Costa Mesa man to speak on climbing Everest

Bill Burke of Costa Mesa will talk about his record-breaking ascent of Mt. Everest and show a 28-minute video that he has produced using footage that he took in May, while climbing the peak, at the Costa Mesa Neighborhood Community Center on Sept. 13.

The 67-year-old became the oldest known American to climb to the world’s highest summit May 23.

Burke, who started climbing mountains much later in life, attempted Everest for the first time in 2007, but turned back 300 feet from the top, feeling that he didn’t have the strength to continue.

In 2008 he tried again, but was thwarted by a virus he got on the approach.

Along with climbing Everest, Burke has made it to the summits of the highest peaks on each continent, and has pictures of himself atop each one mounted on the wall of his study.

“I try to describe the challenges of climbing Everest, but, also, I try to emphasize the importance of setting goals and following your dreams,” Burke said of the presentation, which he has given before.

The talk is scheduled for 3 p.m. at the center, 1845 Park Ave.

— Alan Blank