Ada Tsang (centre) is keeping her spirits upHong Kong teacher Ada Tsang Yin-hung hasn't given up her attempt to scale Mount Everest even after scores of other expeditions were packing and heading home.
Even so, her chances of succeeding are uncertain. There are calls to close the world's highest peak to climbers this season. Sherpa guides are refusing to work, demanding better insurance and safety conditions after an avalanche on April 18 killed at least 16 guides.Tsang said in a Facebook message on Saturday all Chinese expeditions, except hers, have called off their missions.
"We really don't want to give up this easily," Tsang wrote. "This morning, the [Nepalese] government has announced they would deploy ice doctors to study and clear potential trails. According to the current situation, they agree that we should keep pursuing our goals."
She was sad to see many teams withdraw and hear many trying to persuade her team to do the same. "Many have lost faith and patience ... I saw many moments of weakness," Tsang said. While she waits for the obstacles to be cleared, Tsang says she'll keep on training to stay in shape and keep her spirits up. "Only if we're well-prepared can we seize the opportunity [to climb Everest] when it comes."
Tsang, who teaches at Chan Chun Ha Secondary School, wants to become the first woman from Hong Kong to reach the summit of the world's highest peak.