Everest

Optimistic Paranoid

Optimistic Paranoid

Adventurist
Everest.jpg


Two climbers died yesterday from standing in line to reach the top of Mt. Everest. The oxygen in the air at this height is only 1/3 the amount at sea level, a quantity unable to support human life for any length of time. which is why this is referred to as "death pressure".

Wonder if Sir Edmund Hilary is rolling over in his grave?
 
Yep pay to climb is getting ridiculous.

I have never been a fan of what Everest has turned into.... Its literally a shit and body pile at this point.

EDIT: and these two deaths are nothing new, people climb way past their ability and die from exposure monthly at least. Most parties have a turn around time, thats the drop dead point, you didn't make it to the summit too damn bad, turn around and go down or you will die. Its really simple. People get jaded and NEED to summit, I understand the drive when you spent 80-200k to be on the mountain, but its just stupid. So many other better climbs, yes not the tallest, but so much better. Everest is not very technical, just high and some exposure in places. Waiting for people who are pay climbers to cross the step (the only real technical spot, and the put ladders in....) one at a time ever so slowly kills people up there.
 
java230 said:
Yep pay to climb is getting ridiculous.

I have never been a fan of what Everest has turned into.... Its literally a shit and body pile at this point.

EDIT: and these two deaths are nothing new, people climb way past their ability and die from exposure monthly at least. Most parties have a turn around time, thats the drop dead point, you didn't make it to the summit too damn bad, turn around and go down or you will die. Its really simple. People get jaded and NEED to summit, I understand the drive when you spent 80-200k to be on the mountain, but its just stupid. So many other better climbs, yes not the tallest, but so much better. Everest is not very technical, just high and some exposure in places. Waiting for people who are pay climbers to cross the step (the only real technical spot, and the put ladders in....) one at a time ever so slowly kills people up there.
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The Hillary Step is gone.
https://www.outsideonline.com/2191911/american-climbers-confirm-hillary-step-gone

 
java230 said:
Wow didn't realize that!
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I didn't either. You mentioned "step" and I started Googling to find what you were referring to. What's there now creates a choke point where traffic can only pass in one direction. That wait probably caused the death of those 2 climbers. I also find the appropriate use of the word "traffic" associated with the Mt, Everest summit sad. As in there will be a Starbucks and McDonald's there in the future.
 
You know if you are willing to give it all for something you want and believe in than I totally understand. The issue I have is with those that willingly put themselves in harms way... and then need rescue. The Sherpas on Everest or the SAR guys elsewhere have to risk their lives to save you... I DON"T AGREE with that. We had a local climber do something STUPID up on Mt. Whitney a few years ago. A 35 yr old Husband and Dad died in his rescue and that is total BS. OK waiting for opposite opinions!
 
Greg said:
I didn't either. You mentioned "step" and I started Googling to find what you were referring to. What's there now creates a choke point where traffic can only pass in one direction. That wait probably caused the death of those 2 climbers. I also find the appropriate use of the word "traffic" associated with the Mt, Everest summit sad. As in there will be a Starbucks and McDonald's there in the future.
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Its always been the choke point. Its really the only "technical" spot on that route.
 
It's not like this situation should be a surprise to anyone going there. They have to know that there will be incompetent people, traffic jams, bad weather, unethical climbers, etc. Those factors have become part the challenge. They go b/c it's technically the highest and want it for their resume. Oh no!, "he left 9 children and goat behind. His poor wife..." I have no sympathy.
 
Greg said:
I...As in there will be a Starbucks and McDonald's there in the future.
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I'd bet anything that they already have problems with asstards flying their Drones on the mountain. Every time I see a drone, I pray it crashes!

edit: I just got off a really messed up travel day, I should stop posting.....
 
Back in the 60s, in what I now fondly refer to as my Massively Misspent Youth, I remember reading a counter-culture book titled "Famous Long Ago".

The author had been required to climb some mountain as part of some Outward Bound type program. He remarked that "if they had stopped 10 feet short of the top and turned around, that would have been a savings of 20 feet and fine by him."

I couldn't put it any better myself.
 
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