We agree.
While I sympathazise with the families-especially at Christmas- it's too bad the climbers didn't think about their loved ones more than the adrenaline rush flirting with danger gave them.
Make no mistake, it is tempting fate, risking death, that makes people do this. They didn't have to die. They didn't have to climb ANOTHER mountain. Eventually danger-junkies know their luck will run out, but their arrogance makes them tempt fate.
It is NOT the same as risking your life to settle a new country, or defend it, or doing dangerous -but necessary- jobs.
These men thought they could overcome nature, and did it for the thrill of saying they could. They were wrong, just as others before them were wrong. Self-centered, senseless deaths. I pity them, because they threw away useful, productive lives to do something that didn't have to be done.
And I pity their families who know that.
They were? This is new information to me - can you provide a link?
You make several good points.
The weather has stopped me many times.
The old expression : ' the mountain will still be there tomorrow ' comes to mind.
I agree with you and wondered if anyone would mention something like this. I'm of the opinion that anyone with a wife and/or kids is VERY selfish to pursue an extremely dangerous hobby such as this. They put rescue personnel in danger trying to save their butts, but even worse, when they get injured or killed, their families suffer. All because they HAD to climb a mountain.
Well put. My 2-cents: the cost of this rescue/recovery mission must be astronomical by now. I haven't been watching much on the news, but I saw a clip this morning where rescuers were boarding one of those large 2-rotor helicopters. I was wondering how many thousands of dollars a minute it took to operate that thing.
They participate voluntarily, just as the climbers did.
Just what were they thinking? "Oh this isn't what we're going to face on Everest, so why should we bother here?" Their arrogance and/or short-sightedness apparentlly has done them in.
You can call me cruel if you like but you will be wasting your time. I spent 20 years in Alaska as a search and rescue pilot. I have seen the loss of many of my close friends who gave their lives in the service of rescuing people like this. In most cases, the victims were caught in circumstances beyond their control and were not out to defy the laws the natural World. It's with those of whom I sympathize.
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You're right......these over-achievers demonstrate a selfish attitude that oftentimes results in the deaths of people of far better character.
I respect the fact that people can choose what type of recreation they want. Even if it is very dangerous. I do think that many are lured to this type of activity for the "danger" rush. On another thread they were talking about the costs of the rescue. I realize that rescue organizations are voluntary in many areas. I know the air support is not free though. I think there should be a waiver signed to share some costs. If an ambulance comes to pick me up there is a cost. In this case too it is only reasonable. It is sad for the families. However, it you are going to that type of climbing you have to know you could die. I mean, that's where they get there buzz from right?