Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Overcoming Near-Death on a 3,000-Foot Cliff Face
ReALcLEARlIFE ^ | 15 Aug, 2016

Posted on 08/15/2016 6:49:43 PM PDT by MtnClimber

Canada’s Baffin Island is home to the highest concentration of unclimbed cliff faces on Earth. Naturally, the remote island has become a mecca for elite mountain climbers, known as alpinists. The pilgrimage is often made from Yosemite National Park in the United States, since the two attract a similar cadre of adventurers looking for a challenge. From the Yosemite mountaineering community, alpinists Cheyne Lempe and Dave Allfrey made one particular mountain the target of their climbing crosshairs: the Great Pillar. Even for a pair who are part of a young generation rising through the ranks quickly, a climb like the Great Pillar is deeply formidable. Beyond this, the two chose one of the most difficult routes, or “lines,” up the cliff face. Since the Canadian island straddles the Arctic Circle, heavy snow is possible any point, even in July, and the average temperature hovers below 15 degrees Fahrenheit. This climate is also ripe for polar bears. The more time spent on the ground, the more likely one is to come across them. It’s highly important to get on the cliff face as quickly as possible and stay there. This means sleeping while hanging from the side of the cliff. (Happily, this is something alpinists are fairly used to.)

(Excerpt) Read more at realclearlife.com ...


TOPICS: Sports; Travel
KEYWORDS: climbing
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-66 last
To: wardaddy

I smoked pot on top of Mt. Whitney once, which was probably not wise, and had to descend in the dark.

That is my sole claim to fame.

During a solo attempt at Mt. Tyndall and Mt. Williamson I got a nosebleed that lasted for two days. It just would not stop. I can still taste it in my throat. It ruined the trip, and the attempt.


61 posted on 08/16/2016 12:15:28 PM PDT by T-Bone Texan (Don't be a lone wolf. Form up small leaderlesss cells ASAP !)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 43 | View Replies]

To: anton

When the civil war starts, I do not want you in my foxhole.


62 posted on 08/16/2016 12:17:00 PM PDT by T-Bone Texan (Don't be a lone wolf. Form up small leaderlesss cells ASAP !)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 55 | View Replies]

To: T-Bone Texan

First, when the civil war starts, I won’t be in a foxhole. But, your weakling response has me guessing that you would be crying like a little girl for me to help you out of that foxhole.


63 posted on 08/16/2016 4:05:21 PM PDT by anton
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 62 | View Replies]

To: wardaddy

“I think it’s an old pic from the 70s that was doctored or staged for a Jeep ad”

I hope so. It makes my hands sweat just looking at it.


64 posted on 08/16/2016 7:39:21 PM PDT by Pelham (Best.Election.Ever)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 58 | View Replies]

To: Pelham
Some of those rock slab shelfs are very slick and narrow

And dangerous in all but the right vehicle or quad or motorcycle

Most folks use jeep CJ types or maybe Toyota four runners or FJ or tacomas

The occasional mad dog in a regular pickup 4wd or larger SUV

But tragedy strikes

65 posted on 08/16/2016 10:33:21 PM PDT by wardaddy (black lives kill....and kill....and kill.....like no other race today senselessly)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 64 | View Replies]

To: MtnClimber

I spent 3 months mountain hopping on Baffin Is doing surveys for North Warning site locations.


66 posted on 08/17/2016 6:14:48 PM PDT by JaguarXKE (n1973: Reporters investigate All the President's Men. 2013: Reporters ARE all the President's men d)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-66 last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson