Posted on 12/18/2006 5:50:25 AM PST by randita
December 17. 2006 11:50PM
Raceland man informed his brother died on Mount Hood
A Raceland man was told by authorities tonight that his brother’s body was the one rescuers found during a search for three missing climbers near the summit of Mt. Hood in Oregon.
Ben James traveled to Oregon Friday to join other family members as they awaited word during a search often thwarted by difficult conditions.
He said his brother, Kelly James, a Texas architect, was an experienced climber.
Ben James said he was told the body was found in an ice cave that he was building for protection from the elements, not far from another that he had occupied when making distress calls.
The search for the two other missing men is expected to continue Monday, James was told.
The Daily Comet and The Courier will have details in Monday's editions.
By John DeSantis Senior Staff Writer The Daily Comet and The Courier
Nothing adds up in this story.
Clearly the man that came on and said the cave was empty had far more information than he was revealing.
Why bother with press conferences if you're going to dissemble.
Update from news conference sheds much new light:
Sheriff Wampler:
"3 climbers climbed right gully and summitted. Then went south looking for entrance to Pearly Gates to descend. They broke off to the east side and dropped down 300 ft below summit and dug cave for all 3 on Friday night.
Sat am, 2 climbers left and went back north to summit ridge. But weather was now bad, 2 climbers try to rtn to cave. There was an anchor near 2nd cave (not a good cave) they put in 2 anchors to be safe while they worked (2 slings on anchor). At that point ice axes found there, ice axes identical (same climber's tools) 1 wool glove, piece of rope as well. Last known place of the 2 climbers. "
The south side was the easiest side to go down. THe cave was below the summit on the north side. My guess is they went up to the summit in order to go down easier than the way they came up.
What is your guess?
Post #22 helps explain a lot.
Aren't most airplanes pressurized to 10,000 feet?
That isn't that high.
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