Mountain Climbers and Oklahomans
May 29, 2003

“Because it’s there.” That’s how George Leigh Mallory responded in 1921, when asked by a journalist, why he wanted to climb Mount Everest. His 1921 British expedition failed to reach the summit, but thirty-two years later, Sir Edmund Hillary made it to the top. That was fifty years ago, May 29, 1953.

Being a native Oklahoman, I’m not so acquainted with mountains. I was born and raised in the middle of the Great Plains. “The Great Plains?” Isn’t that an oxymoron? Can you be both “great” and “plain” at the same time? It’s like saying “The Incredibly Huge Mini Van,” or “The French Resistance”? But then again, “Sir Hillary” is also an oxymoron, and if a guy with a girl’s name can climb Mount Everest then a guy from the flatlands can talk about it.

Besides, I have heard of mountains. I have seen pictures of mountains and I drink Mountain Dew. So I figure that’s enough to qualify me as a quasi-expert on mountains. But if not, let me top it all off by adding that I own two John Denver CD’s. Need I say more?

What is so tough about mountain climbing anyway? If you want a real challenge, you need to look no further than right here in Oklahoma. After climbing Mount Everest one time, Edmund Hillary was knighted by the queen and became “Sir Edmund Hillary.” Contrast that with untold pioneers who overcame numerous obstacles on the prairie and received no recognition. But then again, that’s our style. Nike thinks they coined the phrase “Just do it” but Oklahomans have been living it for generations.

In order to reach the peak of Everest, Hillary needed the aid oxygen. If he thought that was difficult, he should have tried driving by the Oklahoma City stockyards on a hot summer day. The air can get so heavy that every time you inhale you gain 3 pounds.

Climbers of Everest have to dress warmly to guard against the cold weather. Here in Oklahoma, when the wind comes sweeping down the plain with a cold front, it is not uncommon for us to experience a 30 degree or more drop in temperature. How do you prepare for that? By wearing your long-johns underneath your Bermuda shorts? It kind of defeats the purpose of both.

Upon reaching their destination, mountain climbers temporarily bask in their accomplishment and then leave. When the pioneers arrived at their destination, they hunkered down and carved out a life, paving the way for subsequent generations, ultimately transforming wilderness into civilization. You don’t see anyone living at the top of Mount Everest. Which one was the “higher” feat?

Speaking of feet, some mountain climbers suffering from frost bite lost their toes as a result, while some early settlers suffering from snake bite lost their lives. Even as ugly as my toes are, I still value them-- but I would trade a few toes for my life any day.

Just like mountaineers, Oklahomans of the past have conquered their own obstacles such as tornadoes, droughts and the dust bowl. Even today, Oklahomans still have to contend with disasters… both natural and man-made. But through it all we honor the spirit of our pioneer ancestors by keeping a low profile as we “just deal with it.”

Some might mistake our modest approach for a lack of confidence, when in reality it is just the opposite. We like our way of life and don’t want to change it. If I desired the lifestyle of the east or west coast then I would move to the east or west coast-- but don’t bring it here.

At the same time, in keeping with our nature, we don’t want to begrudge anyone who does appreciate big city bustle. Go for it. Everyone should be take pleasure in whatever existence they choose, while not looking down on others. Those in the metropolitan areas should curtail their condescension and those in rural areas should lose whatever inferiority complex they may have. Everyone should be proud but not pompous.

So in keeping with that spirit, I salute Sir Edmund Hillary on the 50th anniversary of his being the first to climb Mount Everest. Great job! And accolades for Oklahomans! “You’re doing fine, Oklahoma!”

© Copyright 2003 Glen Davis