topic Re: MOUNT EVEREST AND THE PEOPLE WHO CLIMB IT in Community Chat

MOUNT EVEREST AND THE PEOPLE WHO CLIMB IT

Oznell — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 11:34:55 GMT

Anyone else here fascinated by Mt. Everest, straddling Nepal and Tibet, tallest mountain in the world?

Love Jon Krakauer's classic 1997 book, "Into Thin Air". As a journalist and climber, he decided to go to the top and write about the experience. Unfortunately, he chose a year with extreme, stealthily treacherous weather, which is deadly at the 29,000 foot height of the mighty summit.

A number of his friends and colleagues died up there on that fateful expedition. The savvy and highly experienced leaders of two of the groups were among them. Gone, just b/c of a series of wrong choices at the wrong time. Jon survived, as did the most colorful member of the groups, New York socialite, Sandy Pittman, pal of Martha Stewart among others.

Sandy's husband Bob started MTV, and she had money to burn. She had all kinds of fancy equipment at base camp, and magazines and gourmet food brought up to her. She was described as a muscular Jackie Onassis-type.

By the way, it cost about $70,000 then to climb Everest. Wonder what it would be now??

Impossible to imagine inching along like these climbers, on this knife edge--

They're getting closer, and closer...

A favored few make it to the top.

Some of the people who do make it up there, die on the descent. The descent is quite dangerous.

There's a young, bluff American climber named Ryan Mitchell, who made a cheerful video in 2024 about the descent, in real time. It's harrowing, but so watchable! This kid has nerves of steel. Watch the video by googling:

Climbing Mt. Everest- The Descent.

The sheer drop-offs to nothingness, are terrifying.

What I hate, is the need to rapel over these deep cracks and crevasses...

How'd you like to have to step out over this flimsy ladder, your booted foot stepping gingerly on the slick bars, and with a bottomless black well just beneath you...

Gives me vertigo just thinking about it.

Nevertheless, Everest has tempted adventurers since the 19th century, when it was discovered to be the tallest mountain in the world. With increasingly easily transportable personal oxygen, it became feasible in the 20th century. The local Sherpas, a Himalayan people from the region, were invaluable guides and leaders.

The first confirmed to reach the top, were a British- sponsored team, Edmund Hillary of New Zealand, later knighted by the Queen, and Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa of Indian/ Nepalese background. It happened on May 29, 1953.

Sir Edmund took this picture below of Tenzing Norgay on the summit. Wow. Norgay later graciously acknowledged that Hillary was actually the first to set foot on that prized, precarious and tiny piece of real estate:

What a rush that must have been!! World fame and accolades ensued.

There's so much to the mystique of Everest, and so much to absorb about it all. "Into Thin Air" and Ryan Mitchell's astonishing youtube, "Climbing Mt. Everest-- the Descent" are a good start to all the lore and terrifying majesty of its history.

The awful storms up there, the chasms, the often deadly altitude sickness, the ever-present possibility of human error-- all are daunting.

I would never attempt it, even if I could. Question-- would you, if you had the resources and the fitness, strength and training required, ever consider it? I find the psychology of those who do, to be as interesting as the mountain itself!

Edited to add: If you like detective fiction, go to message 28 to learn about how Mary Stewart's riveting mystery novel "Wildfire at Midnight", set in Scotland, ties directly in with the Hillary/Norgay 1953 climbing expedition!

Re: MOUNT EVEREST AND THE PEOPLE WHO CLIMB IT

Krimpette — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 13:28:50 GMT

I, too, have always been fascinated. I remember reading "Into Thin Air" some years ago. I find it almost fascinatinng when I read about how many attempt this feat. And how many who have died trying, sometimes along with thir sherpa guides. A fascinatinng topic, for sure. Thanks for posting all those great pictures.

Re: MOUNT EVEREST AND THE PEOPLE WHO CLIMB IT

haddon9 — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 14:57:11 GMT

No, never would I attempt to do that even if I were younger and in great shape with the funds to go.

I do find it fascinating that others make the attempt.

Re: MOUNT EVEREST AND THE PEOPLE WHO CLIMB IT

LindaSal — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 13:48:24 GMT

As athletic as I was when I was young I could never have endured what these people have and the idea of a very possible death would terrify me. I have always been, however, amazed and astonished by the kind of person who even attempts to climb Everest. I have read Jon Krakauer's book and there is another one that came out called Blind Corners by Dr. Geoff Tabin in 2002. He also summited Everest as well as all the tallest peaks on the seven continents. The book tells his story. He is an Opthamologist and graduated right here in RI from Brown University.

He had actually done a slide show in a theatre here of his climb to promote his book when it came out.

I have a signed copy! I'm sure you can find it on Amazon, it's quite an interesting read and he is an amazing doctor and person.

Thanks for this thread! @Oznell

Re: MOUNT EVEREST AND THE PEOPLE WHO CLIMB IT

SilleeMee — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 13:50:55 GMT

With so many people climbing the mountain over the years, there has been an increasing problem with human waste...poop and pee. So you have to bag it and pack it in/out with you but there is still a lot of it up there from past years.

I never climbed Mt. Everest but I was an avid mountain climber here in Colorado for most of my life and in fact I was a member of the mountain search and rescue team for a number of years when I was younger. I know about the perils of climbing up high where there are no trees and low oxygen. Can be deadly.

Re: MOUNT EVEREST AND THE PEOPLE WHO CLIMB IT

Sweet Kitties — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 14:11:32 GMT

I usually don't take elevators when I go places. However, climbing 4 floors is my limit.

Re: MOUNT EVEREST AND THE PEOPLE WHO CLIMB IT

Sooner — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 14:17:15 GMT

I am going to be really honest about how I feel about it and a lot of mountain climbing (and such) in general, and I think it will not be a popular opinion.

That being said: I read the book when it came out. And I think, and thought then, what a shame that a lot of people are so very bored with their life that they have to spend tons of money to risk that life on some useless and dangerous activity.

Why not spend that amount of money, effort and risk on your loved ones, a charity, helping someone, making the world a better place. And you also endanger others who when you are lost up there have to risk their own lives and the stress of their families to go try to drag your butt out of danger. Do you really think so much of yourself and so little of your life that you'll do this?

I think anyone climbing higher mountains in this country should have to post a bond maybe to help pay for their rescue--not the taxpayers. Everest is littered with bodies and trash and equipment and some poor souls have to try to clean it up!

Re: MOUNT EVEREST AND THE PEOPLE WHO CLIMB IT

buyornot — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 14:23:58 GMT

ME!!! In fact-fascinating story about perhaps a more original summit on the ABC news last night. Might have been 30 years before it was presumed to happen. I always thought that I would like to just stay in a base camp for an expedition

Re: MOUNT EVEREST AND THE PEOPLE WHO CLIMB IT

Still Raining — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 14:29:18 GMT

You can check the pics of all the trash left behind on the mountain. Certainly not good care of a fragile environment.

Re: MOUNT EVEREST AND THE PEOPLE WHO CLIMB IT

faeriemoon — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 14:36:29 GMT

I have absolutely ZERO interest in climbing Everest or any other mountain for that matter.

Re: MOUNT EVEREST AND THE PEOPLE WHO CLIMB IT

Imaoldhippie — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 14:44:51 GMT

I applaud their strength and bravery. But I think they are all a sandwich short of a picnic. (meant as a chuckle, not an insult).

Re: MOUNT EVEREST AND THE PEOPLE WHO CLIMB IT

SilleeMee — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 14:55:20 GMT

@Sooner wrote:
I am going to be really honest about how I feel about it and a lot of mountain climbing (and such) in general, and I think it will not be a popular opinion.

That being said: I read the book when it came out. And I think, and thought then, what a shame that a lot of people are so very bored with their life that they have to spend tons of money to risk that life on some useless and dangerous activity.

Why not spend that amount of money, effort and risk on your loved ones, a charity, helping someone, making the world a better place. And you also endanger others who when you are lost up there have to risk their own lives and the stress of their families to go try to drag your butt out of danger. Do you really think so much of yourself and so little of your life that you'll do this?

I think anyone climbing higher mountains in this country should have to post a bond maybe to help pay for their rescue--not the taxpayers. Everest is littered with bodies and trash and equipment and some poor souls have to try to clean it up!

Here in Colorado a mountain climber is responsible to pay for their rescue and there is a special type of insurance to purchase just for those situations. that would include helicopter/ambulance service and the like. Some places with certain conditions require that insurance before a person can take their adventure in those areas. Mountain S&R here is funded by donations, grants and S&R card purchases made buy the climbers themselves. Taxes are not involved in any rescue mission. S&R members are all volunteers and do not charge for their services.

Mountaineering is a sport/hobby and it's not just for "bored" people.

Re: MOUNT EVEREST AND THE PEOPLE WHO CLIMB IT

PamfromCT — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 16:00:44 GMT

I have been fascinated by the sport of ice climbing for years and have enjoyed reading whatever I can find about it. It is ironic, because I am not athletic and would never have the interest in ice climbing myself. People are all different, and I try to be non-judgmental about those who love this sport.

Everest could never be climbed without the sherpas, who pave the way for climbers, carry needed supplies up the mountain, and set up tents for climbers along the way.
It has been quite an industry, however, allowing too many people up the mountain, some of whom are not fit to do so.

One Sherpa woman deserves special mention! Lhakpa Sherpa left Nepal after her father refused to arrange a marriage for her. He said she was "too ugly" and "too independent." She came to the U.S., and endured domestic abuse in her marriage. She is a devoted mother. And she has returned to Nepal and climbed to the summit of Everest - and safely returned - ten (yes 10) times. And she lives not very far from where I live. She has set the record for a first Sherpa woman climb and return and is also among the top women climbers of all time.

I don't judge people who love to climb. But too many are climbing Everest without the ability to do so, lured by an industry promoting climbs for an expensive price. And it is still dangerous for all, with wild weather swings, storms rapidly arising. And avalanches are a constant threat.

Of course, there are many other sites in the world that attract ice climbers. And some aim to climb many sites. I have learned so much about history, cultures, and a glimpse into a spirit different from mine.

Thank you, @Oznell. You have provided a wonderful introduction into this sport and way of living.

Re: MOUNT EVEREST AND THE PEOPLE WHO CLIMB IT

Marp — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 15:47:24 GMT

For those interested the listed article is in regard to the mystery of who first reached the summit:

Exclusive: Remains of Andrew 'Sandy' Irvine believed to have been found on Everest

The discovery, made by a National Geographic team 100 years after the mountaineer vanished with George Mallory, could add new clues to one of the great unsolved adventure mysteries of all time.

nationalgeographic.com/adventure/article/sandy-irvine-body-found-everest

Re: MOUNT EVEREST AND THE PEOPLE WHO CLIMB IT

bikerbabe — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 15:53:01 GMT

@Marp

They are still hoping to find his camera. No one knows if Mallory/Irvine made it to the top (first).

Re: MOUNT EVEREST AND THE PEOPLE WHO CLIMB IT

GoneButNotForgotten — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 16:45:37 GMT

It was such a great achievement that news of it was withheld a day so it wouldn't attention away from Queen Elizabeth's wedding.

And, yes, climbers have left a god-awful mess. I think some officials and volunteers are starting to clean it up. I think it's shameful that such a unique place should be polluted with garbage. I also agree that climbers should have to provide a bond or insurance to cover the cost of search/recovery expenses if the need arises; no way should the taxpayers be stuck with the bill.

Re: MOUNT EVEREST AND THE PEOPLE WHO CLIMB IT

Oznell — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 18:13:57 GMT

Wow, @LindaSal , you got to hear from one of the elite group who have climbed all 7 peaks!! That would be a lecture to savor, and I bet his book is great-- thanks for the alert!!

@SilleeMee , Krakauer showed all the discarded oxygen tanks littering the mountainside too, horrible. As of the 90's at least, there were moves to bring that trash down, which he mentioned. Of course, new garbage keeps being created, so they need to stay on top of it.

Good for you for being a climber-- there are so many opportunities in your beautiful state.

@PamfromCT , Lhakpa Sherpa sounds amazing! Thanks for all your terrific info. You have an intellectual curiosity that has served you well.

@Marp , thanks for that! The Mallory/ Irvine attempt has always been so poignant-- what if they did make it, way back then, but b/c they didn't make it down, never got posthumously recognized for being the first. And they were so tenacious. It is conceivable that they made it. I guess that's why Hillary/ Norgay is always referred to as "first *confirmed* summitting". But at least, Mallory/ Irvine do always get mentioned in history, as "possibles".... tantalizing.

I enjoy all this discussion, the often widely differing viewpoints. Thanks all! I have always had mixed feelings about really dangerous climbs-- always think about the loved ones at home, waiting on tenterhooks. But the climbers almost seem to HAVE to do it-- they have a special wiring.

Totally agree that the public should not have to support rescue from voluntary, "extreme" adventures.

Re: MOUNT EVEREST AND THE PEOPLE WHO CLIMB IT

GingerHead — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 21:19:37 GMT

I've read books and watched some documentaries on climbing Everest and find it very interesting. It looks like a very expensive hardship and I'm just fasinated by the people who clammer to spend so much money for misery and risk of dying. Crazy to me, but I don't even like camping and find that miserable. haha

So, no I have zero desire to.....

Re: MOUNT EVEREST AND THE PEOPLE WHO CLIMB IT

wagirl — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 22:07:53 GMT

NOPE---never in a million years have I ever thought about climbing any mountain!!

Re: MOUNT EVEREST AND THE PEOPLE WHO CLIMB IT

Tinkrbl44 — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 22:24:06 GMT

@Oznell

No interest in something like that, but great photos!

Years ago, as a post-divorce adventure, I went on a 5 day river rafting and climbing expedtion. It was a great experience and money well spent.

I have no interest in repeating it, however. Been there, done that.

On to the next adventure.