DALLAS (KRLD) - On the same mountain where 11 climbers have died so far this season, Texas Woman's University graduate Roxanne Vogel accomplished something that's never been done.
She called it a "lightning ascent" of Mount Everest. Vogel wanted to go from her front door in California (near sea-level), fly to the other side of the world, climb the world's tallest peak, and make the journey back in less than two weeks. No one had ever tried to conquer Everest in such a bold way. The climb typically takes about a month.
Vogel departed for China on May 10, and after two days of traveling, finally reached the Mount Everest base camp. To have a chance to accomplish the feat, Vogel had to stay away from the crowded southern side, and climb the more weather-volatile north side. When her team did get started, they were forced to spend several days at advanced base camp to wait out the weather.
"When I was there I didn't think it was possible that it was going to be a two-week trip," Vogel said.
But fortunately, the weather changed. "We saw a tiny opening," said Vogel. The team started an agressive climb from Camp 2 at 1:45 A.M. on May 22. They would have to scale the final 4,000 feet in one ascent in order to have a shot at the two week goal.
Right as the last ropes to the summit were being strung for the north side, a little before noon on May 22, Vogel and her team reached the peak.
"It was just myself, my guide, Lydia Bradey, and two sherpa who were with us," Vogel reflected. "It was just the most surreal experience to be alone on the summit of Everest."
After a grueling trip back down the mountain, Vogel was back at Camp 2. The daring climb took 15 hours. Vogel estimates she only consumed around 175 calories during that time. Her intense training, which included at least two workouts a day, and sleeping in a tent that simulated the thin air on Everest, made the achievement possible. But it doesn't mean it was easy.
"By far, this is the most difficult thing I've ever done," said the experienced climber. "This was beyond what I thought it was going to be as far as difficulty level and exposure to sheer drop-offs."
Her sea-level to summit to sea-level record of 14 days should stand a while. She smashed the old mark by at least a week.
"I'm incredibly proud. I feel like I worked so hard for this, and I gave everything I had, and I made it happen," Vogel beamed. "I'm just thankful."