"My hypothesis, which I hate to state since I haven't tested it, is that people who work in those hard-nosed fields need a place where they can experience their subjective selves and let themselves go."
He said that the climbers who made it to the summit felt a distinct emotional letdown after their feat.
"It's not at all rare. You build yourself up so strongly for that one thing and then suddenly it's done."
Lester acknowledged that the thought of returning to the routine of society contributed to the letdown.
Lester said that many members of the expedition admired the comparatively simple lifestyle of their Sherpa guides, in addition to their physical prowess.
"Our pulses would go up to 180-190 at times, while the Sherpas' was only at 90."
Lester acknowledged that western climbers are more oriented toward the goal of reaching the peak, while the Sherpas are more in the "here and now," and enjoy every step of the way.