Posted on 12/20/2006 12:29:05 PM PST by conservative in nyc
They found Mallory in 1999. He was missing since his 1924 attempt at the summit of Mt Everest.
They have a pretty good idea where they are. Most likely the Gullies. I have a feeling that when all threats of avalanches has passed, a lot of local climbers, familiar with the area will be out searching. I wouldn't be surprised if they are found during late spring, or summer. I hope so anyways. It would certainly help their families with closure.
I agree. When the snow starts to melt in the spring they will probably be found.
One story I read speculated they may have fallen into a crevice where several other climbers have been missing, some for many years.
As for Everest, there are supposedly many lost bodies up there, including Mallory's partner.
It is tragically sad that these men are likely deceased. Attempting to climb Mount Hood is a serious endeavor during any season of the year. In my estimation, a "minimalist / lightweight gear" trip to the summit is a huge challenge during the summer, I can't envision it during the winter. They didn't stand a chance once temperatures dipped and water / food / fuel ran low.
~ Blue Jays ~
My dad was almost killed on the opposite (easy) side of that volcano. Used an ice axe to stop his slide off the glacier.
If they were "very experienced climbers" as I have heard, I wonder where they did their climbing at?
Yes, they were experienced mountaineers. That is how they were able to identify the location of their snow caves to rescuers, why they left detailed notes of their itinerary posted in their car at the trailhead, and why they got along as far as they did. Their intended plan was to pack light, travel quickly, and make the ascent and descent as rapidly as possible.
Their fatal flaw was trying to predict Mother Nature and her actions. Blizzard conditions can be encountered on Mount Hood in the middle of the summer. An array of garments, sleeping bags, food, fuel, water, flashlights, and medical supplies should be available under the most ideal conditions...nevermind in the middle of the winter. These men gambled and they unfortunately lost. I hope we've learned lessons from their actions.
~ Blue Jays ~
Wasn't the weather forcast calling for a storm with 80-90 mph winds at surface level at the precise time they were up there?
They could be at the bottom of a crevasse. And the sherrif pointed out that there are many bodies up there that could not be retrieved.
They simply should have been far better prepared to attempt to summit at this time of the year. The notion of a high-speed, low-drag approach is unreasonable at this time of the year. One needs plenty of clothing, water, food, shelter, fuel, batteries, and communications capability...especially in the winter. I feel very sorry for them, at the same time, they were making a very risky gamble and lost.
~ Blue Jays ~
I don't think they were stupid, but maybe that was exactly the thrill that they needed that makes them look stupid.
We're in agreement. I'm sure they were very skilled mountaineers. The notion of a minimalist approach to making it up and back down the mountain is fine...as long as one isn't shaving it too close...which apparently they were.
Another place that can kill unprepared people is beautiful Mount Washington in New Hampshire. That place can turn from breathtakingly beautiful to viciously dangerous inside thirty minutes. The fact that it attracts tourists who aren't prepared for harsh mountain realities further compounds that threat to life and limb.
~ Blue Jays ~
I saw that on television. Riveting.
After doing a little more reading, something must of went wrong before the bad weather hit. The x-ray report from the coroner said James had no dislocation or broken bones.
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