It’s that time of year on Everest, that little window of opportunity as climbers launch their final bids for the summit.

And while the media go all-out to cover these bids, and the teams themselves boast ever-shinier blogs and self-reportage, little is said about the sherpas who are so key to every one of these missions as they help mountaineers navigate the world’s highest peak. But let it be known that, while we await the “first summits” of 2010, which some set out for this morning, a group of nine sherpas actually made the year’s first summit yesterday, along with a Himex guide. Western climbers are not allowed join this first group of sherpas even if they want to, but still, the sherpas’ purpose was not glory or news coverage but finishing fixing the lines to the top so that the glory can go to others.

We at Embark applaud the sherpas, porters, medical crew, and all who help any expedition team safely reach the summits of mountains worldwide. We could not do what we do without them, and their bravery, work ethic, and mountaineering skills are second to none.

(photo: peakfreaks.com)