Book Review From Rick’s Library: The Third Pole

9 min read

Do you like adventure, mystery, and human resilience? If you said yes, then I have a book review for you. We’re going to take a journey to the roof of the world, Mount Everest, where one man's quest to unravel a century-old mystery captivates our imagination. Today’s book centers around "The Third Pole," where author and adventurer Mark Synnott ventures into the icy abyss in search of answers buried beneath the snow, at the top of Mount Everest.

Welcome to That's Life, I Swear. This podcast is about life's happenings in this world. Happenings that conjure up such words as intriguing, frightening, life-changing, inspiring, and more. I'm Rick Barron, your host. 

That said, here's the rest of this story

Abstract of the book 

In 1924, the challenge of Everest's intimidating peak, lured George Mallory and Sandy Irvine to embark on a daring quest to etch their names into history. Their disappearance into the mountain's misty embrace left enticing traces of their determined ascent, sparking speculation about their fate. Had they conquered the unconquerable?

The 1924 British Everest team in Base Camp. Left to right, standing: Sandy Irvine and George Mallory. Courtesy of: The Daily Mail Online

Is it conceivable that they did reach the peak of Everest, perhaps even preceding Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay by decades? Their final sighting near Everest's summit, a mere eight hundred feet away, fuels the mystery. Did they reach the top, only to vanish into the clouds without a trace? Rumors swirl about Irvine's Kodak "Vest Pocket" Camera, possibly holding a snapshot of their triumph. Yet, neither camera nor remains have surfaced, leaving questions lingering in the thin mountain air. Could the preserved film within that camera unveil a snapshot of Mallory and Irvine atop the summit, vanishing into the mist without a trace thereafter? Kodak speculates that the film might retain its integrity.

A century later, Mark Synnott, drawn by their mystifying tale, embarks on a quest to uncover the truth. With a team of intrepid explorers and cutting-edge technology, they brave Everest's perilous slopes, searching for Irvine's remains and the elusive camera that may hold the key to history.

From exhaustive training to global tracking of the lives of George Mallory and Sandy Irvine, Synnott's journey spares no effort. Everest's unforgiving peak tests Mark and the teams resolve, yet they press on, driven by the relentless pursuit of what happened. If climbing the cliffs of Mt. Everest wasn’t enough, Synnott defied death to pursue the elusive truth.

In this gripping saga, the spirit of human endurance echoes loudly. It speaks to the allure of the uncharted, inspiring the brave to challenge the heights and stake their claim among Everest's legendary conquerors. 

About the author 

Mark Synnott, has piled up quite a list of achievements. He’s an accomplished American rock climber and writer, and has earned international certification as a mountain guide and proudly aligns with The North Face's elite athlete roster. Synnott's expertise lies in conquering remote first ascents of colossal rock faces.

The author: Mark Synnott. Courtesy of New York Time

Mark is one of the most prolific investigative climbers of his generation. His search for new frontiers has taken him on more than three dozen expeditions to places like Alaska, Baffin Island, Greenland, Iceland, Newfoundland, Patagonia, Venezuela, Pakistan, Nepal, India, China, Tibet, and the list goes on.

Frequently working with fellow The North Face luminary Alex Honnold, renowned for his awe-inspiring free solo climb of El Capitan in 2017, Synnott drew inspiration from Alex's audacious feat to pen his bestselling work, "The Impossible Climb." This captivating narrative blends personal reflections with historical insights into climbing's evolution, anchored by Honnold's groundbreaking achievement.

It was in 2021, Synnott released "The Third Pole," where he shares his 2019 expedition alongside Renan Ozturk in pursuit of Sandy Irvine's remains on Mount Everest.

Synnott's trailblazing exploits extend globally, often documented for National Geographic and The North Face. Notable among these feats is the inaugural ascent of Mount Weiassipu in Guyana. Spearheading a team that included Alex Honnold, Synnott ascended the tepui to aid Dr. Bruce Means in discovering new frog species. Their remarkable journey featured in "Explorer: The Last Tepui," a National Geographic production is now available on Disney+ as of April of 2022. 

Since 1997, Mark has been an esteemed member of The North Face Global Athlete Team, bringing his expertise to the forefront of the film and television realm, both as a performer and a creator. His extensive portfolio spans collaborations with distinguished entities such as National Geographic Television, NBC Sports, ABC, Warren Miller Entertainment, Teton Gravity Research, and Red Bull Media House.

Renowned for his captivating storytelling talent, Mark is in high demand as a motivational speaker, gracing stages at performing arts centers nationwide. His engaging presentations resonate with diverse audiences, including esteemed clients like General Motors, the Bank of New York, and the X Prize Foundation.

What drew my interest in reading this book? 

Initially, what captivated me about this book was delving into the psyche of those drawn to the extraordinary, regardless of the risks that come with it. However, within its pages, I discovered a deeper truth: the exhilaration that accompanies pushing boundaries beyond the imaginable.

Mark Synnott's "The Third Pole" offers more than just an account of his daring expedition to Mount Everest in search of lost relics. It serves as a catalyst for embracing life's adventures, inspiring reflections on perseverance, camaraderie, and environmental responsibility.

By embracing the explorer's ethos, one can infuse mundane routines with curiosity, seeking unexplored paths in daily commutes or exploring new cuisines and cultures. Synnott's emphasis on teamwork encourages fostering collaborative spirits, valuing diverse perspectives, and recognizing individual strengths in personal and professional realms.

The book's portrayal of physical hardships underscores the importance of personal well-being. Prioritizing physical activity, balanced nutrition, and adequate rest becomes essential for navigating life's challenges. Moreover, Synnott's passion for history and mystery inspires pursuing personal interests with dedication, whether it's delving into local histories or exploring inspirational journeys.

Following in Synnott's footsteps means not only embracing adventure but also committing to environmental stewardship. Adopting sustainable habits and participating in conservation efforts contribute to a purposeful existence.

Integrating the lessons of "The Third Pole" into daily life requires a gradual, thoughtful approach, akin to the steady ascent of a mountain summit. It's about cultivating a mindset of continuous growth and transformation, one deliberate step at a time.

What can we learn from this story? What's the take away?

Reviewing the incredible endurance demanded by a formidable expedition, the significance of an unyielding determination becomes strikingly apparent – a quality that transcends the mountain realm. In our daily lives, this tenacious spirit proves an invaluable ally, whether grappling with imminent deadlines, personal adversities, or the acquisition of novel capabilities. Persistence and resilience emerge as indispensable assets, fortifying our resolve to surmount life's trials.

Furthermore, tackling a challenge as monumental as ascending Mount Everest teaches us a humbling lesson. We can consciously foster a mindset of gratitude and humility, recognizing the intricate support systems that propel us forward. By showing kindness to others, celebrating small victories, and learning from setbacks without losing hope, we infuse our lives with a deep sense of perspective and grace - a testament to the profound impact of embracing life's trials with an open heart and an unbeatable spirit.

Kodak "Vest Pocket Camera. Courtesy of: ThirdShif

Oh, by the way, the camera that could prove that Sandy Irvine and George Mallory made it to the top of Mt. Everest in 1924 has still not been found.

Well, there you go. That’s life, I swear.

For further information regarding the material covered in this episode, I invite you to visit my website which you can find on Apple Podcasts/iTunes, for show notes calling out key pieces of content mentioned and the episode transcript.

As always, I thank you for the privilege of you listening and your interest.

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