I bet you all have heard surnames such as: Rutkiewicz, Kukuczka, Berbeka. But have you ever thought more about the life they had chosen and the dangers lurking them during each trip? Let me tell you a story …
J.Kukuczka (1948-1989), W.Rutkiewicz (1943-1992)
Year 1996 will probably forever be remembered as the most tragic year considering Mt. Everest mountaineering. It all started when two friends – Rob Hall and Scott Fisher had decided to start their own expedition companies and organise professional tours to the highest peaks of the world. It all started quite well. Even though privately best friends had to compete with each other (specifically – who would take more clients to the summit), they managed to work out a professional and well-developed rivalship that enabled all the expeditions to ascend and descend quickly, efficiently and with as little effort as possible, considering these altitudes.
Everything went well until the day of the so called “peak attack” May 10, 1996. Due to the fateful miscommunication between three teams, and bad preparation of “fixed ropes” around 33 people were waiting in a remarkably long (considering altitude 7000- 8000 meters above sea level) queue unable to climb higher or turn back to the “safe” tents in Camp IV. It lasted till around 2 pm. Which is the last safe moment to descend with any chance of survival for an unprepared layman.
Before we move further in this history, it is worth mentioning that all professional expedition companies have in their resources not only food and equipment, but also highly skilled Sherpas, well traversed in the area. These people are hired by organizers to raise security standards and help weaker clients if the help is needed.
It’s hard to describe all the tragic events that happened during that day. After climbing to the top few people, e.g. Dough Hansen, were unable to go back due to exhaustion, probable frostbite and oxygen deprivation. Others, like Beck Weathers fell victims to the medicine itself. This middle-aged man right before leaving for Mt. Everest had laser eye surgery, which was supposed to cure him and enable him to see without his glasses. Well, it didn’t. It turned out that because of the altitude his lenses had stopped working correctly and he was almost completely blind. It also turned out that the two guys mentioned earlier - Rob Hall and Scott Fisher were stuck just below the apex, separated from each other, way before the estimated, safe time of descent. One of them wanted to help his client, second one was simply worn-out from the ascend and probably suffered with HAPE/HACE or combination of both.
This tragic day took a toll on 22, sometimes with bodies never to be found. Few were lucky. With frostbitten arms, noses or legs, they managed to reach the base safely. (Particularly noteworthy here is the story of Beck Weathers, who, after reaching Camp IV ALL BY HIMSELF, ALMOST COMPLETELY BLIND was written off by the others. And he is living to this day!). Most of them left their wives, husbands, families, children. Rob Hall orphaned his unborn daughter just two months before her birth.*
*He has managed to call his wife just before his death and so his last words were: “Sleep well honey. Don't worry too much”
And now, I have questions for you:
1. What do you think about this kind of passion and profession? Are you interested in climbing in general?
2. Have you ever heard this story or maybe watched a movie?
3. What is your opinion about taking this kind of risk when there are families and children waiting for you at home?
Based on my private research, knowledge and books:
Left for Dead: My Journey Home from Everest - Beck Weathers
Into thin air - Jon Krakauer
The Climb - Anatolij Bukriejew
Comments
That's an extreme sport, they are people who likes it so if you like something that nobody likes that's good to follow it because no matter what others think. the only matter is you like it. (https://weheartit.com/entry/290512563)
No I am not interested, especially for the Mn. Everest. It's a tourist attraction right now which cost average $14k-$36k in USD and most of the deaths causing because of long lines of people who is trying to reach to the peak.
2. Have you ever heard this story or maybe watched a movie?
I haven't heard it but I will soon seen it.
3. What is your opinion about taking this kind of risk when there are families and children waiting for you at home?
Family first.
Yes i believe i've watched a movie, it was called The Climb i believe but i can be wrong. I liked it very much as i was watching it in warm safe cinema (or home maybe?)
I wouldn't do that if I had an unborn child at home, or actually i wouldn't do that at all. But we have to remember that it didn't happen before and as far as i'm concerned these people were assured that this kind of expedition was safe as it was performed several times before.
2. I never heard of it. Usually you only hear when a group of people were found dead in mountains. Can’t even imagine how hard it was for them to survive.
3. As I said in the answer to question num. 1, these people find a meaning of life in their occupations. You probably heard about surfers’ lifestyle, the same situation is here. I think that those people shouldn’t come up with children if their priorities don’t put them higher than “hobbies”.
I've heard that story because around the time when Tomasz Mackiewicz died, name of Beck Weathers was brought back and i wanted to check what happened.
I think that independent adult can choose for himself, so if someone wants to climb - I don't see a problem. I dislike fundraising for this project because i believe it is more personal's whim, need, craving or whatever you call it, rather than something important for society. I feel bad knowing that there are people in need and at the same time others go with "give me money so i can climb high".
In the context of climber's families. I think it is very egoistic and very irresponsible. Risking abandoning your family and all stress and worrying family has to withstand makes climbers borderline idiotic.
Ps. Love the GIF 😉
Have you ever tried mountain climbing during the summer? Sometimes it is really breath-taking experience, especially, when you are lucky enough to appreciate the nature all on your own.
If you like this genre of movies, maybe you should watch movies like “Into the Wild” or maybe something from this list would suit you? https://moviesroom.pl/publicystyka/rankingi/21238-top-20-najlepsze-filmy-o-gorach-i-alpinistach/
I guess it’s just a profession in which death is breathing down your neck, and you must be aware of that, but people just … get used to it? They think they are unstoppable? And additionally, it’s simply their passion and in that case it’s hard to talk these people out of it.
There is a whole movie about it, it’s called “Everest” -> https://www.filmweb.pl/film/Everest-2015-695659
When it comes to fundraising, back in the day people like Kukuczka or Rutkiewicz have had their own way to raise money – they have cleaned factory chimneys – a really dangerous task that no one wanted to take. On the contrary, Artur Hajzer founded a company named Alpinus and HiMountain not only to raise money, but also to have equipment immediately available. This kind of funding is rarely obligatory. Usually these people have sponsors or other jobs that enable them to fulfil their passion.
2. I think that I could hear about it, from time to time on TV shows about climbing activities talk about Polish achievements in this field but I never got to know in detail
3. I would never say that they are doing something bad or irresponsible. Generally it is how it looks like, but everyone who did something that loves will understand that it is impossible to look at it this way
I am very annoyed that many expeditions to the Himalayas are sponsored by the government. I believe that trips should be organized and paid for by participants and not by sponsors.
2. Yes, I watched the "Everest" movie. Very moving, but also showing the stupidity of mountaineers. Many climbers and mountaineers do not limit the risk and take too risky actions. And as we know, in the high mountains, every slight mistake can be fatal.
3. As I mentioned, I think it's a disease and it's deadly. An example is Tomasz Mackiewicz. He wanted to conquer the mountain at all costs. He made 7 attempts, and you have to remember that the attempt to enter the Himalayas does not take a week, but a few months. At that time he did not work, did not earn, he got in debt even though he had children. In the end, he died. Leaving the children nothing but debts. I think that he behaved very irresponsibly, fulfilled his dreams by forgetting about his father's duties.
2. I heard, but without such details. It is very interesting to know the history of these people and understand their love for passion. It's really amazing that they managed to survive.
3. It seems to me that such a passion did not arise suddenly and the families are aware of it. You have to understand that for some people it can be a hobby that is everything to them.
Yes, I watched the film "Everest", it is definitely a good movie, I also watched other films about conquering Mount Everest and surviving in such conditions, for example, "The Gray (2011)" is a very exciting film, or "Into the Wild". I would like to do the same as the main character of this film, but to die due to such a small mistake ... it is very sad.
A mountain is not a tree. You can’t just take and climb onto it. And especially on such as everest. This is a conscious decision and the person who decided on this should be aware of the entire degree of danger and before making each decision, should think about relatives or friends.
I understand the concept of passion, as being a passionate person myself. And while I may not agree on some things, I can say that you simple cannot judge people solely for the things they like. If putting your very life at risk and climbing the mountain is what gives you purpose -- it is wonderful, do it!
2. Have you ever heard this story or maybe watched a movie?
No, not this one. Out of all tragedies on the mountains I at most heard of the Dyatlov pereval (sorry, don't know the English word for Перевал, probably it is "Pass" but I am not sure), and again, I do not judge those people. Putting your life at risk is a part of this activity, and heck, it is your life, not any other's. So, no judgment.
3. What is your opinion about taking this kind of risk when there are families and children waiting for you at home?
And again, I strongly believe that stripping one of a lifetime passion is stripping one of a life itself. Much like of one dies at the summit of a mountain, as he did not live a life at all. If you are about to marry a person with such dangerous hobby, and think that he or she will obviously abandon them, you are much wrong. And forbidding one from such activities, using "You have a family" as an excuse -- is no excuse at all. Either that or prepare to live side by side with miserable person.
I think it is an extremely risky passion. Everyone is different, everyone is looking for his path. During this adventure you can learn a lot about yourself, but whether such a danger is worth it depends on the individual. This is certainly impressive.
2. Have you ever heard this story or maybe watched a movie?
Unfortunately, from what I remember I have never had the opportunity to know this story.
3. What is your opinion about taking this kind of risk when there are families and children waiting for you at home?
In my opinion, family is a great responsibility and it should always be in the first place even at the expense of life passion. When you decide to start a family, you take responsibility for her and the worst thing you can do is to consciously risk your life knowing that without you the life of the rest of the family will be unbelievably hard.
2. I haven't heard about this story and I haven't watched a movie, but I'm looking forward to it
3. I always find myself putting my family on a top priority, so I would not take any unnecessary risks that would involve my closest family.
In my opinion, although it is quite dangerous but very useful. During climbing, you can learn many useful skills for survival, strengthen health, and connect with nature in the end. So the risk from my point of view is quite justified.
I prefer hiking, but once I was on a climbing training base and I have to say that it is much more interesting than it seems to those who have not tried it. So I can say that climbing got me a little interested after that.
2. Have you ever heard this story or maybe watched a movie?
No, I have never heard this story.
3. What is your opinion on taking this kind of risk when there are families and children waiting for you at home?
I cannot say that I fully endorse it, but I treat it with understanding - some people simply cannot imagine their life without it, and for them it is simply necessary, so one cannot say that it is somehow not right, because all people essentially are a bit selfish and have to meet their needs. For calm people it seems abnormal that such people are at such a risk without thinking about their relatives, and for climbers it seems not normal that calm people do not devote time to themselves and think only about family. So for me it is quite normal.
1. I love mountains and I often climb but I prefer mountain kayaking.
2. Yeah, I heard once, but a long time ago.
3. I do extreme sports myself and I think that you can't give up what you love, you can be more careful with safety.
2. I have never heard that story before. It is really interesting and thrilling to read. I am glad that I had a chance to get to know it.
3. In my opinion people like that don’t think too much about failure when they decide to take such a path. They don’t think that they are going to die before they start the climb that’s why the decide to do it. Second thing is that’s they probably love they sport so much that’s they wouldn’t be able to live without trying. It’s obviously dangerous but even if something bad happens they don’t leave their families on puropse.
2) Not this particular story. But I heard a lot of stories about people dying while trying to climb the Mt. Everest. Apparently, it is so dangerous that unprepared people are almost doomed to die.
3) It is stupid, irresponsible, and selfish. I believe a grown-up man should know better. I'm not against dangerous sport per se, but you should never let obsessions overtake your responsibilities.
I’m not interested in climbing at all, but I think that it is fascinating and I really admire people who take such a risk just to make their dreams come true, and reach the summit.
2. Have you ever heard this story or maybe watched a movie?
I have never heard this story before, it’s really interesting and I would like to know more about it, but on the other hand it’s really sad and tragic.
3. What is your opinion about taking this kind of risk when there are families and children waiting for you at home?
I don’t really know what to think about it, on one side it’s selfish to take such a risk when your loved ones wait for you at home, but on the other hand just because you have a family you can’t abandon your passion.
Oh, that one. I’ve actually seen some sort of a TV programme or something and I must admit it is a bit strange that they are unable to find the answers what happened that day. Interesting and fascinating, yet very sad story.
I tried only climbing on the climbing wall and this is enough for me, but I like read about it e.g.
2. I even have a book which was the inspiration to produce movie Everest”. Firstly, I saw the movie and then I buy a book. On this expedition was Jon Krakauer and he was there because he had to write the article about positive aspect o this kind of trip. But he creates article about this terrible day and then he decided to write this book to tell all story from begun. Of course after all I was looking the information about Rob Hall and Scott Fisher and others in the internet.
3. It’s a little bit stupid (?) BUT if we decided to marry another person which passion is climbing we have to accept it. We can’t demand that he or she will change and give up. We don’t talk only about climbing, this applies to any extreme sport e.g. snowboarders, like Mark McMorris (26 y.o.) or Kevin Pearce (32 y.o.) They almost died once.
2. I watched the movie.
3.It is ok
2. Yes, I heard the story and I saw the movie.
3. I think it's stupid. If you have a family, you look after her. You can't risk your life for your passions. Such people should always be lonely because their death can hurt many people around.
I was thinking about to try climbing at least one time, but who knows when it could happen)
I'm definitely going to watch the movie about this!
2. No, I've never heard of this story or seen a movie. But you managed to interest me, I will gladly check it out.
3. I think this is very unreasonable and irresponsible. I don't think I'll ever understand that.
I always admire this kind of passion, it's definitely the hard one. All that risks and a high probability of dying or receiving a terrible injury. Yes, probably you should always think about your family and kids, who's gonna take care of them. But if this is what person really love and what makes his heart beating. Well, I can't judge them.
2. Yes I heard this story and I watched the movie. When I was watching I feel big stress much bigger when I watch horror movies. I think this movie was created very well.
3. As I said before. For me it's selfish and I cannot understood these people but I think here is the point. If I would be addicted to climbing maybe I could understand them.
2.I haven't heard about this story. In this field of sport, unfortunately, you often hear about such unpleasant events. Two years ago the tragedy of the Polish climber Tomasz Mackiewicz happened, who climbed the Nanga Parbat summit and unfortunately never returned from it.
3. This is a very difficult question. Sometimes it happens that you are not able to live without some kind of activity or sport, you are addicted to it and you do not pay attention to the danger that comes with it. In my opinion, the family is the most important thing, but you also need to support your family and if you forbid a loved one to do what he loves, such a family will never be happy. It is an individual matter of everyone how much they are able to sacrifice or how much to give up their passions.
2. No, I haven't, but it is not rare for someone to die or go missing on the slopes of Mt. Everest.
3. I haven't read the question before I've answered it! That obvious it is to me! If one has a need to prove themselves they are free to go, although doing something so risky while the family is involved is highly irresponsible.
It can be one of my favorite sports. A great freedom. It is invaluable to think of the struggle you have while having certain difficulties until the summit of the mountain and drinking coffee at the summit. I think everyone should try.
2. Have you ever heard this story or maybe watched a movie?
Yes I know. I watched it in a movie with this kind of story.
3. What is your opinion about taking this kind of risk when there are families and children waiting for you at home?
I think this is a passion, so the family is of course important and if your family has or exists. I am sure he will pay more attention to them, but he will never leave the sport.
I haven`t heard this story before. It looks really tragic, but in the same time, it is encouraging. My opinion about such king of risk with family at home? It’s ridiculous to left them at home and go away to fight against nature, risking your life. If such need is vital, be so pleased and don’t create the relations. Be alone and do whatever you want with your life. I will never engage in something like that, but who knows…
People with this level of passion won't lose a single oppurtunity to do what they love - they have big respect from me for that. I'm not personally interested in climbing, but I get why people find it attriactive and adictive
2. Have you ever heard this story or maybe watched a movie?
I have watched the movie, I was even in cinema on it, great piece of cinematography. It actually encourage me to get the book itself.
3. What is your opinion about taking this kind of risk when there are families and children waiting for you at home?
People takes risks everyday, somebody needs more of it in their lives to be alive. In my opinion it's hard to stop them, even when we think about their families.
2. No, I have never heard this story before, but after reading this short introduction I would like to get to know more about this story by watching a movie.
3. In my opinion a passion is one of the most important thing in our lives. Some of people can’t live without passion. Sometimes a passion can be very dangerous and very risky. There is always a possibility to not to get back to family, but a family should understand, that for someone making dreams come true and following a passion is as much important as a family. Even if it’s that dangerous and risky.