Son of first American to reach summit of Mount Everest follows in father’s footsteps
By APThursday, May 27, 2010
Son of 1st American to top Everest reaches summit
PORT TOWNSEND, Wash. — The son of the first American to top Mount Everest is following in his father’s footsteps — literally.
Proud parents Jim Whittaker and Dianne Roberts of Port Townsend, Wash., say son Leif Whittaker reached the summit of the world’s tallest peak Monday evening and is on his way down.
Veteran climber Jim Whittaker was the first American to conquer Mount Everest, in 1963.
Jim Whittaker says he was able to stay at the summit for just a few minutes. But he says Leif had good weather and was able to spend nearly an hour at the top.
Roberts said Tuesday she is happy for her son but will feel better when he’s back at base camp.
Information from: Peninsula Daily News, www.peninsuladailynews.com
