint mobility. Stretch for just a few minutes before and after your workouts to increase joint mobility and avoid injury. It is also a good idea to create a stretching routine you can follow about two times per week for 20-30 minutes.
Acclimate for high altitude climbs. You can do everything right and still get acute mountain sickness. Make sure you arrive a few days before a high altitude climb to acclimate to the reduced oxygen. Don't try to climb too quickly, and make sure to increase your water intake during your climb.
Embrace the fear. Climbing can be scary. Your judgment may become impaired from fatigue and altitude at certain points during the climb. Don't allow the fear to control or consume you; instead, recognize that the fear can keep you safe and alive.
Find mental focus. Climbing isn't just about the physical preparations required to make it up the mountain. It is also about preparing your mind for the difficult task you are about to undertake. You must be completely focused on climbing the mountain. If your mind wanders, you may be injured or die.

For more information about my Summit Murder Mystery Series, please visit www.irionbooks.com

For a limited time only, order the first book in my Summit Murder Mystery Series, Murder on Everest, on audio for only $6.29, by clicking HERE.

*article found via google

5 Climbers Summit Vinson Massif

2012-01-20T09:18:00.000-08:00

Five Indonesian mountain climbers conquered the Vinson Massif peak in the North Antartic.

The members of the Seven Summits Expedition team from Wanadri, an outdoor activity organization, that were able to reach the Vinson Massif peak are Ardeshir, Yaftebbi, Iwan Irawan, Martin Rimbawan, Fadjri Al Lutfi and Nurhuda, the team`s executive chief, Yoppy Rikson Saragih, said in an e-mail received by ANTARA.

"Thank God right at 02.21 hours West Indonesia Time on January 7, the Seven Summits Team reached the Vinson Massif peak. The team thanked all for their prayers and support," he said.

The Vinson Massif is the sixth of the seven peaks the team plans to conquer. The last one will be the Everest (8,850 meter above sea level) in Tibet. If all goes well the climbers deserve to be called "Seven Summiters," he said.

To finish the program started since 2010 the team has received support from the ministry of sports, several state-owned enterprises such as Pertamina, Tugu Pratama insurance company and ANTARA news agency.

The team left the country to Chile on December 23 and from there flew to Punta Arenas also in Chile. Accompanied by guides they flew to Vinson Massif Base Camp at the height of 2,130 meter above sea level.

After arriving at the base camp the team immediately prepared themselves for the climbing which was divided into three stages namely to Camp 1 at the height of 2,743 meter above sea level, and then to Camp 2 (3,078), Camp 3 (3,749) and finally the peak.

Their challenge was not light as they had to deal with extreme cold weather. All team members wore special clothes that could stand up to minus 40 degree Celcius temperature.

Before reaching the Vinson Massif peak the team had conquered Ndugu-Ndugu or Cartenz Pyramid in Papua (4,884), Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (5,892), Elbrus (5,642) in Russia, Aconcagua (6,962) in South America and Denali McKinley in North America.

Murder on Vinson Massif will be the next book in the Summit Murder Mystery Series! For more information please visit www.summitmurdermystery.com

*article from antaranews.com

Murder on Everest Audio Book Now Available!

2012-01-13T14:59:00.000-08:00

I am very excited to announce that Murder on Everest, the first book in the Summit Murder Mystery Series is now available on audio! The best part is that for a limited time, we are offering the book for only $6.29!! That is 12 hours of audio for only $6.29! To order, CLICK HERE!

Review of Murder on Aconcagua

2012-01-09T11:09:00.000-08:00

Reviews are coming in for Murder on Aconcagua! Take a look at this one from M. Lignor.

The fifth book in the Summit Murder Mystery Series, Murder on Aconcagua, is I believe, the best one so far. The stories of climbing the highest summits on the continents of the world takes the reader along on the climbs with the professionals and you are right in the midst of all the drama, illnesses and accidents that take place on these deadly mountains.

The summits are all located in different continents and hold the distinction of being the seven highest mountains in the world. The main character in these books, Scott Devlon, who works for the United States Defense Intelligence Agency is sent off on another climbing expedition. The mountain is, of course, Aconcagua, the highest in South America. His latest task is to see if he can find three Inca idols made of solid gold that are being hunted by someone on the expedition. There is a faction that is working for Hugo Chavez, who is trying to take over the government of Argentina and another that just wants to sell them to the highest bidder. There is a Inca legend that states that whoever owns the idols will be indestructible. Scott is there to stop the hunt for these idols but, he sees that there are some who will stop at nothing to get them. There are numerous murders of members on the expedition, along with government soldiers that are trying to stop the expedition members from looking for the treasure.

The writers of the Summit Series really know their subject and it shows. The co-writer, Mr. Irion, wrote the first book about a climb on Mt. Everest and has been writing ever since about the highest peaks in the world. I have read them all so far and am looking forward to the last two. These books are not only interesting to climbing enthusiasts, but also to mystery/thriller readers. They are definitely keepers.

To order your copy of Murder on Aconcagua, CLICK HERE!

British Adventurer Begins Antartic Crossing On Skis

2011-12-29T08:00:00.000-08:00

A 33-year-old British adventurer set out on skis November 25th, 2011 to attempt a historic solo crossing of Antarctica.

Felicity Aston aims to become the first woman to make it across the frozen continent alone. She expects the journey of more than 1,000 miles (1,700 kilometers) will take about 70 days.
She announced on Twitter that she was setting out from her starting point at the Ross Ice Shelf.
"Having breakfast looking at the mountains. The quiet will take some getting used to," she said in one message. Later, she wrote: "With the first step of my journey I start the long road home."

She is pulling a sled with supplies and first will be headed up the Leverett Glacier.
Boerge Ousland of Norway previously made a 64-day trip across the continent in 1997. But he harnessed the wind when it blew in his favor by strapping himself to a parachute-like sail.
If successful, Aston would become the first person using only muscle power to cross Antarctica alone. She would also set a record for the longest solo polar expedition by a woman.

As she progresses toward the South Pole, she will be climbing solo through the Transantarctic Mountains and onto the continent's vast central plateau. Aston previously spent nearly three years as a meteorologist with the British Antarctic Survey, and in 2009 led an all-woman group from the coast to the South Pole.

Her travel adventures also have included skiing across the Canadian Arctic and crossing the Greenland ice sheet. But this is her first solo expedition. When she flew from a base camp to the starting point of the expedition she posted a simple message on Twitter: "Alone."

You can follow Felicity Aston on twitter by clicking HERE. Follow me on twitter HERE.

*article from Huffington Post

Murder on Mt. McKinley Audio Book - Coming Soon!

2011-12-28T08:44:00.000-08:00

I'm working hard at getting all the Summit Murder Mystery Series books out to you via audio! Here is a picture of me recording the introduction to Murder on Mt. McKinley!

Youngest Person to Summit Mt. Aconcagua

2011-12-27T13:58:00.000-08:00

This video is from a few years ago, but I thought it was fitting given the release of Murder on Aconcagua! This video is of 11 year old Jordan Romero, he is the youngest person to stand at the summit of Aconcagua. He set a world record! Very neat! Take a look, and then head on over and subscribe to my YouTube page!

Murder on Elbrus Sneak Peek

2011-12-27T13:33:00.000-08:00

MURDER ON ELBRUS PROLOGUE

I was in the Ice Flow again. Diana Maurasi, anchor of the Sodoc News Service evening news, was with me along with Peer Borgen, renowned European Alpine climber and guide.

“Scott,” Diana said. “I have to stop.”

We were descending from near the summit of Everest where we’d been caught in a terrible storm. She looked exhausted, as exhausted as I felt.

“Not here,” Peer cautioned. “The ice is soft. We must keep going.”

The Ice Flow is a great ocean of white that slowly crept down the mountain from just above Base Camp. Passing through its treacherous corridors was the most dangerous part of the climb and descent. Over the decades it claimed more lives than any other cause.

We followed the pathway that had been carefully carved from the ice and snow but now in the afternoon sun, our way had turned glassy on the ice and the snow gave beneath our feet like fluffy cotton. All about us the walls of blue ice leaned towards us precariously and everywhere the ice strained and groaned.

“We have to keep moving, Diana,” I said. “We’re only halfway across.”

Just ahead was an enormous snow bridge, the largest in the Ice Flow over which the route took us. The day had turned abnormally hot and I worried it was no longer safe.

“Look!” Peer said, pointing ahead of us. Across the snow bridge stood Gody Tshering, the Gurkha sent to kill us all. Beneath his dark goggles he grinned in anticipation. In his hand he brandished a kukri, the peculiarly curved knife of his people.

“Why is he here?” I asked.

Diana came to me and I took her in my arms. “I’m frightened,” she said.

“I’ll talk to him,” Peer said.

“Peer, he has a knife,” I said.

The Norwegian shrugged. “It is nothing. You will see.”

Peer set out over the natural bridge, moving in his athletic certainty. Beneath him the blue expanse of the crevice faded to an ebony abyss. A single misstep and he’d plunge to certain death.

On the opposite side Peer stopped and spoke to Gody. I could hear their voices but not their words. Peer gestured towards us. Gody shook his head. He said something which caused Peer to grin, then he looked over at us. “See you below,” he called out, then set off alone.

“I think I should talk to him too, Scott,” Diana said as she pulled out of my arms. “Peer had no trouble with him. He only wants you.” Then she set out across the snow bridge, moving as surely as had Peer. Once across she spoke to Gody, then a moment later waved to me and left for Base Camp, joining Peer who placed his arm about her.

Why had they abandoned me? What had I ever done to them?

I couldn’t turn back though I wanted to. There was nowhere to go in that direction except to the summit and I’d just barely escaped from there. Behind me a wall of ice collapsed and the bridge shook with its force. I glanced to the rear and saw my way was blocked. I had no choice. I started across.

Gody came to meet me, knife in hand. I lifted my ice ax in defense.

“I have been waiting for you,” he said. “I missed you on top but now I have you.” He lunged towards me and I swung with the ax, missing him, nearly falling as I lost my balance.

He came at me again and I backed up, wondering if the bridge would support the weight of two as we fought. I swung with the ice ax but again to no avail. Then Gody lunged at me, and seized me in his grip. I could smell his hot breath on my face.

We fell onto the snow, rolling first one way, then the other, some mutual instinct keeping us from falling into the crevice. Across the bridge I heard cheering. I caught a glimpse and saw Diana and Peer shouting encouragement to me. Diana was clapping her hands and jumping up and down in excitement.

I could not escape Gody. I reached for his throat but before my hand could grip him he said, “Now.” At that same moment he plunged the knife into me.

Searing pain engulfed me and the ice ax dropped from my hand. I cried out but no sound came from my throat. The pain was excruciating.

Gody stabbed me again and again I felt the pain but no sound came from me. Just then the snow bridge trembled, then abruptly fell away beneath us. Snow engulfed me and I felt Gody slip away, laughing as he did.

I fell for a very long time. My stomach caught in my throat as if I were on a rapidly descending elevator or a diving airplane. I thought I would fall forever then I felt the sides of the ice crevice gradually close in on me. I slowed, then stopped. I reached to each side and pushed at the ice. I was unable to free myself. I was trapped far below the surface.

The snow was gone. All around me was black. I looked up towards the sky and spotted Gody

There was nothing for me to grab hold of. I could see no way to get out of the ice.

Again I wondered why had Diana and Peer abandoned me.

From deep within the ice I felt a moan and a pain shot through my legs as the walls shifted. The ice held me even more tightly. It moved and I felt its enormous force as it slowly began to crush me. I pushed against it to no effect. I screamed, then screamed again, and this time a voice came from far way, distant and remote.

“Mr. Devlon? Mr. Devlon? Are you all right, sir?”

I opened my eyes. It was the flight attendant.

“You shouted,” she said with a light Russian accent. “I think you had a bad dream.” She looked concerned.

“I’m fine,” I said, licking my parched lips. “Sorry if I bothered anyone.”

She looked relieved. “We are on final approach. Please fasten your seat belt.”

The plane was banking and through the window I could see the valley with its city, and not far in the distance the snowy twin peaks of Mt. Elbrus.

Across the aisle a young boy was staring at me. His mother pulled him back, giving me a sharp look as she did.

Russian Team Aims To Climb K2 - In Winter

2011-12-27T13:15:00.000-08:00

Reaching the summit of K2 in summer is one of the mountaineering's most deadly and difficult challenges. Now a team of Russians is attempting what no other has yet achieved - scaling the world's second-highest peak in winter.

The 15 climbers will endure temperatures plunging more than 50 below zero and winds of up to 40 mph as they inch up the stuffing giant pyramid that straddles Pakistan and China. The assault is expected to take 21/2 months.

"This is only possible for a Russian team," said Victor Kozlov, affable leader of the expedition, whose members established a new route on K2 in 2007. "God willing, we can make it," he said this week in Pakistani capital, ahead of his journey to the Karakoram range in the far north of the country.
Winter ascents of the world's 14 highest mountains are some of the most prized achievements left in climbing.

The "eight-thousanders," as they're known because they all top 8,000 meters (5 miles), were all conquered in summertime long ago. Amid a crowded field where each year hundreds pay about $80,000 to be guided up Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain, winter ascents can help a climber stand out and get his or her name in the history books.

Winter climbers have been summiting the 14 one by one the past decades, starting with Everest, but peaks of the Karakorum remained unconquered. The range is farther north than the Himalayas, where Everest located, and thus sees harsher winters. K2 is the northernmost peak of the lot. Teams attempted winter ascents in the Karakorum 16 times in recent years. The first success came this year, when a three-member team, including American Cory Richards, summited Gasherbrum II. That left only four peaks, three of them in the Karakorum and one nearby in the Himalayas. "If they make it up K2 in winter, it will be huge," said Billi Bierling, a mountaineering journalist with three "eight thousanders" to her name, including Everest.

Elite mountaineers thrive on first ascents, new routes on established peaks and climbing in the "purest style" possible. That typically means no porter assistance high up on the slopes, no oxygen bottles or no reliance on fixed ropes left by other parties.

The Russians, who will start their ascent around Christmas, are not using oxygen and will have porters at base camp only. Their gear and food - including three freshly slaughtered yaks and, according to Kozlov, a little vodka - is being flown in by Pakistani army helicopters charging more then $7,000 an hour. Winter climbing means less daylight and temperatures about twice as cold as summer, making frostbite more of a danger. Living conditions at base camp are more miserable, winds are more vicious, there is more snow, greater avalanche risk and climbers need more food and equipment to stay alive. The one plus: "The mountains are less crowded," Bierling said.

By the mid 1960s, all the world's tallest 14 mountains had seen summer ascents.

*Article by Chris Brummitt - Associated Press

Press Release

2011-12-27T12:02:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Jennifer L. Howell

Irion Books, LLC

(480) 522-9287

Jennifer@IrionBooks.com

Irion Books Releases Fifth Book in the Summit Murder Mystery Series

Murder on Aconcagua

Today Irion Books announces the much anticipated release of the fifth book in their Summit Murder Mystery Series, Murder on Aconcagua. One of the most unique series ever written, the Summit Murder Mystery Series is co-authored by Charles G. Irion and Ronald J. Watkins, and is set at the peaks of the highest mountains on the world’s seven continents. Remote, inaccessible, they are the crown jewels of climbing. They are the world’s deadliest mountains, and deaths from falls, avalanches, illness, heart attacks, and high altitude sickness, are a matter of course. Add in murder to the mix, and you get seven of the most original and exciting murder mysteries ever written.

Inspired by Charles Irion’s 1987 attempt to climb Mt. Everest, and his 2011 climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro, each book offers the story of a little known region of the world. The authors promise you will encounter bizarre customs, ancient taboos, political intrigue, and ethnic conflicts, and Murder on Aconcagua is no exception.

In Murder on Aconcagua, Irion says, “Our hero not only battles the brutal elements of the Aconcagua summit, but the determined greed of a murderer.” The book’s synopsis tells us that hero Scott Devlon is once again sent by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency on another climbing expedition. This time the mountain is Aconcagua, the highest in South America. His mission is to confirm a report that three Inca golden idols have been discovered and are headed to Venezuelan strongman, Hugo Chavez. Legend says he who possesses them is invincible. Scott’s assignment is to prevent that from taking place but he quickly learns that there are those who will stop at nothing, including murder, to get their hands on the idols.

For more information about Charles Irion and the other books in the Summit Murder Mystery Series, please visit www.charlesirion.com or www.summitmurdermystery.com

About Irion Books:
Irion Books launched in 2007 with the release of its Hell Series books, beginning with Remodeling Hell, followed by Autograph Hell, Car Dealer Hell, and Divorce Hell. While writing the Hell Series, Irion began working on the Seven Summit Murder Mystery Series, after climbing Mt. Everest and Mt. Kilimanjaro. An entrepreneur and philanthropist, Irion is an advisory board member for Project C.U.R.E., founding principal in Phoenix Social Venture Partners, the founder of his own children's dictionary program, and a past director and current member of the Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation. Irion has also participated in a number of medical missions abroad including Mexico, Belize, and Tanzania. For more information about Irion Books, please visit www.IrionBooks.com

To purchase Murder on Aconcagua for your Kindle, please CLICK HERE! Paperback coming soon!

10 Tips for Buying Climbing Shoes

2011-12-07T12:45:00.000-08:00

Whether you enjoy rock climbing or mountain climbing, good shoes are important!

Okay, you're interested in rock climbing and you've seen all those cool colorful rock shoes that the cool guys and gals are wearing at the crag. But what should you get? How do you decide what shoes to buy? And what kind of shoes do you need? The rock shoes you buy, even your first pair, is one of the most important climbing equipment purchasing decisions you will make. Buy the wrong pair of shoes and your feet will hurt and you’ll probably give up climbing. But buy the right pair of rock shoes and you’ll be dancing up the walls. Follow my 10 tips below to make smart buying decisions.

1. Buy at a Reputable Mountain Shop

It's always best to buy rock shoes, especially your first pair, at a reputable mountain shop with an experienced sales staff that is knowledgeable about climbing. One of the big advantages is that you can try them on and test them--ensuring you get a great fit.

Photograph © Stewart M. Green

2. Buy an All-Around Rock Shoe

Buy a comfortable all-around, all-purpose shoe with a stiff sole and high-cut leather upper to protect your ankles. As a beginner you'll do all kinds of climbing--get a shoe that lets you experiment and improve.

3. Get a Snug Comfortable Fit

Get a snug but comfortable fit—not too tight but not sloppy. Make sure the toe box is big enough for your foot. A tight pointed toe box is uncomfortable and useful only on extreme climbs.

4. Rock Shoes Will Stretch

Remember that rock shoes stretch, but mostly in width, not in length. Shoes with rubber rands and linings won’t stretch much. If the shoe is painful and your toes are cramped, don’t buy it.

5. Improper Sizing is a Common Problem

Try on lots of shoes to find a pair that fits your feet. Improper sizing is the most common problem when buying new rock shoes. Climbing shoes come in US, UK, and European sizing, which makes size conversion difficult. It’s always best to try them on in person and wear them around the shop for at least five minutes. Some shops have small walls where you can test them on a vertical surface.

6. Great Deals are Found On-Line

Great deals are available from on-line vendors, but be aware that you may not pick the right size and if you buy them, you might be stuck with a shoe that doesn’t fit. Before buying, make sure you can send them back unused for a size exchange.

7. Buy Used and Save Big

Look for bulletin boards in shops and gyms to buy a used pair of rock shoes. Great deals are also found on E-Bay.

8. Buy Last Year's Models Cheap

Buy new climbinb shoes in the late winter and spring when last year’s models are passé and heavily discounted. Most mountain shops and on-line retailers will have close-out specials. Shop early for your size, otherwise they will have only really big or super small sizes.

9. Do a Test Run at a Shoe Demo

Look for shoe demos, usually at local climbing gyms, to try out different rock shoes and see what works for your foot, experience, and climbing style. The shoe rep can help you decide what kind of shoe and size will work for you.

10. Rent Before Buying

Consider renting shoes for the first few times that you go climbing, whether outside or in a rock gym. That way you will know if climbing is a sport you will stick with as well as have an understanding about how you climb and how the shoes you’re renting perform at the cliff.

Murder on Aconcagua Synopsis

2011-11-28T11:49:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled to share with you the synopsis of...
Murder on Aconcagua!

Hero Scott Devlon is once again sent by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency on another climbing expedition. This time the mountain is Aconcagua, the highest in South America. His mission is to confirm a report that three Inca golden idols have been discovered and are headed to Venezuelan strongman, Hugo Chavez. Legend says he who possesses them is invincible. Scott’s assignment is to prevent that from taking place but he quickly learns that there are those who will stop at nothing, including murder, to get their hands on the idols. Join Scott Devlon as he battles not only the brutal elements of the Aconcagua summit, but the determined greed of a murderer in Murder on Aconcagua.

I can't wait until you can read it for yourselves! Murder on Aconcagua, is coming to you in Dec/Jan.

Murder on Everest Prologue

2011-11-11T10:21:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share the prologue of Murder On Everest with those of you that haven't read the book. Take a look! I bet you can't stop there!

The wind whipped my face. I wiped my goggles with my gloves and stared directly into the blizzard, searching for shadows or any sign of life.

We’d left Camp Five at midnight—more than seventeen hours earlier—and I was beyond exhaustion. My lungs were raw. Every breath I drew burned like cold fire. I fought a nagging cough that threatened to consume me. For two hours, I’d not climbed and my body temperature had fallen precipitously. Little feeling remained in my feet and hands and I was in danger of frostbite. I could sense my internal organs starting to shut down and a deadly lethargy engulfed me. I didn’t have long.

The snow was so thick that I could scarcely see more than two feet before me. The wind howled with a ferocity I’d never experienced. To stand erect, I had to lean into the gale. If the wind suddenly stopped,
I’d have toppled over.

I reached across my right shoulder and turned the knob of my oxygen bottle. At 28,700 feet, I was breathing air with one-third the oxygen of sea level. The richer mix poured into my mask as I inhaled
for a long minute, feeling better, stronger.

After a luxurious few seconds, I forced myself to turn the flow off and pulled the mask aside since it seemed to suffocate me without the oxygen. I doubted that I had enough left to reach Camp Five, where the Sherpas had stored vital spare tanks. But if I had any chance of escaping the Death Zone, I had to preserve all of the oxygen that remained.

I glanced ahead, but could see nothing except the blinding white of the storm against the darkening backdrop of the dying day. I couldn’t be certain any of the climbers and Sherpas between here and the Summit had heard the distress call. My own radio was dead.

No one was coming, I told myself. And if somehow they did, no one would see Derek and me there against the outcrop, some distance from the main route to the Hillary Step. I turned my back to the wind and trudged to the wall of stone and the forlorn figure lying there.

I knelt, leaned forward, and shouted into Derek’s ear. “I can’t see anyone!” I gasped, sucked three breaths of air, and shouted again.

“Can you stand up?”

Derek Sodoc had sat down against the rock four hours earlier. His right hand and forearm were extended awkwardly to the side, frozen solid since he’d lost his glove even before I stumbled upon him. He hadn’t uttered a word in half an hour, but earlier had reported that he could neither feel nor move his legs.

I took the thin air into my lungs and coughed violently, my sides hurting so badly that I thought I’d broken a rib before regaining control. I shouted again. “Can you stand up? I can’t lift you!”

Derek said nothing. He sat, partially lying against the outcrop, as unmoving as the Sphinx. I gripped his jacket awkwardly with my gloved hands and tugged, but I was so weak myself—so near death—
I had no chance of raising the man to his feet. I paused to breathe, drawing the thin air across my burning throat, feeling again as if I was suffocating. I leaned down and placed my face almost against
Derek’s ear. “You must help me! No one is coming! There’s no time left. Stand up!”

The effort nearly did me in. Losing my balance, I tumbled to the snow and ice, the wind howling to a crescendo. I lay there drawing unsatisfying gulps of air. I closed my eyes. It felt good resting here.
Just a few minutes. I began to drift.

But part of me knew better. This was one of the ways that you died on Everest. If you lay down in the Death Zone and stayed down, life drained from you until you ceased to exist.

With every reserve of willpower and strength, I forced myself to my feet. I looked at my watch, turning it toward the fading light: 5:32. It would be dark in less than half an hour.

I faced the storm again and struggled across twenty feet. Again I stared into the blizzard, but could see nothing, just a furious white, and could hear nothing but the roaring wind. I knew that if I walked
much farther, I’d go straight over a precipice or into a crevasse. More than one climber—brain depleted of oxygen, functioning with the intellectual capacity of a five-year-old child, exhausted, and numb— had simply walked over a cliff to their death.

I saw nothing. No shapes. No climbers. No one to help.

In the growing twilight, I was now seeing phantasms, dark dancing shapes in the blizzard. At first, I’d thought they were figures coming toward me out of the storm, but soon recognized them for what
they were. I’d heard of the phenomenon, but had never previously experienced it. It was unsettling and just one more sign of how close I was to death.

I turned my back to the storm and slowly made my way to Derek. Bracing with my right hand on the rock, I leaned down, drawing five or six gasping breaths as I did. “I have to leave, Derek. I have to leave you.”

I could just barely make out my friend’s eyes through the ice that had formed like a death mask on his cheeks and eyelids. There was no movement. They were black, deep as a still well. I wondered if he
was dead already.

I drew three more gasping breaths, leaned nearly against Derek’s ear, and shouted, “If you cannot stand, I have to leave you! Stand up, Derek! Stand up!” Again, I pulled at his jacket. Again there was no reply, no offer of help, nothing.

I slowly straightened. I looked at my watch. 5:41. If I didn’t leave now, I faced executing the Hillary Step back to Camp Five in the dark—and climbers attempting it alone, at night, died. That was
where Bruce Herrod had been found in 1997, dangling from a rope after he’d attempted the descent in the dark.

I looked back at Derek, who was almost certainly dead. I leaned down, drew several burning breaths, hacked violently, and shouted over the howling wind. “I’m going! I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

As I began to straighten, something caught my forearm. I looked down. Derek had grabbed me, placing a hand across the top of my arm. His eyelids fluttered and his frozen lips moved. His eyes were bottomless, black as coal. I leaned down and pressed my ear to Derek’s mouth. I could barely make out the words.

“Don’t … leave … me.”

You don't have to stop there! Order your copy of Murder on Everest NOW!

WE WANT YOU! Cover Contest

2011-11-01T13:14:00.000-07:00

Calling all readers! I need your help! The last book in the Summit Murder Mystery Series is going to be released in no time! Murder on Kilimanjaro is the crown jewel of our Summit Murder Mystery Series, and will be jam packed with non-stop action, while tying the entire series together! We aren't holding back and we're pulling out all the stops to make this last book one that you'll remember for a long time! Earlier this year, I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro to do research on the plot for this mystery, and I am very excited to not only bring you an unforgettable story, but for you to read an amazing adventure on a mountain that you know I have actually climbed myself!

In Murder on Kilimanjaro, our hero Scott Devlon will be helping the President of the United States get off Mt. Kilimanjaro after his son is murdered! This final installment will be released next Fall just prior to the Presidential Election, so I thought it would be fun to have an election of our own. Below you will see the two possible cover images for Murder on Kilimanjaro. I can't decide between the two and would like feedback from you, the readers, on which cover you like the best. The cover with the most votes will become the new cover of Murder on Kilimanjaro!

OPTION A

OPTION B

Voting is easy. Just fill out the form below with your cover choice and contact information. Each person that votes will be entered into a contest to win the whole Summit Murder Mystery collection! I repeat... the WHOLE collection! That is seven books in all! All signed by me! You can also earn additional entry points by liking my facebook page, tweeting about the giveaway, posting about this contest on your blog or facebook page, becoming a follower of my blog, and subscribing to my YouTube page.

The contest will run from now until March 1, 2012, and is open to readers world wide. The winner agrees to review all seven books by posting a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and Barnes & Noble. Good luck and happy voting!

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

Mt. Aconcagua Education

2011-10-24T09:11:00.000-07:00

Today we bring you another educational Mt. Aconcagua post! This time we are talking about the weather on the mountain! Take a look...

The weather in Park Aconcagua, severe and at times extreme, is one of the most important obstacles that those wanting to embark on the climb should consider. It is fundamental that visitors be cautious and respectful. The principle factors to keep in mind when climbing this Mount are the extremely low humidity, the intense solar radiation, the strong winds that habitually whip through the area, the large temperature range, the electric storms, and the rapid changes in weather conditions. It is not unheard of to have a sunny day with little wind suddenly change into a bone chilling day with intense winds and snow storms.

These conditions can happen all at once, and even though it has a lower elevation the factors listed above make Mount Aconcagua comparable to an 8000 meter Himalayan ascent. The dryness of the environment can make you lose a large amount of bodily liquids, and for this reason it is imperative to keep yourself hydrated. Because of the solar radiation, you will be forced to wear solar protection.
The large thermal fluctuation can make high temperatures in base camp rise to 25º C and make low temperatures fall to -7º C in just one day. In the altitude camps the high and low temperatures fluctuate dramatically.

The electric storms usually fall on upper camps, making the ascent and our stay in these areas more difficult. The strong winds can bring extreme wind chill. Snow storms can limit visibility to a few meters and make mountaineers seek immediate shelter. Several inches of snow can fall in just a few hours, covering the trails and occasionally causing disorientation.

Above an altitude of 5000 meters during the summer, it is possible to have temperatures of -20º at night. At the summit, temperatures can reach -30ºC during the day.

Wow! Sounds like a very temperamental mountain! Now imagine throwing in murder! Looking forward to bringing you Murder on Aconcagua! If you haven't read any books yet in the Summit Murder Mystery Series, the first book in the series is Murder on Everest. Each book stands alone but for an amazing adventure filled with murder, mayhem and mystery, follow hero Scott Devlon from the beginning! The order of the series is as follows....

Murder On Everest

Murder On Elbrus

Murder On Mt. McKinley

Murder On Puncak Jaya

and the soon to be released Murder On Aconcagua

Each book can be purchased through Amazon by clicking the title above. If you would like a signed book, please email my project manager Jennifer at jennifer@irionbooks.com for information! For more information about the Summit Murder Mystery Series and my other books, please go HERE!

*weather information and picture from Aconcagua Adventures

Mt. Aconcagua

2011-10-17T13:27:00.000-07:00

Since we are gearing up for the upcoming release of Murder on Aconcagua around here, I thought I would start doing some posts with information about the mountain itself. You will all be Mt. Aconcagua professionals by the time the book comes out!

Aconcagua is the highest mountain in South America, in the western hemisphere, and in the southern hemisphere, too. No other peak on earth, except Mount Everest, is further away from a higher peak--you have to travel over 10,250 miles to the Hindu Kush Mountains of Pakistan to find higher ground when traveling from Aconcagua.

There have been occasional noises made by the Argentines and others that Aconcagua might be over 7000m high, but it seems that the consensus is that it falls just short, leaving all the world's 7000m peaks in central Asia. An Italian expedition in 2001 with super-accurate GPS equipment has fixed the peak's elevation at 6961.83 meters.

The mountain is geologically complex, and while many of the rocks that form it are volcanic, the general feeling seems to be that Aconcagua is not an eroded, long-dormant volcano, as one might suppose. That leaves Ojos del Salado, in the Puna de Atacama well north of Aconcagua, as the world's highest volcano.

The peak is located 15 km east of the main crest of the Andes, entirely in Argentina. This is the dry side of the Andes, so, despite its height, Aconcagua is not particularly icy or snowy. The standard routes up the mountain involve no glacier travel. The area is not as arid as the bone-dry Puna de Atacama, but the glaciation is less than in the Andean peaks of Peru and Patagonia.

Murder on Aconcagua will be the 5th book in the Summit Murder Mystery Series. Each book stands alone as an amazing read, but if you read the series and follow Scott Devlin from the beginning you will get to climb along on amazing adventures that will take you all over the world! Not to mention each book is full of plot twists and action packed drama! The order of the books are as follows...

Murder On Everest

Murder On Elbrus

Murder On Mt. McKinley

Murder On Puncak Jaya

Click each link above to be taken to Amazon to place your order. If you would like to purchase a signed copy please email my project manager Jennifer at jennifer@irionbooks.com for more information.

Murder on Everest Excerpt

2011-10-13T13:57:00.000-07:00

“What’s going on?” I asked Tom.

“That Sherpa woman is in trouble.”

“Laki?”

“That’s the one. I saw her for a moment. Horrible. Her eyes were all bugged out. Cal tried a shot of dexamethazone, but it doesn’t seem to be working.”

Dexamethazone was the drug of last resort in such a situation. It was an anti-inflammatory steroid that in certain situations was a lifesaver. That it wasn’t working was very bad news.

I went into the clinic. Calvin was still arguing with Harlan, who was making no attempt to explain himself. Laki lay nearby and looked dreadful. To see a snapshot of someone suffering from HACE with edema, you cannot imagine what you are actually looking at. Such a photo might even look funny, with the eyes bugging out in an unnatural way. What was taking place was that her brain was swelling, and there was nowhere for it to go except through the openings that held her eyes.

Laki was panting like a dog in summer. Her face was gaunt. She looked at me for help and I had none to give. She knew she was in trouble and was very, very frightened. You didn’t have to be a doctor to know that she was at the end of her rope.

Tom joined me. He glanced at her, grimaced, then turned to me. “Calvin said she’s got to be carried down now. The shot doesn’t seem to be helping. Harlan told him that the woman is already dead and he won’t risk the Sherpa in the dark.”

Harlan was right. A few minutes later, Laki stopped breathing. Calvin worked to revive her, but it was hopeless. He finally gave up and stalked off as angry as I’ve ever seen him. The Sherpa who had been nearby, moved away, not wishing to come in contact with her ghost. Someone pulled a blanket over the woman’s face, frozen in horror.

Want to read more???? Click HERE to order your copy of Murder on Everest NOW! Also available on Kindle.

The Happiest Man In The World

2011-10-07T10:27:00.000-07:00

This week I attended a book event at Arizona State University, sponsored by the ASU Alumni Association, featuring Dr. James W. Jackson, the founder of Project C.U.R.E. an organization that I am heavily involved in and support. Project C.U.R.E. was founded in 1987 to help meet the need for medical supplies, equipment and services around the world. Since its inception, Project C.U.R.E. has delivered medical relief to more than 120 countries since its inception.

Dr. James Jackson has devoted the past twenty-three years of his life to traveling all over the world and “delivering health and hope” to the world’s most needy people. Thousands of people are alive today as a result of Project C.U.R.E.’s efforts, its volunteers and its founder, Dr. Jackson.

The Happiest Man In The World, Dr. Jackson’s new book provides unique and compelling insight into the life and legacy of a man who found true happiness in relinquishment and selfless service. He tells the story of the heartbreak he endured seeing children die of treatable illnesses simply because the doctors and nurses lacked the proper medical equipment and supplies. He also shares the joy expressed by doctors and nurses who saw containers full of donated medical supplies arrive just in time to save a life because of the efforts of Project C.U.R.E.

Dr. Jackson’s book is said to provide an honest assessment of the challenges presented to him for building a “Business of Goodness” and he challenges people everywhere to learn from his experiences and join him in becoming, “The Happiest Man in the World!”

During the event Dr. Jackson shared stories and images of a life refocused from “getting” to one of “giving”. I have been fortunate enough to see up close and personal the giving Dr. Jackson is referring to. This past summer I participated in Project C.U.R.E.’s medical mission in Moshi Tanzania where I helped deliver supplies to the Mwerni School for the Blind. While in Tanzania, I also climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro where I was doing research for the Summit Murder Mystery Series’ final book, Murder On Kilimanjaro! It was an amazing trip for many reasons!

To learn more about Project C.U.R.E. and how you can help, please CLICK HERE. To learn more about Irion Books and the Summit Murder Mystery Series, CLICK HERE.

Dr. James Jackson and I

Who You Gonna Call?! GHOSTBUSTERS!

2011-09-15T11:56:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, September 10th I had the pleasure of meeting Dan Aykroyd when he was at a BevMo in Arizona, and had my picture taken in front of the Ghostbusters ambulance! I gave Dan a signed copy of Murder on Everest and asked him to review it for me, he said he would! Pretty cool, huh?

Scottsdale Healthcare Article about Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb

2011-09-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

Scottsdale Healthcare published a really neat article about my hike on Mt. Kilimanjaro, and I thought I would share it with you below. Check it out, and for more information about my books, visit my website by clicking HERE!

New hips help author conquer Mt. Kilimanjaro

Writer celebrates 60^th birthday on seven-day climbing expedition to research new mystery novel

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Aug. 1, 2011) – Paradise Valley author Charles G. Irion didn’t let two artificial hips get in the way of his quest to conquer Africa’s Mt. Kilimanjaro last month. Irion re-booted his work hard, play hard lifestyle after consulting with orthopedic surgeon Stuart Kozinn, MD, who performed the hip replacement surgeries at Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Medical Center.

Irion reached the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro on July 5 as part of a trip to do research for his upcoming novel, as well as volunteer in Tanzania on a medical mission and celebrate his 60^th birthday. It was his first major climbing expedition since having both hips replaced at the Scottsdale Healthcare Total Joint Center.

Author of the Summit Murder Mystery Series, Irion is a former cross-country runner, motorcycle rider, hiker, skydiver and climber who experienced severe hip degeneration early in life.

Thinking he was far too young for hip replacement, Irion lived with the pain of his hip bones rubbing against each other due to the deterioration of their cushioning cartilage. For years, he limped and constantly shifted his weight to relieve the discomfort that frequently woke him at night.

At age 51, he decided to do something about the pain he’d been living with for nearly 20 years. Irion chose Dr. Kozinn, medical director of the Total Joint Center at Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Medical Center, to replace one of his hips. Pleased with the results, he returned to Dr. Kozinn later to replace the other hip.

“I talked to a lot of my neighbors who are anesthesiologists, and everyone had a profound respect for Dr. Kozinn’s abilities and expertise. When I met with him, he matter-of-factly answered all of my questions and wasn’t pushy,” says Irion.

After living in pain for nearly two decades, Irion had lost a lot of flexibility needed for the rigorous activities he enjoys, which he regained with the help of therapy and rehabilitation through Scottsdale Healthcare’s Total Joint Center.

“I’m now free of pain. Hip replacement has been a Godsend,” he says. “Pain and the stress it causes can impact your quality of life and shorten your lifespan. If you spend years in pain, you don’t get that time back. There are multiple benefits to stepping up and doing something sooner rather than later,” he added.

Irion plans to use his experience from the Mt. Kilimanjaro expedition to gather details for the final novel in the Summit series, Murder on Kilimanjaro, and aims to make the storyline as authentic as possible. Irion climbed to 23,000 feet of Mt. Everest from the China side in 1987 and used his firsthand knowledge to write his first novel, Murder on Everest.

For more information about joint replacement surgery and the Total Joint Centers at Scottsdale Healthcare, visit www.shc.org/ortho or call 866-969-8526. For more information on Dr. Kozinn, visit www.scottsdalejointcenter.com.

PHOTO CUTLINE: Charles Irion flies the Scottsdale Healthcare flag at the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro on July 5 in honor of the new hips he received at Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Medical Center.

Charles G. Irion on The Back-Story Radio Show

2011-08-08T13:41:00.000-07:00

Publisher and author Charles G. Irion discusses his unique book series (Summit Murder Mystery Series) - murder at the world's highest mountains on the Back-Story Radio Show.

Charles also talks about his climbing expeditions on Everest and Kilimanjaro - two of the seven summits from the series.

Listen now ...

Listen to internet radio with BackXStory on Blog Talk Radio

Honeymoon on Kilimanjaro

2011-07-24T17:12:00.000-07:00

Most couples plan their honeymoon to go on cruises, Hawaii, traveling through Europe. Not many use their honeymoon to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and raise money for Climb for Cancer Foundation. Jamie Berk and Lori Parent plan to get married in three months and will spend their honeymoon in Tanzania.

The trip wasn't intended to be their honeymoon, at least not at first. The trip is a climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa to raise money for cancer patients.

Berk lost his mother's sister to cancer, and one of his colleagues at The Orthopaedic Institute's Alachua office is battling the disease. This trip is a way for him honor their memory.

The trip is being organized through Climb for Cancer Foundation, a group that organizes climbs, funded by participants and focuses on meeting the needs of patients and their families.

The couple has committed to raising $20,000 together. Parent estimated they have about $5,000 to go, although they would love to reach $50,000.

According to Parent this trip capitalizes on her and Berk's love of being outdoors and giving back to the community. She plans to stay involved in service after she and Berk scale the mountain.

Lost Japanese Climber in Himalayans Survives for 12 Days

2011-07-24T16:51:00.000-07:00

Recently, Makiko Iwafuchi, a 49-year-old Japanese woman, went missing for 12 days in the Himalayan mountains of Nepal. After she was found she explained how she survived by eating bamboo shoots and drinking water.

Makiko left her hotel on May 25 to trek to a nearby lake in Gosaikunda, a religious site for Hindus located at an altitude of 4380 meters. Unfortunately, she lost her way in a forest and was only saved when a group found her by accident.

"The trail seemed pretty clear and I thought I would not get lost. I was confused and took the wrong trail," Makiko told reporters in Kathmandu. Makiko is an experienced trekker and hiker.

For two days she didn't move and stayed in a small cave. To keep herself fed, Makiko ate leaves, bamboo shoots and kept herself hydrated by consistently drinking water.

Makiko formerly traded jewelry but is now a full-time traveler. Upon her rescue she appeared exhausted and had minor injuries to her feet, but otherwise suffered no serious effects from her ordeal.

Nepal hosts thousands of trekkers and mountaineers annually. The country has eight of the world's 14 peaks over 8000 meters, including the highest, Mount Everest, at 8848 meters.

737 Challenge

2011-07-24T16:31:00.000-07:00

Over 200 days ago climber Richard Parks began his attempt at the 737 Challenge to raise one million euro in aid of the Marie Curie Cancer Care. The challenge includes becoming the first person to summit all three poles and the Seven Summits in seven months.

The three poles include the geographical North Pole, the South Pole and the highest summit on earth, Mount Everest. The Seven Summits include: Mount Elbrus, Mount Everest, Mount Aconcagua, Mount McKinley, Mount Puncak Jaya, Vinson Massif and Mount Kilimanjaro.

Today, Parks only has one mountain left to complete his challenge: Mount Elbrus. This week he arrived home from Alaska and Mount McKinley and will leave soon for Russia and Mount Elbrus.

The Marie Curie Cancer Care organization was established in 1948. Now, more than 2,700 nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals help provide care for terminally ill patients in the European community and hospices, while supporting the families of patients. The organization currently helps more than 30,000 people affected by cancer every year.

Thank you Connie

2011-07-22T18:10:00.000-07:00

Irion Books recently learned that Connie Gregory, a regular book reviewer of the Summit Murder Mystery Series, lost her battle with cancer.

According to Connie, who hosted a review Blog, "I adore reading good mysteries and novels and now I am writing my opinions and feelings about them. Two things I love to do read and write!"

Her husband sent us an email to notify us and wrote that Connie loved the Series.

Our thoughts are with her family. We will miss you Connie. Thank you for everything.

Apa Sherpa Retires

2011-06-12T23:21:00.000-07:00

Apa Sherpa, Guinness World Record holder of the most summits of Mount Everest, has announced he will not climb the world's tallest peak again. He has been quoted that he will not climb above base camp in future visits to the mountain.

Apa Sherpa first summited in 1990 and since then has climbed 21 times. The most recent summit was earlier this year.

The 51-year-old mountaineer has been involved in the Eco Everest Expedition since the beginning of the campaign. Mount Everest has become increasingly filled with trash left behind by climbers. The Eco Everest Expedition works to clean the polluted mountain.

Apa Sherpa has broken his own record of climbing Everest several times in the past and we can expect his name to remain in the record books for some time.

Slingfin Creates New Climbing Tent Possibilities

2011-06-01T21:16:00.000-07:00

High altitude climbers have a new option for shelter while scaling mountains. Slingfin has designed a tent, which according to the company, all of the components are equally strong, making the tent stronger as a whole.

Based on Web Truss technology, Slingfin tents are designed to increase strength and are easier to set up. The system is constructed out a series of poles that fit into a continuous tent structure. All of the tent poles are made from aluminum and are the same length. This allows climbers to pitch the tent easier and faster. The company has also added reflective strips, in case the tent is assembled in the dark.

The tents range in size from standard alpine and mountaineering tents to a 23 foot dome. Smaller structures are used for sleeping quarters for climbers, while the larger ones are used as dining halls and communication centers.

Slingfin was created by industry veterans Martin Zemitis and Timothy Baka, both co-founders of Mountain Hardwear. Beyond the mountaineering tent, Slingfin has a whole line of products planned in other outdoor areas such as paddle sports, climbing and backpacking. All tents can be purchased from the company website.

Eco Everest Expedition Reaches Summit of Everest

2011-05-23T13:55:00.000-07:00

Apa Sherpa has done it again! Apa Sherpa has beat his own Guiness Book of World Record and has summited Mount Everest for the 21st time. This time Apa Sherpa was accompanied by Dawa Steven Sherpa and the Eco Everest Expedition.

The expedition team reached the summit on May 11th and is working towards bringing recognition to the clean-up attempts of Mount Everest. Climbers who pursue the summit of Mount Everest are plagued by trash strewn campsites. For the past four years the Eco Everest Expeditions have worked to create a cleaner Everest.

Since the organization's foundation in 2008, climbers on Eco Everest Expeditions have brought down over 26,000 pounds of trash left behind by past climbers.

Climber Tweets from Everest Summit

2011-05-22T19:14:00.000-07:00

May 6th marked a significant day for Mount Everest. British climber, Kenton Cool, successfully tweeted from the summit of Mount Everest. From his twitter handle: @KentonCool, Cool told the world, "Everest summit no.9! 1st tweet from the top of the world thanks to a weak 3G signal and the awesome Samsung Galaxy S2 handset."

Ncell launched the 3G service on Everest last year. Because of Ncell, video calling is also available on Everest from the height of 5,000 meters. Video communication allows for climbers to have safer climbs and better communication from the side of the mountain to the base. Ncell has nine base stations on the mountain and plans to add five more to strengthen the signal on Everest.

Malaysian Climbers Attempt Everest for Cancer Patients

2011-05-16T00:57:00.000-07:00

At the end of April, eight Malaysians began an attempt to climb the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest. They hope to raise money for cancer patients in need of funds for their medical treatments.

The expedition is being led by Dr. Arunan Sevaraj. Climbers expect the expedition to end around May 12th. All proceeds of the climb will go to the National Cancer Council (Makna) and will help to ease the burden of the patients in need.

The climbing crew calls themselves "The Rainbow" and has a vast amount of climbing experience. Their experience includes Mount Kinabalu, Mount Nuang, Mount Jerai, Cameron Highlands and Mount Datuk.

Currently there are 1,219 cancer patients in need of funding. Since the establishment of Manka in 1995, 17,407 cancer patients have been helped at 86 different hospitals nationwide.

Eco Everest Expedition 2011

2011-05-16T00:52:00.000-07:00

Dawa Steven Sherpa, managing director of Asian Trekking Nepal, and Apa Sherpa, world record holder of 20 ascents of Mount Everest, have prepared for another summit of Mount Everest. Together the Sherpa will lead the Eco Everest Expedition 2011. The expedition began in late April.

The Eco Everest Expedition has conducted successful expeditions beginning in 2008, 2009 and 2010. On the 2011 expedition, there will be 23 climbers. The team is large, but Dawa Steven Sherpa has had experience in leading teams of this size previously.

Eco Everest Expedition has been organized to create international awareness about the impact of climate change in the Himalayas. It also shows the effects on mountain communities that live at the base of the mountains.

On the expedition, climbers will use alternative energy solutions such as solar energy for cooking, lighting and water purification. The expedition will also focus on cleaning Mount Everest. Since its foundation in 2008, Eco Everest Expedition has brought down more than 12,000 kg of garbage left behind by previous climbers.

Summer in the City Fashion Show

2011-05-07T22:17:00.000-07:00

Irion Books LLC is joining up with K2 Adventures Foundation for the Summer in the City Fashion Show on May 14th, 2011. It is an effort to help change the lives of underprivileged and disabled children in Phoenix and around the world. The fashion show is a fund raising event for Hacienda Healthcare of Phoenix, Arizona and the Mwereni Integrated School for the Blind in Tanzania, Africa. Taking place at the Montelucia Resort at 4949 E. Lincoln Dr in Phoenix, Arizona.

Irion Books is acting as a sponsor to the event. Charles Irion founder and author of Irion Books also serves on the planning committee for the Summer in the City Fashion Show.

Hacienda Healthcare provides specialized services for medically fragile and chronically ill infants, children and young adults in Arizona. Contributions to the K2 Adventures Foundations have provided technology enhancements and will provide children the opportunity to attend camps.

Mwereni Integrated School for the Blind is located in Moshi, Tanzania and serves 600 students. Of the 600, 80 are blind. Contributions to the K2 Adventures Foundations have provided school supplies, bathroom facilities, upgraded classrooms and a new health center.

A Women's Climbing Magazine

2011-04-25T00:10:00.000-07:00

A new alpine magazine is out for women climbers. Alpine Athena is a core-focused woman’s alpinism magazine dedicated to the woman climber, alpinist and mountaineer. The magazine is a free monthly online publication. Every Friday the magazine will release reviews on climbing gear.

Alpine Athena hopes to address the specific needs of women climbers. It will build a community of female mountaineers through connection and networking. The online publication has "How To" advice, interviews with other climbers and climbing events. Currently, Alpine Athena has released three issues. To visit Alpine Athena click here.

Gourmet Meals on Everest

2011-04-18T07:43:00.001-07:00

For many climbers of Mount Everest a practical diet while on the mountain is expected, non-refrigerated high in calories food that will fit into backpacks. However, this is not true for an expedition coming from Iceland who will experience gourmet meals each day of their climb up Mount Everest.

The Iceland Everest Expedition of 2011 plans to reach Everest Base Camp and make their summit around April - May 2011. Their goal is to raise 1 million euros for Alzheimer's Research UK. The organization funds early onset Alzheimer's research.

Currently, the menu is planned to have items such as Coq au Vin or Tuscan chicken, Catalan chicken and Boeuf Bourguignon and fine wines, in moderation.

In order to make this possible, the food will be pre-cooked in the UK and then prepared on the mountain. The head chef has assured the climbers the meals will be to exact gourmet standards.

Beyond the desire to have the comforts of fresh food on Everest, there is a more serious, medical reason for the menu choices. Loss of appetite is a common symptom of Acute Mountain Sickness or altitude sickness. Yet it is still vital for climbers to eat upwards of 5,000 calories a day when on the mountain. The idea behind the menu is that the food will be too delicious to pass up even when the climbers do not feel hungry.

Charles G. Irion Recognized Among Top Entrepreneurs in the U.S.

2011-04-13T15:33:00.000-07:00

The American Chronicle named author and entrepreneur Charles G. Irion among "Business Leaders of the Month".

According to the article, entrepreneurial leaders do not have a mindset that adapts to failure. Things go wrong, of course, but entrepreneurs don´t call them "failures" they call them "glitches, mistakes, bungles or setbacks.

To read more about Charles G. Irion and his diverse and multi-faceted background, visit his website.

To see the complete list of leaders, visit the American Chronicle.

Veterans Summit Lobuche

2011-04-10T14:30:00.000-07:00

The U.S. military has always excelled at training soldiers for combat, but they've had a tougher time helping them adjust to peace after their service has been completed. After being involved in an accident that left him blind, army veteran Steve Baskis directed his efforts to summiting Mount Lobuche.

While serving in Baghdad, Baskis' armored vehicle received a blast from a homemade explosive. It was a metal tube stuffed with explosive material and capped with a concave copper disk. Shrapnel sliced through the car's passenger side door and into Sergeant Victor Cota. Some of the shrapnel went through Cota and into Baskis. Cota did not survive the incident and perished on site. Baskis awoke a week later in a veteran's hospital without his sight.

Although the pain was great, Baskis was determined to make the most of his life. Since the incident Baskis has learned to navigate in his now dark world. He has ran in the Chicago Marathon, finished a half Ironman triathlon, trained for the Paralympic cycling team and now climbed Mt. Lobuche along with 10 other US veterans.

Of the 11 veterans on the trip, three had lost a leg, one was blind, at least seven had sustained traumatic brain injuries, and several were suffering from varying degrees of post-traumatic stress. They used the mountain as a literal way to overcome the hardships they had experienced in war.

On summit day, the climbers used all of their strength to reach the top of Lobuche. At the summit both climbers and guides hugged, some cried, all felt a great sense of accomplishment. The video below highlights the experiences had by the

Cancer Survivor Conquers Everest

2011-04-03T14:25:00.000-07:00

After beating a brain tumor, 27 year old Justin Anderson is among 20 other cancer survivors attempting to climb Mount Everest. The trip is meant to show the metaphor used by many cancer patients, climbing a mountain.

The trip is funded and arranged through a Radiation Oncologist from the Mercy Cancer Center in Des Moines. The goal of the trek is to allow for people in Anderson's position to explore how catastrophes such as cancer can enhance one's outlook on life.

After going into the doctor to have some mysterious headaches checked out, Anderson was told he had a malignant brain tumor the size of a walnut in his head. Through early detection and neurosurgery, the tumor is now completely gone.

Anderson will leave for Nepal in the beginning of April but plans to blog about his entire experience while there.

Climbing Students Attempt Aritificial Everest

2011-03-28T02:09:00.000-07:00

Recently, over 90 teams took part in Guernsey's annual fundraiser, Everest Challenge. The challenge is for climbers to climb about 30,000 feet, the height of Mount Everest, on the climbing wall at Le Murier School.

According the organizer of the Everest Challenge, Gary Dovey, the event raised a large amount of money. Currently the total stands at 15,150 euro, but more funding is coming in. The money raised will help to fund scholarships for off-island trips for the Le Murier climbing school pupils.

In previous years, the students have used the money raised has served to send the students on trips to Herm, Jersey, Wales and France.

The Everest Challenge also teaches the students perseverance and teamwork gained through the responsibility of the challenge.

Sherpa Breaks Seven Summits Climbing Record

2011-03-20T12:51:00.000-07:00

In effort to raise money for the Himalayan Woman and Children Foundation, Ang Chhriring Sherpa has beat the World Record for time climbing the Seven Summits. In just 42 days of actual climbing, Ang completed all seven summits.

The individual times for each of the peaks are:
Mount McKinley - 12 days
Mount Kilimanjaro - 16 hours, 37 minutes
Mount Elbrus - 8 hours, 14 minutes
Mount Kosciusko - 2 hours, 32 minutes
Mount Aconcagua - 7 days
Mount Everest - 19 days

The Himalayan Women and Children Foundation is an organization dedicated to helping educate women and provide basic health care and other services for those living in the Himalayan mountains. Ang and his wife, Dr. Allison Han, a dentist, also have a free mobile dental and medical clinic in Sallari, Nepal.

The Mystery of The Yeti

2011-03-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

The Yeti has long been an object of folklore. Known to some as the Abominable Snowman the Yeti is thought to inhabit the Himalayan mountains in Nepal, India. In the video below, the indigenous people in the surrounding area also call the mysterious, ape-like creature Meh-The, which translates to "man bear".

Sightings of the Yeti have been recorded since climbers have begun tackling the formidable Mount Everest. Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to summit Mount Everest, found a large footprint in the snow and believed it belonged to a yeti. Still, there remains much doubt in the scientific community, due to the lack of conclusive evidence. Until Mount Everest and the Himalayas are completely understood, mankind will never know the truth about the Yeti.

Irion Books at Tucson Festival of Books

2011-03-08T12:35:00.000-08:00

Irion Books and the Summit Murder Mystery Series will be represented at this year's Tucson Festival of Books. Readers can get great deals on the published novels in the Series: Murder on Everest, Murder on Elbrus, and Murder on Mt. McKinley. Visit us at the Arizona Book Publishers Association Booth #259 in the main area.

When: March 12 and 13, 9:30 am - 5:30 pm

Where: On the University of Arizona Mall

Admission: Free

Details: tucsonfestivalofbooks.org

See video highlights from the Festival.

WiFi on Mount Everest

2011-03-07T04:38:00.001-08:00

In today's world people are incredibly interconnected wirelessly. Through the capabilities of WiFi anyone around has the opportunity to check email, upload video clips and pictures or chat on web based arenas such as Skype. Over the past year, eight 3G base stations were installed by Ncell and began operating on Mount Everest.

As with anything, there are pros and cons to Mount Everest being internet accessible. Having internet on Mount Everest will save lives. Climbers will have better access to weather higher or lower on the mountain. Lost climbers will be able to more easily signal for help. The search crews will be able to find the lost climbers more accurately and faster.

People interested in Mount Everest will be able to see it in real time, without actually climbing it. Knowledge and safety procedures will greatly increase with the ability to access the internet on Mount Everest.

Unfortunately, this will also take some of the mystique away from this mountain. Mount Everest is thought of as a goddess by many. It is the highest point on earth and marks an incredible feat for any climber.

Disney Celebrates Mount Everest

2011-02-24T00:20:00.000-08:00

Walt Disney World celebrates Mount Everest with its passholders on March 5th, 2011. Thrill seekers will be able to recognize the fifth birthday of the Expedition Everest ride at Walt Disney World. Expedition Everest riders will be sent forwards and backwards before they encounter a Yeti!

Pre-registered passholders will have the chance to experience Expedition Everest from 6 to 9 pm on Saturday, March 5 at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The theme park is actually scheduled to close at 6 pm that day, meaning this is a special after hours event.

Interested patrons have been able to sign up beginning February 8th at disneyworld.com/passholder. To be able to sign up you must be registered on the site and have your passholder ID.

Dupre Abandons Solo Mt McKinley Climb

2011-02-20T19:23:00.000-08:00

After seven days and six nights at 17,200 feet, spent mostly inside a 3x3x6 foot snow trench, Lonnie Dupre was depleted of his strength and was forced to turn back from being the first person to summit Mt. McKinley in January alone. Extreme weather was the reason Dupre found himself trapped in a snow trench and forced to turn back.

With winds up to 100 mph, temperatures reaching -50 degrees and a 5.4 magnitude earthquake, the weather was too uncontrollable and dangerous for Dupre to continue to the summit. Dupre has been on numerous polar adventures, including several to Alaska. If he had been successful, Dupre would have been the first person to summit Mt. McKinley alone in January. In Alaska during the month of January, there is very limited sunlight.

The first successful winter climb of Mt. McKinley came in 1967. Ray Genet, Dave Johnston and Art Davidson reached the summit in February of 1967.

Seven Summits: Kilimanjaro

2011-02-13T09:19:00.000-08:00

Kilimanjaro, with is three volcanoes, Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira, is considered an active volcano. Rising 19,341 feet above sea level in the north-eastern part of Tanzania and is the highest mountain in Africa.

The meaning and origin of the name Kilimanjaro is unknown, but is thought to be a combination of the Swahili word Kilima and the Kichagga word Njaro. Kilima in Swahili translates to "mountain", while Njaro in Kichagga translates to "whiteness" or in some instances "our". European explorers adopted the name by 1860.

In the 1880s the mountain was called Kilima-Ndscharo, and became a part of German East Africa. Karl Peters had persuaded local chiefs to sign treaties. In 1889 the peak of Kibo was named "Kaiser-Wilhelm-Spitze" by Hans Meyer. He named the peak on the first ascent to the summit. This name was used until 1918, when after World War I the German colonies were given to Great Britain. The British renamed it "Uhuru Peak", meaning "Freedom Peak" in Swahili.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the fourth highest of the Seven Summits. It is also the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, meaning it is not in a part of a mountain range and stands alone.

Of its three volcanic cones, Kibo contains the highest summit, Uhuru Peak. Mount Kilimanjaro is described as a stratovolcano. Two of its three volcanic peaks, Mawenzi and Shira are extinct. Kibo on the other hand could erupt again, although the most recent activity recorded was over 200 years ago.

Mount Kilimanjaro has six official climbing routes: Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe and Machme. Of the routes the Machame route is the most scenic but also the steepest route up the mountain. It can be accomplished in about a week. The Rongai route is the easiest, but also the busiest.

The danger in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro comes from altitude, low temperatures and occasional high winds. Acclimatization is essential and even some of the most experienced climbers can still suffer from altitude sickness. All climbers are likely to suffer from shortage of breath, hypothermia and headaches.

The Kilimanjaro National Park states that only about 30% of climbers actually successfully reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The mountain itself is often underestimated because it is not a technically difficult job, but it is physically demanding.

Seven Summits: Vinson Massif

2011-02-06T16:20:00.001-08:00

The highest mountain in Antarctica, Vinson Massif, stands 16,050 feet above sea level. It lies in the Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains. The massif extends between several glaciers, the most well known being the Hinkley Glacier to the east. Vinson Massif comprises both the high central Vinson Plateau and several side ridges.

Vinson Massif was first seen in 1958 and first climbed in 1966. The current height, 16,050 feet, resulted from a GPS survey by the 2004 Omega Foundation team. The team was led by Australian Damien Gildea and comprised of two Chilean climbers, Rodrigo Fica and Camilo Rada.

The climate on Vinson Massif is mostly controlled by the polar ice cap's high pressure system and creates reasonably stable conditions. As in all arctic climates, high winds and snowfall are still a possibility. Traditionally, the annual snowfall on Vinson Massif is low. The summer season of Vinson Massif is during the months of November through January and there are 24 hours of sunlight.

Before 1958, Vinson Massif, previously known just as 'Vinson', was suspected to be part of the mountain ridge in west Antarctica, but it was not actually seen until January 1958. It was spotted by a US Navy aircraft from the Byrd Station. It was named after Carl Vinson, a United States Georgia Congressman who was a supporter of funding for Antarctic research.

The first ascent happened in 1966 by the American Antarctic Mountaineering Expedition. The expedition was sponsored by the American Alpine Club and the National Geographic Society. It was also supported by the US Navy and the National Science Foundation Office of Antarctic Programs. Ten scientists and mountaineers participated in the expedition.

Vinson Massif offers little technical difficulty on the climb. The most dangerous part of climbing Vinson Massif is the remoteness of the area. As of 2010, nearly 2000 people have summited Vinson Massif.

Seven Summits: Puncak Jaya

2011-01-26T14:31:00.000-08:00

Puncak Jaya, also known as Mount Carstensz or the Carstensz Pyramid, is located in the western central highlands of Papua province or Indonesia. Among the native people of Indonesia it is also called Nemangkawi, and Gunung Sukarno. It is the highest mountain in Oceania and the highest island peak in the world. It stands at 16,024 feet above sea level.

Puncak Jaya was named "Carstensz Pyramid" after a Dutch explorer, Ja Carstensz, first sighted the glaciers on the peak of the mountain in 1623. Interestingly, Carstensz sighting was not verified for another two centuries and the explorer was ridiculed for claiming to see snow in close proximity to the equator.

The peak was renamed "Puntjak Soekarno" in the 1960s, when Indonesia took control of the province. The name was later changed to Puncak Jaya. "Puncak" translates to peak or mountain, while "Jaya" translates to victory or victorious. The first team to be victorious and summit Puncak Jaya was an Australian expedition, led by Heinrich Harrer in 1962.

Puncak Jaya is one of the more demanding climbs in the Seven Summits and is sometimes replaced by less challenging Mount Kosciuszko in Australia. It is said to have the highest technical rating but not as difficult physical demands. The standard route is up the north face and along the summit ridge. The climb traditional takes eight to 10 days. Access to the peak requires a government permit that climbers can attain through various adventure tourism agencies.

There are several glaciers that grace the slopes of Puncak Jaya, these include the Carstensz Glacier and the Northwall Firn. Because the mountain is close to the equator, the average temperature rarely varies, meaning the glaciers only slightly seasonally fluctuate.

Seven Summits: Mt. Elbrus

2011-01-26T13:59:00.000-08:00

Mount Elbrus lies in Russia, rising near the political strife ridden border between Russian and Georgia. Mount Elbrus stands as the highest mountain in Europe and the west summit rises to 18,510 feet. The name Elbrus is a metathesis of Alborz. Alborz is derived from the name of a mountain in Persian mythology, Hara Barezaiti, which translates to 'High Watch' or 'High Guard'.

Elbrus is considered an inactive volcano, but beneath the mountain there still resides a supply of active magma. There has never been a recorded eruption of Mount Elbrus but scientists believe that between 0 and 100 AD. The mountain also has solfataric activity and many hot springs. Scientists do not know if Mount Elbrus will erupt again. According to myth, Mount Elbrus was known to the ancient civilizations as Strobilus and believed that Zeus had chained Prometheus, the Titan, to the mountain because had stolen fire from the gods to give to the people. Some speculate this is in reference to the historic volcanic activity.

Mount Elbrus also holds a more recent and interesting history. The mountain was engrossed in a warzone during World War II. During 1942, the Wehrmacht occupied the area surrounding the mountain with 10,000 soldiers. At one point a Soviet pilot was nominated for a medal for bombing the German fuel supply. In retaliation, the general commanding the mountain troops sent a climbing party to the summit and placed the Swastika flag there. Surprisingly, Adolf Hitler enraged by the act, calling it a stunt and threatened to court marshal the general if it was not taken down.

The summit of Mount Elbrus was reached in 1874 by an English expedition led by F. Craufourd Grove. Russia has always encouraged ascents of Elbrus, in 1956 400 mountaineers attempted to summit to mark the 400th anniversary of the incorporation of Kabardino-Balkaria. In 1959, Russia began to build a cable car system to take visitors to various points on the mountain, the highest being 12,500 feet. The cable care was not finished being built until 1976. In 1997, a Land Rover Defender was driven to the summit, breaking into the Guinness Book of World Records.

Mount Elbrus is one of the more deadly mountains of the Seven Summits. The average annual death toll on Elbrus is 20 to 30 lives. Death is so frequent because many climbers are not properly prepared or equipped. Many novice mountaineers see Mount Elbrus as an 'easy' climb because of the cable car. This leads to fatal mistakes on the mountain.

Climbers are required to attain three permits to attempt Mount Elbrus. Foreign climbers will need a Border Zone Permit to be in the area south of Badsan and will also need to be registered in OVIR in Tyrnauz. Prielbrusie National Park Permit is required for access to the park.

Seven Summits: Mt. McKinley

2011-01-14T19:38:00.000-08:00

Mount McKinley towers about Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska, USA. It is the highest mountain peak in North America and in the United States. Its summit reaches the elevation of 20,320 above sea level.

Currently, the name of Mt McKinley is under dispute. The Koyukon Athabaskan people, who inhabit the area around the mountain, refer to the peak as Dinale or Denali, meaning "The High One". In the 1890s, a gold prospector named it "McKinley" as political support for the then presidential candidate William McKinley of Ohio. According to the Alaska Board of Geographic Names, the name is Denali, but the United States Board of Geographic Names has it listed as McKinley.

The first successful summit of Mt. McKinley was in 1913 and was led by Hudson Stuck. The first recorded attempt took place in 1903 by James Wickersham. The route he attempted was Perters Glacier and the North Face, which is now known as the Wickersham Wall. The route has tremendous avalanche danger and was not successfully climbed until 1963. The historical first European sighting of Mt. McKinley happened on May 6, 1794. George Vancouver was surveying the Knik Arm of the Cook Inlet and saw a "distant stupendous mountain".

According to Robert Tatum, a climber who reached the summit of Mt. McKinley, "the view from the top of Mount McKinley is like looking out the windows of Heaven!"

Today the mountain is regularly climbed. In 2003, around 60% of the climbers attempting to summit reached the top. Currently, the mountain has claimed 108 lives of climbers.

Mt. McKinley was formed by uplifted tectonic pressure and erosion pushing and pulling upon the plates beneath North America. This pressure has given Mt. McKinley two significant summits. The South Summit is the higher summit at 20,320. The North Summit, at 19,470 feet elevation, is rarely climbed, except by those on the routes of the north side of the massif. The mountain has five large glaciers along the slopes: Peters Glacier, Muldrow Glacier, Traleika Glacier, Ruth Glacier and Kahiltna Glacier.

Interestingly, Mt. McKinley has a longer climb to the summit than Mt. Everest, but Mt. Everest summit is higher at 29,029 feet. The rise of Mt. McKinley is 18,000 feet, compared to Mt. Everest at 12,000 feet. The mountain is characterized by extreme cold weather, and many climbers use it to practice for Mt. Everest. Temperatures reach as low as -75.5 F and windchills as low as -118 F.

Seven Summits: Aconcagua

2011-01-07T16:41:00.000-08:00

After Mt. Everest the second highest mountain in the Seven Summits is Mt. Aconcagua. At a striking 22,841 feet, Mt. Aconcagua lies among the Andes in Argentina and is the highest mountain in the Americas.

The first attempt to climb Mt. Aconcagua was made by the German geologist Paul Gussfeldt in 1883. Gussfeldt bribed porters with the story of lost treasure on the mountain for their help. He made two attempts to reach the summit through what is now considered the normal route. The first recorded summit was a British expedition led by Edward FitzGerald. The youngest person to reach the summit of Mt. Aconcagua was Mathew Moniz of Boulder, CO at 10 years old in 2008. The oldest person to summit was Scott Lewis at 87 years old in 2007.

Mt. Aconcagua was created by the subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American plate, but is not a volcano. There are two theories to the origin of the name of the mountain. This first states it is from Arauca Aconca-Hue, which refers to the Aconcagua River and means "comes from the other side". The second theory refers to Quechua Ackon Cahuak, meaning "Sentinel of Stones" or Quechua Anco Cahuac, "White Sentinel".

The mountain is well known for the glaciers that surround the peak. The largest glacier is the Ventisquero Horcones Inferior, which descends from the south face near the Confluencia camp. However the most well known glacier is the north eastern or also known as the Polish Glacier, and is a common route of ascent.

The most popular route to the summit of Mt. Aconcagua called the normal route and is approached from the north. It is considered to be the easiest route. Next many climbers use the Polish Glacier Traverse route, also known as the "Falso de los Polacos" route. This route approaches the mountain through the Vacas valley, ascends to the base of the Polish Glacier, then traverses across to the normal route to the summit. The final route from the north is up the Polish Glacier itself. The routes from the south are more demanding and are considered very difficult climbs.

Mount Everest

2010-12-29T18:49:00.000-08:00

The World's tallest mountain belongs to the Nepalese and China border, nestled into the Himalayas, Mt. Everest rises 29,029 feet above sea level. It is an accomplishment tackled by few and finished even less.

In 1865, Mt. Everest was given its official English name by the Royal Geographical Society. Andrew Waugh, the British Surveyor General of India at the time, named it after his predecessor in the post, Sir George Everest. Although the Tibetans still call it Chomolungma or "Saint Mother". Prior to Waugh, Mt. Everest was simply called Peak XV. Waugh also helped to define Mt. Everest as the tallest peak in the 1850's, taking the title from Kangchenjunga.

Mt. Everest has two main climbing routes, the southeast ridge from Nepal and the northeast ridge from Tibet. The southeast ridge from Nepal is technically easier and is used more frequently. It was the route used by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on the first summit of Mt. Everest.

There is a small window in which climbers are able to summit Mt. Everest. Meaning most attempts are made during May, before the summer monsoon season. It is during this time that the average wind speeds are reduced, making the climb safer. Some climbers also attempt to summit after the monsoon season, during September and October. Unfortunately, there is likely to be extra snow and the weather patterns are less stable.

Currently, 1996 holds the record of being the deadliest year on Mt. Everest. Fifteen climbers died during 1996, eight on May 11 alone. Researchers believe that odd weather circumstances caused many of the May 11 deaths and estimate that the oxygen levels dropped to 14 percent.

There are also several records on Mt. Everest. The youngest person to summit Mt. Everest was13-year-old Jordan Romero in May 2010. Apa Sherpa holds the record for reaching the summit the most, 20 times as of May 2010. The fastest ascent belongs to Christian Stangl, an Austrian climber in 2007. Stangl completed the distance in 16 hours and 42 minutes. The oldest climber to summit Mt. Everest was 76-year-old Min Bahadur Sherchan in May 2008.

Check back in the following weeks for detailed explanations of the other six mountains that make up the Seven Summits.

Father and Son Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro

2010-12-25T13:50:00.000-08:00

Among the Seven Summits, Mount Kilimanjaro towers as the highest mountain in Africa. With its three volcanic cones, Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira, Mount Kilimanjaro is an inactive volcano in Tanzania. It stands 19,341 feet above sea level and is 19,298 feet from base to summit. Mount Kilimanjaro is also the highest freestanding mountain.

Below is a video of a Mount Kilimanjaro climb performed by a father and son. It is a video journal showcasing the seven day adventure up the Machame route. This video was sent to Irion Books via Twitter from John Beede. Follow John Beede or Irion Books LLC and stay current with climbing updates!

Seven Summits Authors' Disco Christmas Video

2010-12-23T12:33:00.000-08:00

The Summit Murder Mystery Series authors, Charles G. Irion and Ronald J. Watkins have some holiday fun with a JibJab "Disco Christmas" video.

Happy Holidays ... enjoy!!!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Mt. Everest Explorer Visits Wisconsin Students

2010-12-17T19:03:00.000-08:00

Arctic explorer, Eric Larsen, who has spent the past 15 years traveling the globe to some of the most remote places on Earth, spoke with Wisconsin students about his world record expedition and the effects of global warming. Larsen completed an expedition to both the North and South Poles and Mount Everest in 333 days. His mission was titled "Save the Poles" and he worked to bring attention to global warming.

To the Superior middle school students Larsen gave the advice:

"I often say just begin with one step and I think that's a way to solve not only problems on expeditions but other things in life, as well as the issue of climate change. That seems like a big problem that you almost don't want to do anything because you think what could I possibly do, and I think it's important to at least take that first step."

For now, Larsen plans to continue his efforts in climate change, but hasn't ruled out another expedition in the future.

Seven Summits Celebration to a Masquerade Ball Fundraiser

2010-12-03T11:52:00.000-08:00

November was a busy month for Irion Books LLC, with a trip to New York for the 25th Anniversary of the Seven Summits to the K2 Adventures Foundation's First Annual Masquerade Ball in Arizona.

In New York Charles G. Irion, founder of Irion Books and coauthor of the Summit Murder Mystery Series, attended the Seven Summits Silver Anniversary Celebration, hosted by the New York chapter of the American Alpine Club (AAC). The New York AAC commemorated the 25th anniversary of Dick Bass completing the Seven Summits.

Dick Bass with Charles Irion at the New York AAC event. Bass completed the Seven Summits in just three years.

Presentation at New York AAC event honoring Dick Bass and his accomplishments of reaching the summits of the highest mountain on all seven continents.

Opening remarks by Philip Erard, section chairman for the American Alpine Club, New York section. Erard started the AAC black-tie event that has now become a fond tradition.

The annual black tie event was held at the landmark Union Club in New York City. The Union Club is one of the oldest private clubs in the United States and has an impressive list of prominent members.

The other November event was the K2 Adventures Foundation First Annual Masquerade Ball on November 20th in Scottsdale, AZ. The fundraiser benefited a variety of organizations including Hacienda Healthcare, The Mwereni Integrated School for the Blind, and the Arizona Humane Society.

Kristen Salcito Sandquist, K2 Adventures Foundation Vice-President, and author and event sponsor Charles Irion of Irion Books LLC.

One lucky silent auction winner won lunch with both of the Summit Murder Mystery Series authors and received copies of all seven series novels. Irion Books LLC was honored to be an event sponsor.

All K2 Masquerade Ball guests received a copy of Murder on Everest from Irion Books LLC.

Charles Irion signed Murder on Everest for the guests of the K2 Masquerade Ball.

K2 Adventures collaborates with organizations serving children with special needs by providing funds that will be used for educational enrichment as well as fulfillment through outdoor camps and activities.

Summit Murder Mystery Authors Charels G. Irion and Ronald J. Watkins at the K2 Adventures Foundation's First Annual Masquerade Ball.

Tourists Stranded at Base of Mount Everest

2010-12-02T10:12:00.000-08:00

Early in November more than 2000 tourists were stranded at Lukla Airport in Nepal due to bad weather canceling flights. Lukla is the starting point for trips to Mount Everest. The Lukla Airport is also known as the Tenzing-Hillary Airport, after the first men to summit Mount Everest.

The Civil Aviation Ministry of Nepal announced flights were canceled all over the region, leaving over 3000 tourists stranded in the region due to bad weather. The ministry is working with the army of Nepal to rescue all stranded tourists. The ministry plans to bring all tourists from Lukla to Jiri with the help of helicopters and sky vans. After Jiri the tourists will be transported to Kathmandu by bus. At Kathmandu they will be able to take flights home.

Stranded tourists are not the only problem caused by the flight cancellations. Planes are the only way to provide food in the region. The inability for planes to fly has created a food shortage for many parts of Nepal. The Trekking Agents Association of Nepal is concerned that the situation will have negative impact of the tourism industry of Nepal.

Nepal tourism has also announced that all tourists are safe and in good health.

Air Force Seven Summit Challenge

2010-11-27T23:42:00.000-08:00

The Air Force Seven Summit Challenge is travelling to Antarctica's Vinson Massif. At the top of the 16,076 foot mountain, two airmen plan to do pushups to raise money for the children of Special Ops warriors. Rob Marshall and Graydon Muller will leave on November 24.

Supporters have pledged monetary donations for each pushup performed and foot climbed by the two Hurlburt Field pilots. All of the funds go to the Special Operations Warrior Fund, a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships to the children of airmen who have been killed in battle or training accidents.

The group of Air Force climbers has raised more than $40,000 from previous ascents. They hope to raise at least $10,000 on the Antarctica climb.

Marshall, who is a member of the 8th Special Operations Squadron, started the challenge to show the strength of the Air Force.

Muller, a member of the 6th Special Operations Squadron, hopes the team will set a world record as the first military team to complete the Seven Summits challenge by climbing the highest peaks on the seven continents. Vinson will be the fifth summit they have climbed.

Currently, the airmen have climbed Mount Elbrus, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Aconcagua and Mount McKinley.

Vinson Massif has a relatively low elevation and the climb is only moderately difficult compared to the others. The challenges come from its isolated location, extreme temperatures and potential for hazardous winds.

The airmen are attempting one climb a year and are expecting to complete the Seven Summits by 2012.

Jennifer Jordan Tells Untold Story of Ill-fated 1939 Mountaineering Expedition

2010-11-26T10:03:00.000-08:00

This week I met award-winning author, filmmaker, and screenwriter Jennifer Jordan. She was in Arizona talking her book “The Last Man on the Mountain: The Death of an American Adventurer on K2”. It’s an amazing story about Dudley Wolfe, the first man to climb K2, the world’s second-highest mountain.

After making it higher than any member of the expedition, a sick and severely dehydrated Wolfe was abandoned during the descent. Sixty-three years later, Jennifer Jordan discovered his remains.

Photo: Authors share mountaineering stories and their books.

Jennifer Jordan with a copy of Irion Books’ “Murder on Everest”
while Charles G. Irion with a copy of Jordan’s “The Last Man on the Mountain”.

Photo: Jennifer Jordan shares her story about climber

Dudley Wolfe at an REI store in Arizona.

Photo: My autographed copy of “The Last Man on the Mountain”.

Jordan's website: http://jenniferjordan.net and Facebook Page: Last Man on the Mountain.

Seven Summits Climbing Records

2010-11-20T12:21:00.000-08:00

The Seven Summits challenge has been tackled by countless climbers but only 275 have actually completed the task. This challenge includes summiting the highest mountain on each of the seven continents. Currently, there are two different Seven Summit lists. Both include Mount Everest, Mount Elbrus, Mount Kilimanjaro, Vinson Massif, Mount McKinley and Aconcagua. One list includes Mount Kosciuszko, while the other instead includes Mount Puncak Jaya, also known as Carstensz Pyramid. Thirty percent of the climbers who have completed the Seven Summits, have reached the eighth peak as well. Over the years, several records have been placed by those who have completed this monumentous task, below are a few of the current records.

First: Richard Bass in 1985
Last: Sonia Carlos in 2010
Oldest: Ramon Blanco at 70 years old
Youngest: Johnny Collinson at 17 years old
Fastest: AC Sherpa in only 42 days
First Female: Tabei Junko of Japan
First Married Couple: Phil and Susan Ershler
First Person Without Oxygen: Reinhold Messer
First to Climb Alone: Christian Stangl
First to Ski Down all 7 Summits: Kit Deslauriers

The Internet Reaches New Heights: Mount Everest

2010-11-13T16:02:00.000-08:00

Technology has officially reached new heights! Mount Everest, the highest point on earth, has received internet connection. Climbers can surf the web, send a Tweet and make phone calls from the summit of Mt Everest.

Until now, climbers were forced to carry heavy and expensive satellite equipment to transmit information and images from base camp. On the climb, mountaineers carry hand held VHF radios to talk with base camp, though an expedition might also carry a satellite phone to contact sponsors and family.

Because of NCell, this is no longer needed. Climbers now have access to wireless internet and telecoms at the peak. This will greatly increase the safety for climbers on Everest. Distress calls from the death zone will be heard and answered more quickly due to this new technology. Satellite phones are infamous for poor reception at the top of Everest; the opportunity of internet on Everest has now solved this problem.

Interactivity between climbers and the outside world has now been increased. Several tweets have been sent from the summit of Everest. The internet connection opens many doors for climbers to communicate through audio and video while climbing.

"Save the Poles" Expedition

2010-11-06T15:36:00.000-07:00

Arctic explorer Eric Larsen has spent the past 15 years traveling across the globe to some of the most remote places on earth. Larsen is the first person to send a tweet from the North Pole on Earth Day. On his "Save the Poles" expedition Larsen traveled from the North Pole to the South Pole and summited Mount Everest along the way. Larsen's expedition was meant to bring attention to global warming. In the video below Larsen discusses his adventures and expedition with CNN.

Irion Books goes to New York

2010-10-31T18:43:00.000-07:00

Irion Books LLC is off to New York for the 31st Annual American Alpine Club Gala. The American Alpine Club (AAC) will be celebrating the Silver 25th Anniversary of Dick Bass completing the Seven Summits. Bass completed the Seven Summits on April 30, 1985. The adventure to him three years and three attempts on Everest. The Seven Summits include the highest points on all seven continents. The AAC is a community of climbers who have banded together to support the climbing and protect climbing places. Charles G. Irion will be celebrated as a new member of the American Alpine Club and as the co-author of the Summit Murder Mystery Series. The video below will also be presented at the gala.

Summit Author Charles G. Irion Supports Project Artemis

2010-10-28T13:37:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of meeting and dining with 20 Afghan businesswomen at Tuesday's Project Artemis dinner. The event was hosted by my alma mater Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Here I'm pictured in the center with the camera - (left to right) is my wife Rose Marie Irion; businesswoman Nasrin Nuristani, a 2010 Project Artemis fellow; and Michael Cottrell, President Thunderbird Phoenix Alumni Chapter.

This month, Thunderbird School of Global Management hosted 20 businesswomen from Afghanistan as participants in its fourth annual Project Artemis program, an intensive entrepreneurship skills course.

Project Artemis provides women with business training, coaching, mentoring and access to resources to become self-sustaining citizens in their homeland, create opportunities for employment and help rebuild Afghanistan through small business.

You can see more photos of the event by clicking here: Project Artemis Photos

You can also learn more about businesswoman Nasrin Nuristani and Project Artemi in this video:

"We Remember" the US Troops

2010-10-23T21:57:00.000-07:00

Irion Books LLC is participating as a sponsor at the first annual "Remember the Night" event hosted by Project We Remember. On Saturday October 23rd nearly 200 patriotic guests will be in attendance and together they will remember the men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting the United States of America.

Project We Remember is an organization founded to help those who have served in the United States military. Their purpose is to raise funds for individuals and non-profits who provide support for those in the military and their families.

Along side the other guests Irion Books LLC. will enjoy music courtesy of the 108th Army Band from the 253rd Engineer Battalion and the keynote speaker Kevin Cherilla, philanthropist and mountain guide. Cherilla has been to the summit of Mount Everest and has led 10 teams to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. He recently returned from a climbing trip to Nepal with 16 veteran soldiers.

Record Setting Climb for Mount Everest

2010-10-16T18:33:00.000-07:00

Currently, the record for the most Mount Everest climbs is 20 and it is held by a Sherpa by the name of Apa. Apa completed his 20th climb on Mount Everest on an expedition called the Eco Everest Expedition of 2010. The expedition was in tribute to the world famous climber Edmund Hillary and as an environmental effort to help clean up the trash that has been abandoned along the mountain's trails.

Apa collected 15,400 pounds of garbage while climbing to the summit of Mount Everest. The garbage was taken down the mountain by porters. At the summit Apa had originally planned to disperse the ashes of Hillary, the first climber to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Buddhist lamas warned that scattering the ashes would bring bad luck. Therefore, the ashes of Hillary will stay at a monastery near the base of Mount Everest. In an effort to show respect for Hillary, Apa prayed for him at the summit of Mount Everest.

Apa first climbed the 29,035-foot mountain in 1989 and has repeated the climb almost every year since. His 20th ascent took place in May of 2010 and included 17 other Sherpas and 12 Westerners.

Soldiers to Summit: A Himalayan Experience

2010-10-05T17:40:00.000-07:00

An exciting expedition is taking place in the Everest Region and began on October 2nd! Soldiers to Summit: A Himalayan Experience consists of a team of 11 retired disabled U.S. soldiers, 10 Mount Everest climbers and two summits. These soldiers will struggle together to reach their objective of reaching both summits.

The soldiers attempting to complete the expedition include: Steve Baskis, Chad Butrick, Ashley Crandall, Aaron Isaacson, Chad Jukes, Cody Miranda, Nicolette Maroulis, Justin Moore, Matt Nyman, Katherine Ragazzino and Dan Sidles. These men and women have served the United States military and have been given honorary discharged due to various ailments. Nicolette Maroulis spent three years in a wheel chair, but through multiple surgeries she has relearned to walk. Steve Baskis is blind and little motor skills in his left hand.

Mount Lobuche and Mount Kala Pattar are in the Everest Region. The trail to the summit of Lobuche is steep and technically challenging as it is covered in snow and ice. The trail to the summit of Kala Pattar is known for its rocky slopes. The expedition is scheduled to continue till October 21st.

Summit Murder Mystery Series Book Signing a Success

2010-10-02T19:25:00.001-07:00

The authors of the Summit Murder Mystery Seris met many new and current fans at El Chorro Lodge on September 18th. This was the first time both authors, Charles G. Irion and Ronald J. Watkins, were presented together in the United States. This was also the first ever book signing at the world famous El Chorro Lodge. Fans of the Summit Murder Mystery Series were able to meet the authors and discuss plotlines and characters.

Interestingly, the attendees of the book signing stayed at El Charro Lodge to discuss the books amongst themselves, chatting about favorite characters and upcoming novels in the series. The event was a success for the Summit Murder Mystery Series and Irion Books is looking forward to similar future events.

Irion Books Featured by Arizona Book Publishing Association

2010-09-23T00:02:00.000-07:00

Irion Books was recently recognized as a "Featured Member" by the Arizona Book Publishing Association this month. The ABPA recognized Charles G. Irion as the author and publisher two successful series, the Hell Series and the Summit Murder Mystery Series. The first three novels in the Summit Murder Mystery Series include Murder on Everest, Abandoned on Everest and Murder on Elbrus.

Founded in Phoenix in April of 1992, the Arizona Book Publishing Association’s mission is to advance and promote successful book publishing in Arizona through education, community involvement, cooperative effort, peer recognition, industry advocacy, and the support of 1st Amendment rights.

Summit Murder Mystery Series Video

2010-09-13T00:51:00.000-07:00

Fresh from Argo Studios, the video below is the new Summit Murder Mystery video. It highlights the Summit Murder Mystery Series novels that are currently out and those planned for the future and the thrill seeking mountaineer Scott Devlon.

The video will be showcased at the American Alpine Club annual dinner on November 13th. It is an honor to be given the spotlight along with the famous mountaineer Dick Bass. Bass was the first mountaineer to conquer the Seven Summits and he will be acknowledged at the Seven Summits Black Tie Dinner in New York, along with the video below of the Summit Murder Mystery Series.

First Appearance of the Acclaimed Authors of the Summit Murder Mystery Series

2010-09-02T15:28:00.000-07:00

Grab your copies of Murder on Everest and Murder on Elbrus, a sharpie and mark your calendar for September 18th from 5 to 6 in the evening! Ron and I will be hosting a book signing at El Chorro Restaurant at 5550 E. Lincoln Dr in Paradise Valley, Arizona.

This is our first book signing together and we are excited for the success of the Summit Murder Mystery Series. We would love to see all of the Scott Devlon fans and murder mystery junkies. Bring your friends and family, we will have copies of both Murder on Everest and Murder on Elbrus for sale at the event.

Clear you schedule now for Saturday September 18th from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and come meet and get your copies signed by the authors of Murder on Everest and Murder on Elbrus.

Mission Seven Summits Sets Off for Elbrus and Kilimanjaro

2010-08-25T14:23:00.000-07:00

A team of Indian Air Force mountaineers set off on Friday August 6 on an expedition to summit Mount Elbrus and Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. The team's goal is to place the Indian tricolor flag on top of the Seven Summits.

The six man team is led by Wing Commander R.C. Tripathi. The team also includes squadron leaders Namit Rawat, G.P. Kumar and D. Panda, Junior Warrant Officer N.R. Choudhary and Sergeant J. Singh.

The expedition is set to take place from August 9 to September 4. Each member of the team has expedition experience in the Himalayan region. They expect Mount Elbrus at 5,600 meters high at Mount Kilimanjaro at 5,900 meters high to be attainable.

Air Marshal N.J. Burma gave the tricolor and the Indian Air Force flag to Tripathi on Friday.

The team began this journey in May 2005, when they summitted Mount Everest at 8,840 meters high. The Indian Air Force's ‘Mission Seven Summits’, is being conducted under the aegis of Directorate of Air Force Adventure, the apex body looking after various adventure activities like sky diving, para gliding, paramotor, mountaineering, skiing, trekking, white water rafting, sailing and mountain terrain biking.

The last peak as a part of the mission will be attempted in December to climb Mt Vinson Massif in Antarctica.

Mount Elbrus Erupts

2010-08-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

According to Russian scientists Mount Elbrus is expected to erupt within the next 50 years. If this were to happen, it would dramatically change the climbing world. This would completely disrupt the face of Mount Elbrus and could potentially change the way climbers attack Mount Elbrus.

Russian scientists believe Mount Elbrus will erupt due to several evidentiary facts. The first, according to Natalya Volodicheva, the head of the Elbrus Scientific Research Centre of Moscow State University, is the emission of fumarolic gases and the appearance of thermal springs. The increase in appearances of both of these things suggests that an eruption is in the near future.

Also, the temperature at the peak of Mount Everest is abnormally high. Because of this higher temperature, moss has begun to grow on the cracks of the surface. The growth of moss is another sign of a volcano about to erupt.

The biggest fear of Mount Elbrus erupting is the danger it poses. The melted ice and snow will turn into mud slides. Scientists expect the mud slides to flow at 72 kilometers per hour. The mud slides will destroy all settlements on the mountain and reach the administrative centre of Kabardino-Balkaria, Tyrnyauz, where over 20 thousand people live.

First South Korean Father and Son Team Summits Everest

2010-08-09T23:10:00.000-07:00

A father and son set a new record for climbers, being the first South Korean father and son team to summit Mount Everest. In the world they are the second father and son team to accomplish this goal. But their story goes beyond record setting; the two set off to summit Mount Everest in remembrance of their wife and mother, who had passed away four months before the summit.

The father, Huh Young-ho, and son, Huh Jae-seok, summited Mount Everest to overcome their suffering for their wife and mother.

Mount Everest was the first family trip the Huh family took. At the age of six, Huh Jae-seok, with his mother and sister, sent off Huh Young-ho to summit Mount Everest. Now, twenty years later, the father and son team completed the task and were able to celebrate the life of their loved one.

Abandoned on Everest Comes to Life

2010-08-03T10:12:00.000-07:00

On May 15th, 2006, double amputee Mark Inglis reached the summit of Mt Everest. It was a remarkable achievement and Inglis was feted by the press and public alike. But only a few days later he was plunged into a storm of controversy when it was learned he and his team mates had passed an incapacitated climber, Englishman David Sharp, leaving him to a lonely death high in the Death Zone.

The trials and tribulations Scott Devlon faced in Murder on Everest are very real to those who risk their lives to summit Mount Everest. While climbing, climbers come across the strewn bodies of their predecessors. As people die on the mountain, they fall and become part of the mountain. The snow covers the bodies and they conform to the side of the mountain.

Many of these bodies can never be moved or carried down due to where they lay on the mountain. An even more difficult choice is when climbers come across a dying man and are forced to leave him behind. The choices are tough when climbers need to decide between putting the lives of seven other climbers at risk and rescuing one who may not make it down the mountain. In 2006, Mark Inglis had to make this decision.

Seven Summit Challenge Taken to a New Level

2010-07-26T22:12:00.000-07:00

The seven summits challenge has enticed climbers since Dick Bass was the first to complete it in 1985. Climbing the seven tallest mountains on each of the seven continents has been infamously named the seven summits challenge. Now, three people are planning on taking that challenge to the next level.

Pierre Carter, Marianne Schwankhart and Peter Friedmann plan to not only summit all of the seven summits but also hang glide down from the summits. The trio plans to raise funds for both The Trust and The Smile Foundation while on the expeditions.

As they climb, summit and hang glide down during the expeditions their actions will be photographed and filmed for future documentaries.

Check back for future posts about their summits and flights down!

Amazon's #1 Reviewer Gives Murder on Elbrus 5 Stars

2010-07-21T23:53:00.000-07:00

The amount of praising reviews of Murder on Elbrus continues to rise only a few short weeks after being released. Murder on Elbrus was recently reviewed by Harriet Klausner, the #1 ranked reviewer on Amazon.Com who has posted over 21,000 reviews.

According to the celebrated reviewer and author of The Merry Genre Go Round Reviews, Klausner calls Murder on Elburs a terrific tale. Klausner compliments Murder on Elbrus on its ability to not only entertain but enlighten readers on the geographic and political standings of the area surrounding Mount Elbrus.

"Readers obtain a sense of elevated geography for instance how one reaches the summit of Elbrus inside a whodunit with espionage and international geopolitical issues enhancing the thriller," Klausner says in her blog. "Scott is at his best rushing across vividly described war ravaged Chechnya as he has not fully recovered form the ordeal at the top of the world, but now needs to extract himself from a new dangerous situation in which he unsure who to trust."

Klausner was born with the gift of speed reading and has used her skills to educate other readers on praiseworthy books. To read the rest of Klausner's review click here.

How To Climb Mount Elbrus

2010-07-12T22:03:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what it would take to be one of the great mountaineers? What it would take to be like Kenton Cool, Edmund Hillary or even Scott Devlon? To find out the drama and suspense Scott Devlon experienced in his latest adventure on Mount Elbrus read Murder on Elbrus.

Below is day to day itinerary of what it would take to summit Mount Elbrus, the highest mountain in Europe, from the traditional route. Every expedition can produce different results, due to weather, experience and skill. Mount Elbrus is known as the most deadly mountain and on average 30 climbers a year never leave the mountainside.

Day one begins with a 2 hour flight from Moscow to Mineralnye Vody, which is the gateway to the Caucasus. From Mineralnye Vody there is a 4 hour bus ride through small towns and villages in the Baksan Valley and ends at a hotel for the night.

Day two begins with a trip to Cheget Glade, the social center of the valley. In order to help climbers acclimate, they can travel from Cheget Glade to Lesser Donguzorun ridge at 3860m. On the ridge climbers will see the foreboding monster, Mount Elbrus, they will attempt in the very near future.

On day three climbers travel to Garabashi huts called Bochki or "barrels" at 3750m. Day three is important for acclimatization. Many expeditions hike to Pastukhov Rocks at 4750m. At night the climbers retire to the "barrels".

Day four is spent resting and preparing for the next half of the trip.

Day five is difficult, it is the long and hard ascent of the West Summit. Provided the weather allows, the entire summit and descent can be made in this day. From the saddle between the two summits climbers are given stunningly contrasting views of the north and south.

Many expeditions leave day six as a "reserve day". It is used to make up for bad weather or other set backs.

On day seven climbers are able to return to "civilization" and are able to shower and sleep at local hotels. This is also, for many expeditions, the night of celebration for the climbers who just summitted Mount Elbrus.

Day eight is spent driving and flying out of Mineralny Vody, to Moscow and possibly on to where ever the climbers call home.

Murder on Elbrus Receives Positive Reviews

2010-07-05T14:55:00.000-07:00

Connie's Review Blog is the latest blog to review Murder on Elbrus and reviewed it in an incredible light.

According to Connie, the author of Connie's Review Blog, "Murder on Elbrus is an exciting, fast-paced murder mystery and exposes the fear of ethnic groups and the greed of others for power and control."

Connie loves the intrigue of a good mystery and is an avid reader of murder mystery novels.

Want to decide for yourself? Get a copy of Murder on Elbrus for yourself at Amazon.Com.

Click here to read Connie's entire review of Murder on Elbrus.

Cool and Norris Setting Records for Mountaineers

2010-07-05T14:46:00.000-07:00

In March, I announced Kenton Cool's plan to summit Mount Everest for an eighth time and he did it.

Cool, a 36-year-old British climber, accomplished the incredible task of reaching the summit of Mount Everest an eighth time in May. This broke the previous record of summitting seven times, a record he set in 2009. Also on Cool's most recent Everest summit was Bonita Norris. At 22, Norris is now the youngest British woman to summit Everest.

Cool and Norris summitted Mount Everest on May 17th, making leaps and bounds for in the climbing world.

Sneak Peek of Murder on Elbrus

2010-06-25T13:07:00.000-07:00

Great news! Murder on Elbrus the latest from my Summit Murder Mystery Series came out this week. In Murder on Everest we again find Scott Devlon, the hero from Murder on Everest and Abandoned on Everest, fighting for his life. This time Devlon endures firefight while racing across countries fleeing from Russian Special Forces after the Russian oil minister mysteriously dies trying to summit Mount Elbrus.

Carol on Amazon.Com says: "Another great read from Irion and Watkins! Action packed adventure, this time to Elbrus. Scott Devlon is a man that finds adventure, intrigue, snipers, and of course Tarja whether he intends to or not. After Murder on Everest, I couldn't wait to get my hands on Murder on Elbrus, I was not disappointed! If you are in to murder mysteries and mountaineering adventures and you haven't read this series, you should check it out!"

I've included a sneak peek of Murder on Elbrus. But I have to warn you, order the book first, because once you start it you won't want to have to stop.

To read the entire Murder on Elbrus you can purchase it on Amazon.Com. It is available on Kindle, NOOK and iPad.

Murder on Elbrus Sneak Peak:

"No sooner had I shouted then I saw the flame of twin rockets fired from the darkness to my right and above, aimed at our vehicles. Osip was ready. We could not see the helicopter in the dark sky but he’d seen the flare and fired his RPG almost at the same moment.

To my left was a violent explosion as Fowl’s GAZ erupted in a terrific explosion. Then another explosion, more distant, and I saw the helicopter burst into a fireball. The craft seemed suspended for a moment then it fell into the forest with an enormous crash. A second later the fuel in the GAZ ignited and produced still another blast. The blackness that had enveloped us was now bright as noon.

“My God,” Tom said.

There was commotion to my left and then Fowl shouted, “Man down!”

Pyotr rose from cover and bolted across the road, illuminated by the burning GAZ, his figure a dark shadow against the flames for just a second.

I stood up and ran to the burning GAZ. There I found Fowl and Pyotr kneeling over a prostrate figure, Pyotr holding the head with his cupped hands. The light from the flames showed his gleaming intestines, slick and wet with blood, ripped from his gut. His mouth was working awkwardly, like an infant suckling without a teat. One of the two rockets had struck to the left of the GAZ, close enough to kill him, for even as I watched his life ended.

The helicopter crash was a horrific scene, but less so at night than it would have been in daylight. The flames cast the scene in a hellish yellow, bits of burning debris were scattered about in an irregular carpet and nearby trees were burning feebly. But we could not see the black plume rising from the wreckage, nor, mercifully, make out the burning bodies.

With Osip I approached the blazing wreck. A burning helicopter is no campfire. There is no pleasant aroma of fresh cut wood and smoke, or the comforting sound of crackling fire. The wreck smelled of raw aviation fuel, burning rubber and plastic, not to mention at least two human bodies trapped inside. The flames snapped with an unpleasant crackle. You never get used to it. I certainly hadn’t.

Osip and I carefully circled the burning helicopter searching for survivors. “We need to get away from here,” I shouted. “There are munitions that will explode.”

It was then Osip who spotted something in the glow of the fire and without comment rushed toward the wreckage. The flames and smoke blocked him from view momentarily then I spotted him emerging from that hell dragging a body along.

I was shocked to see Nikolai. Though dying he was not yet dead because blood was pouring from his wounds. There was a terrible gash along his right leg and his left arm was both broken and dislocated, the broken bones protruding from his skin while his arm dangled uselessly, the shoulder looking deformed. His black jacket had been all seared to his body and most of his face was scorched almost beyond recognition. He was hideous.

Osip spoke to him in Russian. I saw Nikolai eyelids flutter then open. He worked his mouth as if grinding teeth and then spoke, the words coming out like a croak. When he stopped Osip asked another question. Nikolai tried to laugh but a pool of blood formed in his mouth. He began to cough, sputtering blood onto both of us. He surged from the ground in a way I’ve seen other dying men do, then collapsed, dead.

“What did he say?” I asked.

“He said we have no hope, that his only regret is he will not live to see us die.""

Real Life Mimics Summit Murder Novels

2010-06-22T22:42:00.000-07:00

There’s been a lot of mountaineering stories in the news lately. Take a recent one about a British climber who was abandoned on Mushroom Rock at 28,000 feet on the side Mount Everest. It reads like the pages from our Summit Murder Mystery Series.

According to the news, Peter Kinloch was a British climber looking to conquer the Seven Summits. On the descent from the summit of Mount Everest, Kinloch appeared to slip and stumble. After the team had descended approximately 1,000 feet, Kinloch confessed he had lost his sight.

The team worked for eight hours in effort to get Kinloch off of the mountain, but at 2 a.m. on May 26, they were forced to leave him to die alone in the cold. It is believed that Kinloch suffered a brain hemorrhage, causing him to suddenly go blind.

This story reminds me of how Scott Devlon (our Summit Murder Mystery hero) faces many of the same challenges presented to Kinloch's team. I always tell people that mountains can be dangerous and can kill you in a lot of different ways. From high altitude, bad weather to ill preparation, it can be a recipe for a disaster.

Renaming Mt. McKinley

2010-03-25T16:23:00.000-07:00

Photo: Nic McPhee

Pictured above is Mt. McKinley also known as Denali. The 20,320 ft mountain is the centerpiece of Denali National Park in Alaska. It's also the location of the Summit Murder Mystery novel "Murder on Mt. McKinley" scheduled to be released the Winter of 2011.

For several years, there have been efforts to rename Mt. McKinley to Denali which means "The Great One". The mountain was named Mt. McKinely after 25th U.S. President William McKinley, Jr. in 1897. The Alaska Board of Geographic Names officially changed the name of mountain to Denali in 1975, even though the U.S. Board of Geographic Names still maintains "McKinley".

Everest Climber Looking to Break Summit Record

2010-03-23T09:44:00.001-07:00

Kenton Cool plans to climb Everest for the eighth time, breaking his own record of seven successful Everest summits. Known as one of the UK's leading climbers, Kenton has been climbing for 18 years. In 2007, Kenton summited Everest twice.

Kenton who is a Dream Guides founder, will be making it a double record by guiding 22 year old Bonita Norris, making her the youngest British woman to summit Everest. Bonita leaves for Everest on April 3.

Irion Books Celebrates Read An E-Book Week

2010-03-12T14:10:00.000-08:00

Read An E-Book Week will be wrapping up soon. All Irion Books in E-Book formats will be 50% off through Saturday, March 13. This includes the flagship novel of the Summit Murder Series, "Murder on Everest".

Visit Smashwords.com and be sure to use discount code: RAE50.

Where Did the Idea for the Summit Murders Start?

2010-03-10T15:19:00.000-08:00

China Everest 87 expedition team. Charles Irion pictured (far left)

Interestingly enough, the idea for the Summit Murder Mystery Series started when author Charles Irion was climbing Mount Everest. According to Irion, "I was part of a 1987 Everest expedition. I never planned to attempt a summit but thought the experience would be one of a lifetime. I was right. I reached 21,000 feet, well below the summit, but that was enough for me. Climbing Everest, even with the aid of all the technology now available, is a daunting and dangerous undertaking. What I took away was just how dangerous high altitude climbing is. When the prospect of murder is introduced the possibilities were immediately apparent."

Author Charles Irion Skydives ... Again

2010-03-01T14:59:00.000-08:00

Geronimo! That was the word of the day Saturday when author and publisher Charles G. Irion jumped from an airplane. Known for his adventures around the world including climbing Mount Everest, Irion was skydiving in Arizona with a group of friends. The video is a rush!

Murder on Everest Book Preview

2010-02-23T09:57:00.000-08:00

Residents at Meridian RV Resort get a preview of the mystery novel "Murder on Everest." Scott Devlon is fast becoming a favorite character in the Summit Murder Series.

Murder on Everest book discussion

2010-02-20T13:12:00.000-08:00

Monday there will be a discussion about "Murder on Everest" and "Abandoned on Everest" held at the Meridian RV Resort in Apache Junction ,Arizona.
There are over 100 residents and guests signed up for the event where author Charles Irion will speak and take part in a question and answer session.
This exciting debut novel and prequel novel the first two in a series of 8 books about a murder mystery taking place on one of the highest and deadliest mountains in each of the world's continents. Intrigue ,sex, murder, no one has guessed right who the murderer was until the very end! www.summitmurders.com

facebook ads

2010-01-31T11:06:00.000-08:00

we placed facebook ads for our new murder mystery series and the results are amazing!

Murder on Mt McKinley

2010-01-23T13:05:00.001-08:00

Ron and I are deep into this new mystery which will be published next year.
The characters will amaze you and the research into the native culture is fascinating. The russians as always want our oil---the environalmentalists will stop at nothing to stop the big companies.----sex, murder, intrigue

press releases

2010-01-17T14:17:00.000-08:00

We have finally released press releases for our new murder series www.summitmurdes.com

So far we have received back a number of great preliminary reviews and we are awaiting the publication of numerous great reviews by nationally recognized book reviewers.
Ron and I are busy writing the 4 th book in the series Murder on Mt. McKinley
it is very exciting!

update-progress

2009-10-23T17:37:00.000-07:00

The series is about to launch!--sex, murder, suspense and intrigue will fill our readers with imagination. The series starts with Murder on Everest the most desolate place on earth to murder someone and the place we chose to write about. Religion--sherpas--media tycoons and the world's most famous adventurer fill the pages with riveting danger!

chuck

2009-10-14T15:13:00.000-07:00

www.summitmurders.com

summit murders website release

2009-10-14T15:07:00.000-07:00

wow! its finally done-a great website for our one of a kind new murder mystery series each murder committed on a summit of a continents highest mt's--7 continents 7 murders