I don’t understand the angst over these dead climbers. They knew the risks involved in going up there. Everybody who ever died on Mt. Everest was up there on their own free will.
it’s like disneyland
Don Cashed out.
Dying while on Everest...dying while jumping out of an airplane...why are such things news? OTOH,dying while brushing your teeth *is* news.
Don Cash’s grandchildren will never know him, because he had to pursue a teenaged dream. His children can show photos, I guess. “Here’s your late grandfather, Don. He died of stupid at 55. Don’t be like him.”
Why do they bury Everest climbers? Because they’re dead.
You make a choice to climb Everest.
I’ve made choices to drive motorcycles like a maniac. I lived through it. Others didn’t
You make a choice.
“Reaching the top is optional, getting back down safe is mandatory”
Ed Viesturs
Pre-Memorial day traffic?
You have to wonder what the final thoughts of these people were as they neared death. Was it “ Gee I was a damn fool to put myself in this absurd position” or was it “ Now I am at peace, I accomplished what I wanted to do. I die content.”
Actually the world is indifferent to whatever they thought. Everest remains and people go on living. Frankly if you are going to risk your life, health and the well being of your family, it ought to be something that is less narcissistic and worthwhile.
It’s getting to be as dangerous as a cruise, where you normally lose, what, 30 or 40?
I had a high school classmate that almost died on Everest and I have no desire to follow in his shoes. Beck Weathers was left for dead twice and his climbing mate’s body is still up there.
Sorry, but you know damned well you are putting your life at risk by trying to climb this mountain... Its sad, but these will not be the first or last to die doing so....
Just imagine how much better the world would be, if the people who invested the money and time to try to climb Everest, just to claim they did it, invested that energy into something that would help humanity, where we would all be today?
REAL MEN go up the North Face.
Are all the tourist climbs still being done by the South Route? Or has China opened up the approach from Tibet again?
All that I can say is that if he had a wife and family that loved him - he’s a dick.
Climbing this mountain, however, I never got the sense of accomplishment. It wasn't glory they received, it was almost relief for those who returned in one piece. Even then, they lived knowing their party left behind people who didn't, or couldn't make it back. No joy, no accomplishment. Just numbness and depression.
They can work on building the lift while they’re waiting.