Posted: Mar 09, 2006 11:52 am EST
Most (but not all) in the climbing community knew it was a stunt - the big question was: Who was behind it? Well, now it's official - Mary was a campaign for Mammut sportswear, created by Swiss agency Spillmann/Felser/Leo Burnett. The campaign was a scoop - Mary made headlines all over the world.

The scary part was that so many of mainstream media just bought into the story of a 85 year old woman climbing a new route on Everest with her dog. It goes to show how easy bs sells, a very revealing fact behind the fame of some of the "great explorers" out there. Well done, Mammut!

At ExplorersWeb we had hoped the gang behind the scheme would be willing to take it through the entire Everest season with us. We even had an "interview" arranged with Mary. In case you wonder; here goes the questions:

Dear Mary,

We are so thrilled you have granted us an interview, here goes the questions from both our European and US staff. (The Europeans can be a bit rude though, hope you don't mind). We'd love to do the story early next week:

Questions for Mary

1. Your climbing plans are covered by media all over the world. Don’t you feel pressured by such huge expectations about your performance on Everest? What kind of response are you getting? Any sponsor in sight?

2. We are surprised to see you’re not including links to charities on your website. UK climbers usually take advantage of the interest in their climbs to raise awareness towards charity projects of their choice. But you’re only asking for money for you and Daisy – ain’t that a little bit selfish?

3. You state you’re not really into the camping thing, which is very sensible. But you won’t be able to avoid Base Camp, which can be a rather uncomfortable place. How will you manage the lack of commodities there? By the way, while in BC, will you be completely on your own, or sharing logistics with a larger team? Do you expect to make new friends there?

4. Everest is a tough mountain. Motivation must be extremely strong, and so must be friendship between climbing partners. Are you positive Daisy wants to climb Everest as much as you do? Moreover, what would you do if Daisy let you know she can’t or doesn’t want to go on?

5. Is Daisy using crampons, or just letting her nails grow? You must understand you should not take Daisy in your arms at any moment. She must climb the entire route by herself – or it wouldn’t be ‘alpine style’.

6. In fact, we haven’t heard much lately about British climbers going for pure, alpine style expeditions – except for you, of course. Why is that do you think? Are the times of glorious British explorers gone for ever?

7. Your own idols are all explorers who said very wise things but died violent deaths after failing their expeditions (except for Simpson who survived, but lacks widely publicized quotes). Why did you choose those role models?

8. If you reach the summit from your proposed route (not that we have the slightest doubt) you would be definitely a strong candidate for the Piolet d’Or. How would that feel? And what’s your point of view on that Award and the controversy around it?

9. We hear dog shows are big in UK. Is Daisy climbing Everest to impress this group or is she only doing it for herself? What is the other competitors take? Shouldn't proper grooming, walking and such be valued higher that lofty climbing stunts?

10. At 67 years old, Pavel Rezvoy, a geologist from Ukraine, is the oldest rower in the history of ocean rowing. He just keep rowing and rowing, and refuses to go home stating that "there is nothing to do in Ukraine for senior citizens." How is the situation in Britain? Will you continue climbing after Everest?

11. This is something which was recently published in one specialized media. "74 year old Japanese woman to attempt Everest! Unlike the crap you read on the web, this one is true, a 74 year young Japanese woman plans to attempt Everest this spring.” We are afraid, the website referred to you with the word “crap.” What is your point of view on the skeptics and nasty comments about you being a hoax? In addition, do you feel you’ll be competing against the Japanese lady?

12. We'd love to sponsor you with Contact expedition software. Would you consider doing daily dispatches from your climb? We have a new, very cool map where we could plot your and Daisy's positions every day. Pls let us know.

Thanks for your time, and good luck with your preparations! Best, team ExplorersWeb

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