MOUNT EVEREST AND THE PEOPLE WHO CLIMB IT - Page 2

Imaoldhippie · ‎06-10-2015

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).

LIFE IS TO SHORT TOO FOLD FITTED SHEETS

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

@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.

PamfromCT · ‎05-22-2014

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.

Marp · ‎03-09-2010

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

What is good for the goose today will also be good for the gander tomorrow.

bikerbabe · ‎03-09-2010

@Marp

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

GoneButNotForgotten · ‎03-29-2020

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.

Oznell · ‎11-08-2014

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.

GingerHead · ‎03-10-2010

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.....

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