Beech River Books

One of nine children, Russell Staples gained his love of the mountains and hiking early in life by fishing, camping and hiking throughout the White Mountains of his native New Hampshire. A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, Russ joined the Peace Corps in 1966. After three years as a Volunteer, then as an associate director in India, Russ returned to the States to spend a few years as a Peace Corps recruiter. He spent twelve years as Scoutmaster to the local Boy Scout troop and was a foster parent to ten boys with special needs.

After sixteen years working in the field of special education, Russ retired. He now resides in the foothills of New Hampshire’s White Mountains where he is an avid gardener, hiker and fly-fishing enthusiast.

My Everest Odyssey (Beech River Books, 2018) is based on a journal and over 100 photographs from a remarkable adventure. In 1967,two young Peace Corp volunteers working in southern India attempt a rek to Everest Bases Camp in December with sneakers, borrowed backpacks, a rented tent, no maps and only $200 apiece for food, travel, lodging and Sherpa guides.