Pueblo man wants to trek Mount Everest, despite recent natural disasters

A Pueblo man has his sights on conquering the world’s tallest mountain starting next week, despite an earthquake that triggered an avalanche on Mount Everest that killed 17 people on Saturday.

For almost a year, Louis Pecek, 69, has trained in the snow, cold, rain and wind in order to reach his ultimate goal.

“I will be going on the world’s highest trek on the slopes of Mount Everest to the advanced base camp on Everest,” he said.

But after the recent earthquakes in Nepal, he’s worried his dream might be put off.

“I’m very worried whether the trek is going to go forward. I don’t know what’s going to happen with my trek because I’m leaving in a week and they’re just starting the recovery efforts,” Pecek said. “This is a very difficult time for me. I have friends there after all the planning. I’m concerned about them.”

He also said his family is worried about him.

Pecek said his sister from Connecticut called. He said she is concerned about his safety and even suggested he not go on the trip.

But through the uncertainty, Pecek said after months of training, he’s going to do what he can to complete the journey.

The trek up Mount Everest is more than 20,000 feet.