Community Chat

[Karie2022]

No, I've never been an adrenaline junky, I figure life is dangerous enough on its own, why go looking for it? 😳

[Tinkrbl44]

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@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! 

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@Sooner 

I understand your points, but I really don't think mountaineering is done due to boredom or low self-esteem.

People who've been successful can afford different vacations, sports and experiences than the average person.

So what?  

It doesn't mean they never give generously to charities and other good causes.  It's not an "either / or" situation.  They can do both.  

[Oznell]

@buyornot ,  I forgot to, and meant to say before, that I chuckled and identified with your comment about being at base camp, not the summit!

It's funny, but as high as it is, base camp at "only" 17,000 odd ft., seems almost like a "safe" little oasis, before completely leaving civilization.  They have communications there, medical help, hot tea and decent food.  When I heard that there was such a thing as "base camp manager",  I thought,  hmmm, interesting job... 

But the 'way stations' up from there to the summit-- camps 1, 2, 3, and 4,  are so daunting, because you have to navigate some pretty scary topography and conditions on your slow way to the top....

[Sooner]

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@Tinkrbl44 wrote:

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@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! 

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@Sooner 

I understand your points, but I really don't think mountaineering is done due to boredom or low self-esteem.

People who've been successful can afford different vacations, sports and experiences than the average person.

So what?  

It doesn't mean they never give generously to charities and other good causes.  It's not an "either / or" situation.  They can do both.  

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@Tinkrbl44 My point was about people who are out for a thrill and big risk takers, who endanger other lives to come rescue their bored behinds from places they don't need to be and shoudn't be, who used their resources to litter Mt. Everest and other places with trash and bodies, and who do it to make themselves seem courageous and get attention.

[Lakelife62]

The world is full of thrill seekers. always has been. It's the reason we now have air and space travel and weere able to explore beneath the sea.

Thank goodness for people who aren't afraid to take chances and stretch the limits of mental and physical boundaries.

How cruel would we be to not help another in a dangerous situation, regardless of the reason or fault behind it. Its what makes us human and civilized.

P.s. the communities around Everest would be hard hit economically if tourism dried up.

[monicakm]

@faeriemoon 

@Sooner 

I have zero interest in climbing any mountain, much less this one BUT I DO NOT BEGRUDGE anyone who wants to do it.  And I could say that about a multitude of other events/sports where it takes skill, desire, training and physical endurance to achieve.  And in case anyone asks, I don't begrudge astronauts either.

[Sooner]

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@monicakm wrote:

@faeriemoon 

@Sooner 

I have zero interest in climbing any mountain, much less this one BUT I DO NOT BEGRUDGE anyone who wants to do it.  And I could say that about a multitude of other events/sports where it takes skill, desire, training and physical endurance to achieve.  And in case anyone asks, I don't begrudge astronauts either.

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@monicakm I am just saying that what goes on like on Mt. Everest is such a waste of life and money and destroying the beauty of a scenic place, for no good reason.  It's my opinion.  Nothing more.  Opinions have traditionally been allowed.  Not so much any more. 

[Oznell]

Not everyone is as kooky as I am-- I love to find fiction that ties in with real-life events.

I've recommended Mary Stewart's "Wildfire at Midnight" before.  It's a wonderful piece of detective fiction, set in London and mostly, the remote highlands of Scotland.

How does it tie in with Everest?  In 1953, London was afire with the upcoming coronation of Queen Elizabeth, and with the British-backed Hillary team's climbing attempt at Everest.

London model Gianetta "Janet" Brooke, desperately needing some R and R, goes to a Scottish hotel for some hiking and fishing.  Unbelievably, there she finds her charismatic ex-husband, and a series of terrifying murders in the surrounding hills.

Everyone at the hotel is avid for Highland fishing and mountain climbing, and Stewart cleverly weaves the heroic Hillary / Norgay  climb, happening at the same time, into the narrative.  The hotel residents follow the climb on the "wireless" and learn of the expedition's success at a crucial moment in their search of the hills for a murderer....

It's fabulous detective fiction, regardless of the world events swirling around it, but they make it even more interesting! 

[StylishLady2]

The climb of Annapurna, first 8,000 meter high mountain to be climbed is interwesting too. 

[SoCal Bred]

@Oznell 

I have always been fascinated about reading or watching climbers on Mount Everest from documentaries, I just find it so interesting.

A little off topic, a few weeks ago, I was watching the Nat'l Geo channel called 'Free Solo' about Alex Honnold who is a free soloist climbing a 3,000 ft vertical cliff without any ropes, that was so nerve racking to watch and what a triump for him to complete the climb.. 

Honnold has also climbed the 3,200 ft of El Capitan in Yosemite Nat'l Park in Aug 2018 without ropes.  I believe he is retired now, good thinking!😊