I Can't Believe They Left Him.

[GINAinLA]

I was just reading about the Australia Everest Climber. I just can't believe hey left him, even if for their own survival they could have sent for help.

Lincoln Hall (http://articles.news.aol.com/news/article.adp?id=20060526205509990007&_mpc=news%2e10%2e4&cid=2359)

[Naomi]

It is my understanding that on Everest, it's not as simple as just sending for help. Things like exposure, amount of oxygen, food, appropriate shelter are all issues and the time it takes people to get even short distances can be incredible. I guess they thought they were making the best decision at the time? This is a pretty remarkable story, I've been following it since he was reported to be dead (obviously a fairly big story in Australia).

We were talking about this in light of the British climber who did die earlier in the season and was passed by several (about 40?) other climbers while he was still alive, who continued to the top of the summit, leaving him to die. Would we have stopped? (Not that I would ever EVER want to do something like climb Everest) I believe that I would have stopped and assisted him in any way I could to get him down the mountain even though that meant I was giving up the opportunity to reach the peak.

Just the thought of it, dying like that, essentially abandoned .... makes me feel sick to my stomach

[GINAinLA]

I have read about how extreme the temperatures are but I just couldn't pass someone dying just so I could fullfill my dream of reaching the top. It would eat away at me.
I heard about the British man too, its too bad. I couldnt do it, climb up there that is. I just know my limits. I am not interested. I don't like the cold.

[Naomi]

there have been quite a few deaths this season already I think. It just seems like such a horrible thing to do, risk your life, endure extremely unpleasant conditions, with the pay off being that you reach the top of a mountain not many people have achieved - so what? .... not my thing at all.

[yomamma]

I couldn't go pass someone without trying to help regardless of where they may be. As for climbing like that getting up my hill is bad enough

[Di Nana]

I find it hard to climb out of bed in the mornigs:Hehe:
I can't see the point in climbing up a mountain either putting your life at risk and often leaving a family at home, find it rather selfish especially if you have children, but then everyone is has the right to enjoy there life as they choose

[Colby]

WOW... where have I been??? I haven't heard about either the British or Australian but based on what you said Naomi, there is no way I could pass someone who needed assistance just for the sake of my own ego. I'm off to read the link Gina posted about the Australian :)

[Di Nana]

havn't really followed either but heard on the news tonight they found an Australian climber on Everest ALIVE!!!!!!!!! will be another two days to get him off the mountain

[yomamma]

It truely is amazing isn't, they go up of their own free will then want some one else to rescue them and risk their own lives, I'm not trying to be mean or disprectful but that thought just went through my mind. It is good to hear that he is alive and hope they all get down safely

[Beverley]

I couldn't leave anyone either. No matter what I was doing or how important it was to me. Life is the most precious thing. Our job on earth is to look after each other.
That's my belief.

[yomamma]

:hug: :hug: :hug: for bev