Back from Everest

Nepal, Everest de Kalar Patar ©Bernard Franke

Bernard Franke: Back from Everest

Nepal, summit of Gokyo ©Bernard Franke

A well-known area businessman, former race car driver, cyclist and marathoner, Bernard Franke achieved one of his greatest dreams last fall with a voyage to the end of the earth that took him to Everest base camp.

Without trekking experience 15 months prior to his departure, or any equipment, the co-owner of FrankeMercedes Benz Sainte-Agathe launched himself into this adventure to nourish a marked passion for challenges. And this was a major one. To prepare properly, in addition to building muscle and aerobic capacity, Bernard Franke repeatedly climbed the trails of Mont Tremblant and climbed Mont Lafayette, in New Hampshire.

One expedition, two objectives

As an experienced photographer, Bernard Franke would clearly not be content to face only the challenge of trekking. He had to immortalize, in his own way, the world’s highest summit. To do this, he took with him two professional cameras, including one of very high definition. Over the 18 days of trekking, in addition to breathtaking landscapes, he saw three different viewpoints of Everest. Early one morning, after several days of walking, he saw the world’s highest peak for the first time. “It was very emotional,” Mr. Franke confides. “This incredible summit is almost pyramidal in shape and contrasts with the neighbouring mountains.”

Bernard Franke, Everest base camp

A rigorous ordeal

Even though he had taken the time to document his expedition in Nepal, Bernard Franke recounts having been surprised, in spite of his tough training regime, by the sustained speed of the walk. He was not able to escape, either, a lung infection that made the experience even more difficult.

“I feel good now, but when I got back, I felt like I’d been run over by a steamroller,” explains Mr. Franke. “It took me close to three weeks to get rid of my cough. Let’s just say that I enjoy my experience more today than at the time. I was touched by the kindness and generosity of the Nepalese people and also saddened by the ravages, still very evident, of the April 25, 2015, earthquake. But what an unforgettable trip in another world at the other end of the planet,” he concludes.

 

 

 

 

 

Guillaume Vincent430 Posts

Rédacteur et journaliste de profession, Guillaume Vincent a fait ses armes au sein de l’agence QMI. Il s’est joint au Tremblant Express en 2014. Promu en 2017, il y assume depuis le rôle de rédacteur en chef et directeur de la publication. / A writer and photojournalist by profession, Guillaume Vincent won his stripes in the QMI agency. He joined Tremblant Express in 2014. Promoted in 2017, he has been editor-in-chief and co-publisher since then.

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