Local camera man on Everest

Sam Bricker, our good friend and partner in crime here at the Collective/Citizen is en route to Everest Base Camp this week. He is assisting modern day Everest legend Michael Brown (IMAX Everest) of Serac Adventure Films. Sam will be documenting base camp activities for Chad Kellogg, as he makes a historic run for the summit, solo —and without oxygen. This speed ascent is nothing short of madness for many, and a stunning alpine goal for others.

FROM OUTSIDE ONLINE: Kellogg will spend five to six weeks preparing, learning the route, and establishing camps. For the journey, he plans to start going up through the Khumbu Icefall to get to Advanced Base Camp, climb up the Lhotse face, reach Camp 3, go up to South Col, then cross into the Death Zone. The goal is to make the entire trip in 30-something hours. The possibility of an accident occurring is three times more likely without oxygen, and Kellogg is aware that he has to go smoothly and slowly for safety, especially the closer he gets to the summit.

Salida Mountain Sports has helped outfit Sam, as the trip came together rather quickly. Sam met Michael in Santa Fe during a clinic with Outside Magazine last fall. Michael, and his company Serac Films, were apparently impressed enough to ask Sam to cover Chad’s preparation and acclimitization process. While loading copious amounts of gear at the Salida Outside/C3 studio, last week, he looked tired but had those wide excited eyes you get before a big adventure. At one point stopped, he sat down and simply said “what an honor.”

Sam will be shooting his Canon 7D, among other high-end HD digital cameras. Dealing with frozen batteries and mandatory repetitive back up strategies will be part of a fast learning curve, in a very hostile environment while working with the best in the business.

I documented some packing and preparation over the last week which will be a part of a larger documentary on the expedition upon his return in mid May. You can follow his Facebook posts here. A few recent posts below. Sam’s local RSN affiliate is about to launch a brand overhaul as it becomes OUTSIDE TELEVISION.

Breathe, and get back safe brother. -bd