Climber returns home to share tales of adventure

Marty Schmidt, a Castro Valley native and one of the world’s leading high-altitude climbers, will return to his hometown to tell tales of his adventures and share his photography.

The Castro Valley Arts Foundation is presenting “An Evening with Marty Schmidt” on March 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Center For the Arts at Castro Valley High School.

“The mountains are a good calling for many of us; we all must find the deepest meanings to what this calling is,” Schmidt said. “And when you do, you know what to do and why you are heading to the hills year after year. These experiences are what we are living for and looking forward to each and every day.”

Schmidt, a 1978 graduate of Castro Valley High School, has climbed some of the world’s greatest peaks, including many higher than 8,000 meters.

As a guide, Schmidt prefers to lead small groups without Sherpas, supplemental oxygen, huts or helicopters. “This brings real adventure back into mountaineering and my clients want to experience the mountains in this way, climbing the mountain on their own,” he said.

Tickets are $10, though admission is free for students. For more information go to www.cvartsfoundation.org or call (510)-889-8961.