Our “Featured Hobnailers” series spotlights past and upcoming Hobnail trekkers. In this episode, we interview Larry Kintner of Oakland, Tennessee. Larry is tackling Nepal’s Everest Base Camp + Gokyo Lakes Extension, April 14 – May 3, 2025.
Q: Where do you live?
A: I live in Oakland, Tennessee —about 25 miles east of Memphis. I’m retired from 43 years at FedEx.
Q: How and when did you get into adventure travel? Where was your first out-of-country adventure?
A: Being able to travel internationally with my job, I’ve enjoyed seeing places in person that I’ve read about. I’ve never done any international adventure travel, so this trip to EBC is really stepping out of my comfort zone.
Q: How did you discover Hobnail Trekking?
A: Living in Tennessee, I happened to get a magazine in the mail that covered different happening in the state. On the cover was this dude standing on a peak with what appeared to be Everest in the background. I’d seen a several documentaries and movies of Everest and, for a long time, wanted to trek to base camp. When I read that Hobnail Trekking was Tennessee-based, I was immediately interested. I knew that it was just finding the right time to sign up for an EBC trip. Since I’m not getting any younger, 2025 was the year!
Q: Have you ever been to Nepal? Why did you choose the Everest Base Camp + Gokyo Lakes Extension trip?
A: I’ve never been to Nepal. A trip to EBC has been one of my top “bucket list” items for several years. When I chose to go, I decided that I might as well go all the way. For that reason, I decided to include the Gokyo addition. This is a once in a lifetime trip for me, so getting the most out of it is key.
Q: What are you most excited about regarding this trip?
A: For me, the most exciting thing will be standing in the Himalayas. I’m looking forward to experiencing the tea houses, tasting the food, and getting to know our Sherpa guide very well.
Q: What other destinations are on your bucket list for adventure travel?
A: I’d love to see the Alps. It doesn’t really matter from which country. I’ve read about Hadrian’s Wall in the UK, and thought it would be an adventure to hike it from one end to the other (if possible). I’m interested in going to some of the world’s big sporting events like the Australian Open and Tour de France (mountain stages).
Everest Base Camp with the Gokyo Lakes Extension is a guided, 20-day, immersive trekking experience into the world’s most iconic mountain range, the Himalayas. The modern trail to EBC is nearly identical to the route taken by lengendary mountaineers George Mallory, Tenzing Norgay, and Sir Edmund Hillary. Not only will you trace the footsteps of history’s greatest adventurers, you will also reach altitudes of nearly 18,000 feet! See the details HERE.
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