Fox reporting one snow climber found (Deceased)

[jdm]

Maybe it is their love of God that drives these men to do this. To see His creation, enjoy it all.

It's safer just to download the screensaver version:

Safer as long as you don't electrocute yourself while rebooting the PC after installation.

[Just Lori]

Well then, we won't worry about you when you fall off that high horse you now straddle.

[CedarDave]

My, the Mods are having issues with this thread tonight. This was the first thread with the news of the discovery of the climber and was in Breaking News initially, moved to Front Page, back to Breaking, now nowhere but the Oregon local board. Meanwhile, a later thread remains in Front Page News. Haven't figured out the ways and whys of the mods and I've been here six years.

[proud_yank]

Perhaps not to you, but the reality is that mountain climbing is a necessity to no one.

Mountaineering is a hobby, a challenge, and a passion. You can take a peak, no matter how big/small, technical or long slog, and know exactly what your goal is.

When you are on a mountain, it is a sense of freedom that few have experienced and few ever will. Even if it is not the highest, or most technical peak, nothing in the world compares to reaching a summit.

Mountaineering is something that I have gotten into recently, and though I haven't spent a ton of time in the high country, the time I have spent has taught me many valuable lessons which I will carry with me as I start my professional career (tomorrow). Planning, setting goals, weighing risk versus reward, determination, and most importantly perceverence.

Mountaineering is not without its risks, though I would imagine that cholesterol related death rates from other 'hobbies' such as constantly parking ones lazy a$$ in front of a football or baseball game are much higher.

These climbers had experience, and were not cocky or acting outside their limitations. Prayers for their families and the other climbers.

[ican'tbelieveit]

I have to say you are wrong on downloading the screensaver. I live about 20 minutes from the foot of the mountains here in CO. Less than an hour from the Rocky Mountain National Park.

Until I saw it for myself, there is no way to describe it or understand it.

I do take the developed paths when I go out, mostly because I am a single mom and feel a responsibility to the kids, but I also suffer physical limitations that prevent me from making it more than a mile or two out there. But, when I go, my soul feels refreshed.

[the crow]

I am sorry to say, the wind chill at 0F and 50mph is -31F according to NOAA:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/windchill/

this source has it at -55F:

http://www.magnaownersoftexas.org/wind.htm

[NittanyLion]

I live about 20 minutes from the foot of the mountains here in CO. Less than an hour from the Rocky Mountain National Park.

I made it out to RMNP last year. It was awesome, in the literal sense of the word. I hope to get back sometime soon.

[Just Lori]

Ours is not to question: "Why", Dave. =) /s

[ican'tbelieveit]

A few years ago, the kids and I hiked one of the paths up and over a small hump in the mtns there and back down to the car. Was about 7 miles. We decided to lunch at a small pond and as we were sitting there, the elk moved in to graze. We got up on a big rock to stay out of their way, and we could literally reach out from that rock and touch them.

I have not had the luck to see the bighorn sheep yet.

[jdm]

Well then, we won't worry about you when you fall off that high horse you now straddle.

Cute.

[jdm]

I understand. I imagine it is something. My post about the screensaver thing was sarcasm.

[proud_yank]

will the families or their estate pay for this? Why is it MY responsibility when they take on this risk?

Search & Rescue groups generally tend to be volunteer organizations. Not sure about Mt. Hood, but often times if helicopters and others are needed, the party will have to pay for the rescue. Some places, that warning is posted at trailheads.

[CedarDave]

At the morning press conference, the father of one of the men addressed the issue of the rescue cost and said that they would pay back as much of the cost as they could.

[ican'tbelieveit]

"'hobbies' such as constantly parking ones lazy a$$ in front of a football or baseball game are much higher."

Are you commenting on my Sunday afternoon napping activities?

:-)

[ErieGeno]

Are you aware of the danger of being in a traffic accident everytime you get in a car? So we should all save money on police and ambulance and EMS and leave you to fend for yourself should you ever get into an auto accident, right?

Uh, Mr Reptile, there is a wide difference between being involuntarily involved in an auto accident and being voluntarily involved in a blizzard at 11,000 feet? Ask yourself what the end goals were of the auto driver and what the end goals were of the mountain climbers. I hardly think that they are equal. IMHO, one is probably a necessity and the other was probably a whim, a fatal whim. Prayers to the family...

[Rushmore Rocks]

Very well said. Thank you.

[ican'tbelieveit]

I got to see the ocean for the first time a few months ago, too. So much to see, too little time in life. Some things drive some of us more than others.

I also love crocheting and I have piles of books with patterns I want to try, but I can't crochet fast enough...

[NittanyLion]

A few years ago, the kids and I hiked one of the paths up and over a small hump in the mtns there and back down to the car. Was about 7 miles. We decided to lunch at a small pond and as we were sitting there, the elk moved in to graze. We got up on a big rock to stay out of their way, and we could literally reach out from that rock and touch them. I have not had the luck to see the bighorn sheep yet.

We saw many elk and also two moose, but missed the bighorn sheep as well.

Actually, my family was giving me a hard time when I ordered elk for dinner that night. ;-)

[Just Lori]

The military resources used in these things go toward training, most of the time. New guys who need to see and touch the real thing for which they prepare are always along for the ride.

[GOPJ]

It's pretty hard for me to understand why, if you need rescue, you'd head UP the mountain from a snow cave.

Some thirty years ago I experienced hypothermia... I had gotten wet in subzero weather -- long story short - here's part of that experience: At one point I noticed my coat had smoke coming up from it. I thought, "that's odd -- my coat doesn't usually smoke." It was a complete thought. There wasn't any panic or emotional reaction or anything. Just that my coat doesn't usually smoke.

I stood there and looked at the smoke and thought it was kind of interesting the way the smoke was moving. More time went by and I thought, "I'm on fire". There was no great emotional reaction to that - just a detached thought. Maybe 10 seconds later it dawned on me I had put a cigarette in my pocket - lit. My thinking was in slow motion - a part of me knew I should do something - but it took me a long time to figure out what do. After much mental effort I reached into my pocket, took the lit cigarette out, and patted out the fire. I was calm and mildly amused. My brain was shutting down - it was something like being drunk, but sweeter - and happier. I'm not surprised these men made irrational choices. My prayers are with them and their families.