Thanks much.
While I might hate myself for awhile, this is a sad, sinful world. No way I can, from the comfort of my home, rightfully judge what I'd do up there. Hell, I felt "buzzed" at 10,000 feet on Mt. Adams here in Washington (FANTASTIC sunset over Mt. Hood, if you climb).
While I understand their moral position, I must vote against the Armchair Samaritans. Feels like hell to do so, but, well, the participants knew the risks. If we're past High Camp, well, ditch my ass, go home, and kiss your wife and kids. Of course, I am unmarried without kids - but if I weren't, would I really take on such an endeavor?
Hate to relativize the situation (like lefties love to do), but I'd have to be there to pass judgment.
Thanks for the GREAT shots. I can't get enough of this stuff: "Touching The Void" gets read tonight.
This from a satellite straight above the summit (red star).
North is up toward the left corner of the picture with the North Face mostly in shadow.
The very bright side is the seldom seen (and climbed maybe twice) eastern Kangshung Face. When Mallory was first scouting routes for the 1921 British Expedition, he looked at the Kangshung Face, snorted, and just kept walking. (Eventually blazing, and dying, on the North Ridge route)
