Last weekend, I saw a slide show in Keene Valley given by Steve House, one of the best mountaineers in the world. He’s an entertaining speaker, self-deprecating and down to earth despite his penchant for high places.

Steve House

Unfortunately, I missed the slide show given the the night before by Eric Weihenmayer, a blind climber who has ascended the highest summit on each of the seven continents–including, of course, Mount Everest. I heard it was a great show.

Both men were guests of the Adirondack International Mountainfest, which is put on each year by the Mountaineer in Keene Valley. The Mountainfest, which offers clinics in ice climbing, winter mountaineering, and avalanche safety, has raised $70,000 for local charities over the years.

For a full report on the Mountainfest, read Mike Lynch’s story in the the Adirondack Daily Enterprise.