Posted on 12/17/2006 5:20:45 AM PST by Nasty McPhilthy
A trio of climbers, ascended Mount Hood, under adverse winter conditions — to test their survival skills. The intrepid climbers took gear such as food, fuel, bivvy sacks, a shovel and ropes. These men knew they were taking a big risk – or they would not have taken survival gear with them.
Mountain climbing is a sport for the wealthy who can afford to take weeks off from work to indulge in their expensive hobby.
These clowns have been missing for over a week, and the state is expending tens of thousands of dollars in search and resuce operations.
Why is the sheriff’s department and the U.S Forest Service rangers looking for these men who are addicted to danger?
The taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay for the foolhardy thrill seekers who knew they were taking a big risk. The families of the climbers should pay for their own search teams; they shouldn’t expect the government to pay for the reckless chance the climbers took.
From USA Today:
“Deputy Gerry Tiffany, spokesman for the Hood River County sheriff’s office, said its office does not charge for its searches.”
I think it’s about time the government starts charging for rescue operations – when it’s a case of adventurers who place themselves in danger.
I’m sick of hearing about the missing climbers; I’m sick of watching the relatives of the missing men on TV praise the courage of the climbers, and I’m sick at the thought that taxpayers are paying for the rescue efforts.
Lacking any news content and being pure opinion, this article belongs in Bloggers/Personal.
It's not possible to climb certain routes on Mt. Hood UNLESS it is ice/snow covered. This is because there is too much scree (small, loose rock). The men were training for Everest. Climbing Hood in the spring would not approximate conditions to be found on Everest. They wanted a REALLY tough climb in severe coditions to test their mettle.
They allowed themselves extra time to complete the climb, but someting happened to one of the climbers--not known what--and he could not continue. The other two built a snow cave and left him there, going on to get help. During the period of delay, bad weather moved in, stranding them all.
Just that class we don't teach anymore in kindergarten. Every choice has a consequence. Time people understood that the rest of the world can't bail them out for their failures to make right choices. A better choice would have been to go up to the sights of Mt. Hood on July 4th.
LOL ;^D
Did she leave it in a taxi or something?
The aircraft being used in the rescue attempt (C-130's with infrared and Black Hawks) are military. Military search and rescue operations are budgeted as training.
"Sure it is....just don't go up the damn mountain !"
Well, let's cancel government fire and ambulance services too. After all, these involve choices too. If you didn't build a house you would need a fire truck to put out your house fire or if you didn't ride in a car you wouldn't be in a car wreck either.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -Manuel II Paleologus
In strictly economic terms, there is still the benefit of these agencies/organizations getting real-world practice. We can argue about the degree of the benefit, however.
And, they are. I believe that's SOP.
As an adventure book hound, I have some idea of why men go up mountains, and why other men go to rescue them. It's all part of being male and it always was and always will be. Leave it at that.
Both of you have it right. Natural consequences for stupidity can be rather final. These guys sound like Darwin Award candidates to me.
And I was sick of hearing about these guys last Wednesday (I live in the North TX Metroplex).
Just don't get in the damn car. That way, no accident. Just don't go down into the damn coal mine. That way, no danger from cave-ins or gas poisoning.
What, these people are to blame because they went mountain climbing? Thousands of people do each year without problem. Sure, it has its dangers, but so does skiing, scuba-diving, auto racing, you name it. If people are to be chided for mountain climbing then the same rules should apply to those who choose other somewhat dangerous sports. In fact, let's go the whole route: Let's outlaw them all. There. That's the answer.
"My hearts go out ..."
Didn't Bill Clinton coin that phrase?
Is there anything in your life that you don't equate to money?
The Yeti ate 'em.
Well, I am speechless.
At some level you are of course right.
I guess we should just let them rot up there, or freeze.
But it just feels sooo wrong.
A lot of times they don't. The approaches to Everest are littered with the bodies of people who were not only not rescued, but not recovered post-mortem.
I also thought that the bodies of Everest climbers who die are often left right where they die. At 29,028 feet, there is so little air that helicopters can't fly, and so little oxygen that just entering the "Death Zone" (26,250 feet and up) is literally a death-defying experience even with tanked oxygen. It is often impossible to do even for a dying climber.
Agree.
Walked past the TV yesterday and there was 'breaking news' on Mt. Hood. Breaking news - "No news on the climbers."
Here's some breaking news - Franco is still dead.
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