Yes, unfortunately, on Mount Everest, some dead climbers' bodies do serve as waypoints or landmarks for other climbers, particularly in the higher altitude sectors. These bodies, or parts of them, like boots or clothing, are often visible and can help climbers navigate, especially in difficult or dangerous areas. One famous example is the "Green Boots," a climber who died near the summit and his green boots, still on his feet, became a recognizable landmark for others. Other climbers, like Francys Arsentiev ("Sleeping Beauty") and Hannelore Schmatz ("the German woman"), also became identifiable landmarks after their deaths.
What is wrong with these people?
As a Libertarian I think people should be free to climb any mountain but I would favor a rule that says if you want to climb Everest, you have to carry down a corpse or 75 lbs of trash.
ReplyDeleteNot that I'd ever be there, but if i did come across a body on Everest, I'd be likely to start it rolling back down. Make it a game, like Bocce
ReplyDeleteIf you've ever wanted to make your mark and become an actual milestone in the international climbing community, this is your chance!
ReplyDeleteWhat's wrong with these people?? More fucking money than brains.
ReplyDeleteA guidepost is a guidepost. As to why, because it's there.
ReplyDeleteKinda interesting regarding Francys:
ReplyDeletehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francys_Arsentiev
That was interesting. It seems they forgot that your time up there, especially without bottled oxygen, is limited - you can't safely take a day off. Its not called the death zone for nothing.
DeleteWell, they certainly were motivated.
ReplyDelete