Everest Attempt. Briton Jonathan Pratt attempted Everest without teammates or Sherpas, but he could hardly have been said to have been climbing solo since eight other expeditions were on the same route. Indeed, he made use of other people’s tents, ate their food and used their fixed ropes. He brought such meager resources with him that, according to a Sherpa, he tried to borrow the equivalent of $3.50 to buy food in the nearest village. He twice tried to reach the summit in the company of other climbers. His high point was gained on October 9 with another Briton.

Elizabeth Hawley