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Raleigh man has sights set on higher peaks

Raleigh resident Stefon Youngblood will head to Nepal next week to visit Mount Everest. His goal is to make it to the Everest Base Camp.

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RALEIGH, N.C. — Ever since Stefan Youngblood was 15, he has had a thing for mountains.

He has climbed the Rockies, but always had his sights set on higher peaks.

As in Mount Everest.

“I’ve been thinking about it for a long time, maybe 20 years,” he said.

The Raleigh resident will head to Nepal next week to visit Mount Everest. His goal is to make it to the Everest Base Camp.

“Mount Everest to base camp is more of a trek, sort of a strenuous hike,” he said.

It is a hike that is not without risk. An avalanche killed 13 Sherpa guides on Friday.

While Youngblood planned his trip months ago, the Sherpas have threatened to boycott if Nepal doesn't provide more insurance money and financial aid for victims.

“I asked (his guide) how he felt about us coming now,” he said. “They make their living from this. And if we were to pull back, tourism or anything, it would be devastating to him and his family.”

Even more of a reason to make the trip, he said.

“I believe that God created all of this for our enjoyment, and I want to enjoy that,” Youngblood said.

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