Doofus Dad Does Everest Base Camp

One of Planet Earth's Epic Adventures Told by a Slightly-Less-Than-Epic Guy

By: Alan Arnette - foreword, Mark E. Johnson

Narrated by: Mark E. Johnson

Length: 4 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

Imagine setting off on a 12-day trek through the Himalayan wilderness to the foot of Mount Everest, experiencing the world's most startling landscapes and vibrant Sherpa culture and struggling to catch your breath at nearly 18,000 feet above sea level - all without leaving your favorite listening chair.

Doofus Dad Does Everest Base Camp brings that scenario to life.

In April 2018, Tennessee writer Mark E. Johnson embarked on an epic, grueling, and often hilarious adventure - the 80-mile trek from Lukla, Nepal, to Mount Everest Base Camp - after launching an improbable trekking company a year earlier in the flatlands of the southeastern United States. This was Johnson's first excursion out of the continental US, and this journey into the exotic country of Nepal was indeed a trial by fire (and ice).

Hike alongside "Doofus Dad" on each part of this bucket list quest, from the starting point of Nashville, Tennessee, through a mind-numbing 23 hours of air travel into the suicidal traffic of Kathmandu, and on every day of the trek with equal parts lush detail and sly humor. Experience Kathmandu’s Hindu and Buddhist temples, the infamous Yeti's Scalp of the Khumjung Monastery, a hysterical salsa dance lesson at 14,000 feet, and a crazy helicopter rescue.

If you're considering this adventure for yourself, then this book is an invaluable resource and contains the Everest Base Camp itinerary, daily trek statistics, gear lists, and training suggestions.

The foreword is provided by mountaineering legend and Everest blogger, Alan Arnette, called "one of the world's most respected chroniclers of Everest" by Outside Magazine. “This book is a must-have for the bookshelf of yesterday's, today's and tomorrow's traveler,” says Arnette.

The audiobook is read by Johnson and even includes sound effects from the trek itself!

Johnson is a longtime freelancer and blog writer, best known for his Dave Barry-esque stories about parenting, rural living, and health and fitness.

©2018 Mark E. Johnson (P)2018 Mark E. Johnson

Best trip to Mount Everest I’ve never taken!

Mark, I wasn’t sure what to expect as I joined you and Holly on this audible journey to Everest Basecamp. But I want to thank you for the laughs, the beautifulky described visuals, and the tears I shared as I followed your epic journey. 💜

For those of you who don’t know my friend Mark, he will not disappoint. He’s an award-winning writer and photographer that one on a journey of a lifetime. And he’s taking you with him through his audible book journey. So happy for you my friend! Now, where is my coffee table photo book? It’s got to be the next follow up for this incredible journey! ;-) Namaste!

Entertaining EBC trek story

A great read! A lighthearted, witty, and entertaining account of an EBC trek. An informative read for those interested in trekking or just interested in a humorous story of a doofus dad on an epic adventure. Enjoy!

Entertaining

I started listening to this audiobook just before going to EBC and finished it after returning. It's good that such a book exists. It's full of good humor, although I had an impression, the book is mainly about Mark Johnson with some Everest on the backdrop. Also, I found Southern flavor of the narration even more exotic than Nepal itself, frequent references to God and some devine interventions... I would prefer more informative than emotional account, but I guess that was the point of the author to make it more personal and leave pocket reference business to Lonely Planet. Kudos to author for not only going there, but making an effort to publish a story

Great story

I listened to this book driving from My home town in Georgia to Charleston for work. Kudos to Mark for a well written book and I think it made it that much better that he also was the narrator. I thoroughly enjoyed every second and the way it was written made you feel like you were there with the gang the whole time.

Insightful, entertaining, compelling

I am planning a trip to EBC and this book, narrated beautifully by the author, told me everything I needed to know. In the most entertaining and compelling manner! I was when this adventure ended .. but of course I made the entire trek in the comfort of my car! :-)

Fantastic!

I’m not even done with this book but I have to say it’s been a great ride so far! It’s a must read for anyone considering going on one of these Everest quests. The author has done a wonderful job of making you feel like you are right there with him. Really enjoying it!!

Great explanation of the trek

I loved this book as it is one I’m listening to so I understand more about the trek. Easy listening and some humor to boot!

The Climb

I love the story. It is very descriptive to where I almost feel like I'm right there with Mark and Holly. The takeaway that I got from the story is how to be resilient in times of hardship. I also realized how fortunate I am to live here in America. The simple things in life that I failed to appreciate at times when people halfway around the world does not have the privileges that I have. Mark, thank you for sharing yours and Holly’s experiences from Nashville to Nepal and vise versa. Kudos to both of you.

Amazing story

This is the perfect perspective if you are contemplating trekking EBC. Def recommend! Awesome read

Awesome! Awesome! Now I want to go!!!

This is an amazing book that made me laugh and brought me to tears multiple times. Couldn’t stop listening. See you soon Hobnail trekking company and EBC!
Well done Mr Johnson. Well done.