The title of this article is the motto of Jim Gagne’s May 2006 Everest expedition. His dream of climbing the seven highest peaks in the world, known as the Seven Summits, was accomplished on May 24, 2006 when he became one of 135 people and the first New Hampshire man to reach all seven peaks and to reach the summit of Everest.
Gagne’s slideshow presentation, “Seven Summits: 1999-2006,” took place on October 17 in Boyd 144 for a crowd of over 200. Gagne, a full-time fire fighter in Londonderry and part-time nurse in a nursing home, showcased his epic journey throughout New England. The slideshow chronicled the history of his climbing history, his preparation, mindsets, goals and aspirations that lead to his ascents.
The Seven Summits are a revered group of mountains and are located throughout the world: Kosciosko in Australia, Mt. Elbrus in Russia, Mt. Vinson in Antarctica, Aconcagua in South America, Mt. McKinley in Alaska, Kilimanjaro in Africa and Mt. Everest in Nepal. Climbing these daunting peaks takes years of preparation, sacrifice and dedication.
As a native of New Hampshire, Gagne used Mt. Washington to train. “When you are up there, it can be a lot like a high-altitude climate,” said Gagne. Mt. Washington is famous for its cold weather and high winds.
Mountaineering is a combination of physical and mental preparedness, but also teamwork. “We always found it to be helpful to find a place to get yourself alone before you do into these harsh environments,” said Gagne in regards to the preparation of his team before a climb. “It’s all about the adventure.”
The slideshow highlighted his ascent of Everest which took him more than three months to complete; the rough average for most climbers. Gagne’s climb was filled with peril and tragedy; several of the team’s sherpas, Nepalese who assist climbers in the ascent, were killed in an accident in an area of Everest known as the Khumbu Ice Fall. One of Gagne’s climbing partners had a stroke on the mountain and Gagne had to rescue him off the peak. All told, Gagne participated in seven rescue missions during his time there.
Gagne suffered severe sickness related to the high altitude, and he sees his recovery from that as one of his greatest accomplishments. “I never thought I would come back after I came down to one of the lower villages. I had broken ribs, a messed up shoulder, pulled muscles; I never thought I would make it.”
For Gagne, mountaineering is about the dream and achieving lifelong goals. “It was my childhood dream that I have seen over the years, it sticks with you to see that desire. With the help of my community, I was able to achieve that dream,” said Gagne. For aspiring mountain climbers, Gagne tells them, “Never be afraid to ask for assistance and never lose the desire to achieve that dream.”
For more information about Gagne’s accomplishments and in-depth information about his ascents, visit www.jimgagane.com.