Not to make this too long winded, I'm a 55 year old guy that's never climbed anything higher than a step ladder. But I've been fascinated by mountaineering since I was a kid. I remember reading about Mallory and his attempt on Everest in my elementary school library and then his disappearance on the mountain without anyone knowing if he made the summit. Something clicked in my mind after reading the story and I knew that I wanted to climb mountains. Well, unfortunately growing up in West Texas that dream got over run by reality and I never pursued the idea of climbing.
Now, with my kids raised and me on my own, the dream sort of started creeping back in. I don't know why, but it's firmly back in my consciousness.
So, bear with me if I ask what may be the dumbest questions you've ever seen. But this Texan is absolutely clueless about everything in mountaineering.
My ultimate goal would be a climb in the Himalayas. I'm not talking Everest or any sort of climb that requires the sort of experience and knowledge I'll probably never acquire. maybe something more challenging than walking up Mera Peak, but not a truly technical climb. This is almost as much about just seeing such beauty in person since I've never even left the U.S. The mountains of Colorado/New Mexico as a snow skier is the only real experience I have in the mountains. I haven't even camped out since I was a kid. But the idea of traveling to such an exotic place like Nepal is exhilarating for this flat land living Texan.
I have looked at some mountaineering schools like Alpine Ascents and they seem like a good place to start and learn the right way to do things at the beginning. It makes sense to me to learn the skills in a controlled environment with people trained to teach beginners would be a safer and more efficient way to start my journey. But my lack of knowledge leaves me without any way to really judge that idea.
I guess what I'm asking is, am I crazy to even consider this idea? And if I'm not crazy, am I on the right track considering my age and complete lack of experience?
I have looked around the web for local climbing or hiking clubs and it seems that the High Plains of Texas is not a hotbed for mountain climbers, so seeking someone near me appears to be impossible. This will be an adventure I probably have to tackle alone.
Thanks in advance for any advice.