Five Climbers Die In Avalanche–Update
I put up a post a few moments ago about five French climbers who have been killed following an avalanche. I am getting a few more facts now.
The guide, who was the only member to survive, is currently listed in critical condition, but stable. He has suffered abdominal and chest trauma and is currently conscious, but unable to speak.
Those killed in this terrible accident included four males and one female. As is the case with most situations like this, names have not been released until all family’s are notified.
The Avalanche occured near 8,000 feet of elevation. The climbers were dragged some 500 odd feet to the bottom of a gorge in the area. The climbers had been climbing and skiing in the vincinity of Gran Paradiso National Park near Turin, Italy.
The avalanche originated from a nearby peak after fresh snow had just fallen in the area. Punta Basei, a nearby 10,000 foot peak is said to be the original source of the avalanche.
All victims have been retrieved by helicopter. Their identities are waiting to be verified.
Source: USA Today
Filed Under Avalanche, Climbing, Gran Paridiso National Park, Uncategorized, climber, climbers |
Markus Kronthaler’s Body Going Home–Highest Mountain Recovery EVER!!
Markus Kronthaler’s body has been recovered. This daring Expedition on Broad Peak was successfully initiated by Markus’ brother Georg.
Markus, who was climbing Broad Peak (8, 074 meters) last year, succumbed to exhaustion and dehydration after successfully making his summit bid. His body was found near the summit by a team of climbers put together by his brother. Georg, as well as the rest of the Welt de Berg Team members, will successfully go down in history after making the world’s highest altitude body recovery.
Georg Krothaler is hoping that his success at retrieving his brother’s body will help encourage other climbers that these recovery expeditions can succeed.
I don’t just want to bring my brother down—I want to change the ethical principles in high altitude climbing. We can’t only focus on our sport goals and thus walk literally over corpses—someone who had an accident doesn’t deserve to be left there like garbage. Read more
Filed Under Adventure, Adventure Blogs, Alan Arnette, Austria, Austrian, Avalanche, Blogger, Blogroll, Broad Peak, Charlie Fowler, China, Christine Boskoff, Christine Boskoff's Body Found, David Sharp, David Sharpe, Everest is Ours, Georg Kronthaler, Markus Kronthaler, Mountain Disaster, Mountain Madness, Mountain Tragedy, Mt. Genyen, New Record, News, Pakistan, RSS feed, SAR, Search and Rescue, Technology, The Adventure Blog, The Adventurist, The Alpinist, UK, USA, Uncategorized, Websites, World, World Record, blog, blogging, breaking news, climb, climbers, climbing community, mountaineering |
K2 Summits, New Route on Gasherbrum II, and more..
Over the past week most of my time has been used covering the recent Michael Reardon tragedy. This is not to say that nothing was happening though, but I felt that I had the opportunity to do something for Michael and his family and friends that other sites just couldn’t do.
To get back up to pace, I will be offering a synopsis of what has been going around in the headlines. So let’s jump right in…
Avalanche on Gasherbrum II
On July 19, a massive avalanche was reported from Gasherbrum II. The Amical Team, hoping for a summit push, was suddenly buried in snow. One member died in this tragic incident, another member was unable to be located, and the rest of the team suffered various degrees on injury.
Hirotaki Takeuchi, a member of the devestated Amical team, reported in to ExplorersWeb about the incident saying that the group got swept up in the avalanche and carried down 300 meters to the seracs.
Other teams on GII soon went up and helped in a massive search and rescue which resulted in Hirotaki and others being able to survive this ordeal. Much credit is given to these teams in their efforts for this rescue between Camps 2 & 3 on Gasherbrum II.
Italians Summit Gasherbrum II, Establish New Route
Karl Unterkircher, Daniele Bernasconi, and Michele Compagnoni made alpine history today as they successfully summited Gasherbrum II via a new route–The North Face.
The team had been climbing for the past three days, and began a successful push for the summit a bit earlier today. This is great news following the tragedy on GII earlier this week with the Amical Team.
For more on this story, please stop by The Adventure Blog for more information.
Massive Summits on K2 Today
Around 3:30 Pm today reports started circulating that the first team to reach K2’s summit this season had arrived. That was just the beginning though…17 more climbers would soon top out on what many people claim as the world’s deadliest mountain.
Over the years, K2 has had a total of 269 summits. That is right, 269. In Comparison, Mt. Everest, the world’s highest peak as well as most publicised, had well over 500 summits….this year alone. K2 has also claimed the lives of 69 people in the process, giving it a death-to-success ratio of 24%. One in four have died trying to bag this coveted peak.
For more on the list of successful K2 summiters today, I will refer you to ExplorersWeb for the complete story.
On a sad note, a yet unnamed Sherpa took a tragic fall and perished during today’s activities. The Sherpa, who was working with the Korean Men’s Team, slipped and began to fall. Two climber’s close to him tried to grab him as he came by, but they were unsuccessful in their attempt. More details on this tragic incident will be expected in the coming days.
Filed Under Aconcagua, Adventure, Adventure Blogs, Alzheimers Research, Asian Trekking, Australian Climbing, Austrian, Avalanche, Avalanches, BBC, Big Pig, Bill Clinton, Blogger, Blogroll, British East India Company, Christine Boskoff, Climbing, Conservation, Davy Crockett, Double-Traverse Everest Expedtion, Everest 2006, Everest 2007, Everest Basecamp, ExplorersWeb, Famous Quotes, First Ascent, Fox, Free Soloing, Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II, Gear, German, Hollywood, India, Internet, Irish Coast Guard, Italian, Italy, K2, Katrina, Life, Moby Dick, Mostafa Salameh, Mountain Tragedy, Mt. Aconcagua, Mt. Everest, Mt. Everest History, Mt. Vinson, New Record, Painting, Pakistan, Primitive Camping, RSS feed, Rocks, Rowing, SAR, Scott Fischer, Search and Rescue, Sherpa, Sherpas, Sir Edmund Hillary, Slovakian, Sony Playstation, Sports, Swiss, TV, Technology, Tent, The Adventure Blog, The Adventurist, The Adventurist. Laneo Update, UK, USA, Uncategorized, Websites, World, blog, blogging, breaking news, climb, climbers, climbing community, death, equipment, extreme sports, headlines, hope, humor, mountaineering, ski, snowshoe |
BREAKING NEWS: FAMED AMERICAN SOLO CLIMBER< MICHAEL REARDON DEAD AT 36
BREAKING NEWS–BREAKING NEWS–BREAKING NEWS
Famed American Climber Michael Reardon, 36, has died in Ireland. He was taking part in a special shoot for an American Climbing magazine, had just finished his climb and was standing on a rock shelf–when a wave knocked him off and into the sea. Michael was unable to get out of the water. The Coast Guard immediately put out an alarm, but as of this time, Michael Reardon has not been found and is feared dead.
Michael’s wife Marci and 13 year old daughter are scheduled to arrive in Ireland some time tomorrow. Michael was scheduled to leave back for the states today.
This story is still developing. As far as I know this news has not hit the US newswire at this point.
If you don’t know Michael Reardon, Please follow the following links to learn more about this incredible climber–
Climber Reaching for New Heights
Interview with Michael Reardon
I will be updating you when more is known. At this time, it is rumored that Michael Reardon was doing a shoot for Climbing Magazine. No word has been mentioned from their site at this time. Efforts continue to try to locate his body, but it is being called a recovery mission at this time. He was staying with a close friend in Ireland when this tragedy struck. His friend has been on the Irish News Services discussing these tragic events
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Marci and his daughter, as well as their family, friends, and associates. Micheal Reardon will be greatly missed in the climbing world, but his legacy and never-give-up attitude will be with us forever.
Filed Under Adventure, Adventure Blogs, Adventure Consultants, Adventurist Books, Asian Trekking, Austrian, Avalanche, BBC, Big Pig, Bill Clinton, Blogger, Blogroll, Christmas, Climbing, Davy Crockett, Earthrace, Environment/Conservation, Ethiopia, Everest History, First Ascent, Fox, Gear, German, Hollywood, Internet, Life, Madonna, Moby Dick, Mostafa Salameh, Mountain Disaster, Mountain Tragedy, Mt. Aconcagua, Mt. Vinson, Nation, National Tragedy, News, News Broadcasters, News Sources, Newspaper Editors, Painting, Primitive Camping, RSS feed, Ray Yeritsian, Roald Amundsen, Rocks, Rowing, SAR, Scott Fischer, Search and Rescue, Sherpas, Sir Edmund Hillary, Slovakian, Sony Playstation, Sotheby's, South America, Sports, TV, Technology, Tent, The Adventurist, UK, USA, Uncategorized, Utah, Warhol Foundation, Websites, World, blog, blogging, bouldering, breaking news, climb, climbers, climbing community, death, extreme sports, family, headlines, hope, humor, mountaineering, ski, skiers, sking, snowshoe, travel |
Summit Stones: Giving Back Adventure Joy
DSD over at Summit Stones & Adventure Musings has been embarked on a quest to bring a little bit of light to all of us Adventurers. The mission is what it is..
DSD has seemingly been placing these very artistic stones where ever the adventure takes us..and part of the fun is discovering where they are found….Somehow DSD gets there first…haha
Nobody is really sure who DSD is..the website is pretty vague, only giving in to the cause:
My ‘Profile’…?
After being asked about this a few times in comments, I still am of the opinion that my profile is really not what this Blog is about…
I’m simply another average adventurer you might meet out on the trail, see wandering across the backcountry, maybe say hi to as we paddle towards each other, or share a few jokes at a common belay station…
What DSD does though, on the site, is emblazen that adventure spirit in all of us. Those brightly colored stones, when found, become something more…a piece of an adventure….a wondering of who…it drives us to get out and find another, wondering where the story will lead.
The stones have been found in various places of adventure…mountain tops, trails, ect., and now these findings are also making their way across the web.
A recent topic in a forum on Outdoorsy.com brings this search and findings to light. It is entitled “A Summit Stone.”
It is nice to know someone like DSD exists. Someone who has embarked on the challenge of giving back something they consider small, yet has such a big place in our hearts.
As if the Summit Stones are not enough, DSD has also put together a very well written Website discussing this journey of Adventure that we all share. Here is just a small piece…
Adventure is not just about the choice of activity, nor only about wilderness talent, or just one’s outdoor skills, and is not really at all about age… I used to think that to be an adventurer it was necessary to bag summits, count climbs, record stats, accumulate kayak exploits, even tally up many epics… but that kind of collecting, while serving a purpose, doesn’t always sustain us…
Adventure can be about being the person you want to be in a geographic place… as in what we may find in Geomancy… and that gets us closer to the essence of being an adventurer… as in what is reflected in our attitudes, desire, enthusiasms, and motivations… These things are more about energy, feelings, and emotions…
The next time you are wanting a heightening of spirits–something to really make you think—something to give you that new, refreshing bit of drive….head on over to Summit Stones and Adventure Musings, you won’t be disappointed.
The next time you are heading up that trail or looking over that mountain, remember that all great things won’t be seen above…take a momment to look down…perhaps you will even find a Summit Stone at your feet…
Filed Under Adventure, Adventure Blogs, Adventurist Books, Austrian, Avalanche, Beijing 2008, Blogger, Blogroll, Davy Crockett, Environment, Environment/Conservation, Environmental Issues, Ethiopia, First Ascent, Guatamala, Internet, Jordan, K3, Life, Live Your Adventure, Moby Dick, Montana, Mostafa Salameh, Mountain Madness, Mt. Elbrus, Mt. Vinson, Music, Nature, News, Painting, Pakistan, Personal, Primitive Camping, RSS feed, Roald Amundsen, Rocks, Rowing, Scott Fischer, Sir Edmund Hillary, Slovakian, Sony Playstation, Summit Stones, Technology, Tent, The Everest Chronicles, Trekking, USA, Websites, Wildlife, World, blog, blogging, climb, climbers, climbing community, fishing, headlines, hope, humor, hunting, mountaineering, ski, snowshoe, trailrunning |
Lincoln Hall “Dead Lucky” on Everest
Lincoln Hall Was Dead
May 25, 2006 will go down as one of those days in mountaineering history where nothing seemed to be going right–but then the miracle happened..
Stranded in the death zone, 250 meters from Mt. Everest’s famed summit…Lincoln Hall was lost. A group of Sherpas climbing with Hall made the decision to descend without him. If they stayed, they would die as well..but if they left they would have a chance, but Lincoln Hall would perish. They left.
Lincoln Hall was a famed climber from Australia. He already had one Everest summit attempt to his credit in 1984–that attempt ended with him turning back near the summit due to illness. In 2006 he was heading back–not for himself, but as a favor–he was going to be a cameraman on a new documentary about Everest.
After reaching the famed Everest summit, Lincoln Hall began his descent.
High on Everest’s slope, Lincoln Hall came down with Pulminary Edema–a climber’s worst nightmare. The lungs slowly fill with fluid, cutting off your ability to breathe, leaving you with a slow gurgling death in freezing temperatures. Not a fun way to die–
The decision to leave Lincoln Hall high on Everest is nothing new. When a Climber goes down in the death zone, it is pretty well known that your chances of getting back down are slim to virtually none. Are you to die as well, or walk away? It is just a part of mountaineering.
Lincoln Hall’s death was broadcast the world over. This report comes from ExplorersWeb and goes through a momment by momment synopsis of what occured on this tragic day as it was happening.
A day later, ExplorersWeb released another report.
Lincoln Hall was Miraculously Still Alive
Lincoln Hall had survived a night with Pulmonary Edema. A climber heading towards the summit had noticed Lincoln Hall and made a dispatch to camp. A massive rescue attempt was enacted and underway.
Lincoln Hall was eventually rescued and brought back to safety. He was partially blinded, suffering from pulmonary Edema, and had frostbite on both of his hands and feet and part of his face.
But he had survived.
Lincoln Hall ended up losing his fingers to frostbite and eventually had to have them amputated.
His story is the miracle. He was one of very few people to ever come out of the death zone after 24 hours alive. He was reported as dead. Friends, family and associates all thought he was dead. Lincoln Hall was the only one that knew he was still alive.
Dead Lucky
Lincoln Hall has just published a book about this whole ordeal called “Dead Lucky”–which promminently features a photo of him on the cover lifting his hand, with amputated fingers, and a smile on his face. He, as well as the world, knows why this momment could bring a smile–He was Alive and lived the tale that he has now had published.
This is not Lincoln Hall’s first book, as a matter of fact it is his eighth book. He was already an acclaimed Mountaineering journalist–but on the evening of May 15, 2006–it all became so very real. This is his first attempt to put this whole story together and try to come to grips with what could have very well been a tragedy.
I encourage all of you to pick up this book and find out what true survival and the will of man can accomplish.
This book was released in May 2007 through Random House Australia. It has a cover price of $34.95
Filed Under Adventure, Adventure Blogs, Adventurist Books, Australia, Australian Climber, Australian Climbing, Austrian, Avalanche, Bill Clinton, Blogger, Blogroll, British East India Company, Davy Crockett, Double-Traverse Everest Expedtion, Environment, Environment/Conservation, Environmental Issues, Ethiopia, Everest 2006, Everest 2007 South Col, Everest Basecamp, Everest Expedition Companies, Everest History, Everest South Col, ExplorersWeb, Fabio Iacchini, First Ascent, Fox, Gear, Gerlinde Kaltenbruner, German, Germany, Hollywood, Internet, Kilimanjaro, Lhotse, Life, Lincoln Hall, Marco Confortola, Moby Dick, Mostafa Salameh, Mountain Disaster, Mountain Tragedy, Mt. Everest, Mt. Everest History, Mt. Everest Summit, Mt. Vinson, Music, News, Pirates of the Caribbean, Primitive Camping, RSS feed, Roald Amundsen, Rocks, Rowing, Scott Fischer, Sir Edmund Hillary, Slovakian, Sony Playstation, Technology, Tent, The Adventurist, Uncategorized, Websites, World, blog, blogging, breaking news, climb, climbers, climbing community, death, extreme sports, fishing, headlines, leadership, mountaineering, ski, snowshoe |
The Adventurist: A Call to All Outdoor Writers and Photographers!
I have just put the finishing touches on a new “Submit & Contact” Page here at The Adventurist. I am hoping that this new feature will be accepted and used by all of my great readers.
This page goes into detail about a few things I am looking for here at The Adventurist–and ways you might be able to get involved.
Do you love Adventure Writing or perhaps Great Outdoors Photography?–Help me share your incredible talents with a much bigger audience!
Head on Over to the “Submit & Contact” Page, found on a tab right up above this article, and Share your Adventures with the World!
Also, if you are looking to put me to work, there is info there as well….
Cheers-
J. Alan Hendricks, Editor
Filed Under #3, 100 Greatest Adventure Books, ABC News, Aconcagua, Adventure, Adventure Blogs, Adventure Consultants, Adventurist Books, Africa, Alan Arnette, Alpine Ascents, Alzheimers, Alzheimers Research, Ama Dablam, Amazon River, Andi Orgler, Animals, Antarctic Sun, Antarctica, Apa Sherpa, Asian Trekking, Atlantic Ocean, Australian Climbing, Austria, Austrian, Avalanche, Avalanches, Ayamara Indians, BBC, Bald Eagles, Basecamp Clinic, Bear Grylls, Beijing 2008, Beijing Olympics, Bhudism, Bible Scriptures, Big Pig, Bill Clinton, Bill O'Reilly, Biology, Blogger, Blogroll, Books, British, British East India Company, British Territories, Broad Peak, Cairo, Camping, Canada, Cancer, Cancer Research, Carstensz Pyramid, Censorship, Charlie Fowler, China, Chinese, Cho Oyu, Christians, Christie's, Christine Boskoff, Christine Boskoff's Body Found, Christmas, Civil Rights, Climbing, Coleman Everest Team, Colorado, Conservation, DailyLit, Dale Earnhardt, David Sharp, David Sharpe, David Tait, Davy Crockett, Dawa Sherpa, Dead Czech Climber, December 2006, Deer, Delisted, Denali, Dhaulagiri, Discovery Channel, Discovery Channel Team, Dolly Parton, Dominique Gorlitz, Donate, Double-Traverse Everest Expedtion, Earthrace, Ecology, Ed Visteurs, Editorial, Edurne Pasaban, Egypt, Elizabeth Hawley, Elton John, Endangered Species Act, Environment, Environment/Conservation, Environmental Issues, Ernest Hofstetter, Ethiopia, Everest 1924, Everest 1933, Everest 1952, Everest 1953, Everest 1996, Everest 2006, Everest 2007, Everest 2007 North, Everest 2007 North Ridge Route, Everest 2007 South Col, Everest 2008, Everest Basecamp, Everest Double-Traverse, Everest Expedition 2007, Everest Expedition Companies, Everest History, Everest South Col, Everest South Col Route, ExplorersWeb, Fabio Iacchini, Firefighters, First Ascent, Fossils, Fox, Fox News, Free, Fritz Wintersteller, Funny, Gay Marriage, Gear, Gearge W. 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Swiss Avalanche Kills 6 Climbers
Some sad news coming from Switzerland today as it is being reported that six climbers have been killed in a massive avalanche taking place on Jangfrau Peak in Central Switzerland.
The Swiss Army has not confirmed who the climbers are at this time, but they are questioning that perhaps it could be members of their own team. The Swiss Army is reporting that they had two teams of three new recruits that had been training in the area at the time of the accident.
Jangfrau Peak stands at 13,642 feet high. The climbers had reached a height of 12,470 feet when new snow gave way beneath them and sent them plummeting to the valley below.
The bodies of all 6 climbers have been recovered and official word as to who they are is still waiting to be released.
For the Associated Press News Story on this tragic event, Please click HERE.
Filed Under Aconcagua, Adventure, Adventure Blogs, Atlantic Ocean, Avalanche, Avalanches, Bill Clinton, Blogger, Blogroll, Davy Crockett, Environment, Environment/Conservation, Environmental Issues, First Ascent, Fossils, Fox, Gear, Geodes, German, India, Internet, Jangfrau Peak, Moby Dick, Mountain Disaster, Mountain Tragedy, Mt. Vinson, Music, Peru, Primitive Camping, Rock Collecting, Rocks, Rowing, Scott Fischer, Slovakian, Sony Playstation, Swiss, Swiss Army, Switzerland, Tent, blog, blogging, breaking news, climb, climbers, climbing community, death, extreme sports, fishing, headlines, military, mountaineering, ski |
BREAKING NEWS UPDATE: Body of Christine Boskoff Found
In December of 2006, two high profile climbers Christine Boskoff and Charlie Fowler went missing in the Sechuan Province of China.
The subsequent news of this event shook the climbing community to it’s foundation. At the time in December 2006, much of the world was focused on three lost climbers on Mt. Hood in Oregon and the ensuing Rescue mission that eventually turned into a Recovery.
Charlie Fowler, a world reknown climber and photographer, along with Christine Boskoff, a World class climber in her own right and subsequent owner of Mountain Madness, one of the world’s leading mountain expedition companies, set out to claim some unchartered peaks in China. A vacation they had been planning on for two years.
The two soon dissappeared and an all out search effort ensued in China with little media coverage.
On December 29, 2006 Charlie Fowler’s body was found on Genyen Peak, but there were no signs of Christine.
On January 2, 2007 the search for Christine Boskoff was essentially called off with her being presumed dead.
On July 8th 2007, Everest is Ours, A Blog discussing Mt. Everest and the Climbing world made a post about the continued search for Christine Boskoff. You may find that HERE.
Also this month Climbing Magazine, which I am a subscriber also ran a story about Christine Boskoff and Charlie Fowler and the continued efforts to find Christine.
Today it is being reported by Mountain Madness President Mark Gunlogson that Christine Boskoff’s Body has been found near where Charlie Fowler’s was found last December.
Here is Mountain Madness’ Complete Press Release:
SEATTLE July 9, 2007 – The body of accomplished US climber Christine Boskoff was found in the mountains of southern China on July 3rd, local China time. The search and recovery team supported by Mountain Madness, the Seattle-based adventure guide company owned by Boskoff, resumed their search for Boskoff last May on the remote mountain peak of Genyan Massif in Sichuan Province.
Last November, Boskoff and her climbing partner Charlie Fowler, also a renowned high-altitude mountain climber, were on a personal climbing expedition in Sichuan Province when the pair failed to return to the U.S. Fowler’s body was recovered on December 27th, and search crews ceased their efforts to search and recover Boskoff until the spring due to winter weather. Both are believed to have died in an avalanche.
“We resumed the search and recovery efforts for Chris once the weather improved and rock fall hazards lessened,” said Mark Gunlogson, president of Mountain Madness. “This latest news brings closure to what was a great loss for her family, friends, Mountain Madness and the climbing community. Chris lived life to the fullest and she died doing what she loved best in one of her most favorite places to climb.”
“Chris established a legacy as one of the most successful female high altitude mountaineers in history, having climbed six 8,000 meter peaks including two successful ascents of Everest. She brought her tremendous climbing experience, unique humility for someone so accomplished, and love of the mountains to Mountain Madness and its many clients where she built one of the world’s foremost climbing organizations. We will miss her enthusiasm and infectious smile, but will continue to draw upon her spirit as we move forward,” said David C. Jones, Mountain Madness board member.
A memorial fund to benefit Room to Read has been set up in Boskoff’s name to benefit school children in Nepal. Boskoff was a former board member of the non-profit organization that helps establish schools, libraries and other educational infrastructures in developing countries. Room to Read is building a school in Nepal in Boskoff’s honor. Donations to the Boskoff memorial fund, as well as surplus funds from the Boskoff-Fowler search and recovery fund, will go to support the school in Nepal and scholarships for girls throughout the country.
“She was passionate about climbing and her love of the people and the cultures she traveled to, especially the children of Nepal and we’re honored to be a part of this lasting memorial for Chris,” said John Wood, founder and chief executive officer of Room to Read. “She was selfless in pursuit of our mission and passionate in her belief that children throughout the developing world should have access to great schools, teachers, libraries and books.”
To support the Boskoff memorial fund donations can be made at www.roomtoread.com or by sending a check to:
Room to Read – Mountain Madness Appeal
The Presidio
PO Box 29127
San Francisco, CA 94129About Mountain Madness:
Founded in 1984, Mountain Madness is an adventure guide travel service and mountaineering school based in Seattle, Washington. The company provides adventure-guided expeditions in Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Oceania, as well as courses in rock climbing, avalanche and skiing. For more info: www.mountainmadness.com
Contact:
Mark Gunlogson
Mountain Madness
206-937-8389
markg@mountainmadness.com(Editor’s Note: This article was compiled from information obtained from the following sources: The Adventure Blog, the Everest is Ours Blog, and the MountainMadness Website as well as information contained here in The Adventurist.)
If you would like to catch up on the search for Christine Boskoff and Charlie Fowler, you may do so by clicking the following link for The Adventurist’s full coverage.
Filed Under Aconcagua, Adventure, Adventure Blogs, Alzheimers Research, Andi Orgler, Asian Trekking, Austrian, Avalanche, Big Pig, Bill Clinton, Blogger, Blogroll, Charlie Fowler, China, Christine Boskoff, Christine Boskoff's Body Found, Climbing, Davy Crockett, December 2006, Environment/Conservation, Ethiopia, Everest Expedition Companies, First Ascent, Fox, Gear, Hollywood, Internet, Jamison Stone, Lewis & Clark, Moby Dick, Mostafa Salameh, Mountain Disaster, Mountain Madness, Mountain Tragedy, Mt. Hood 2006, Mt. Vinson, News, Painting, Pemba Doma Sherpa, Pirates of the Caribbean, Primitive Camping, RSS feed, Rocks, Rowing, SAR, Scott Fischer, Search and Rescue, Sir Edmund Hillary, Slovakian, Sony Playstation, Tent, The Adventure Blog, The Adventurist, USA, Uncategorized, Websites, World, blog, blogging, breaking news, climb, climbers, climbing community, death, flyfishing, headlines, mountaineering, ski |
Alan Arnette’s Denali Health Scare and Update
We have all been following along with my good friend Alan Arnette and his year long effort that will hopefully land him back on Mt. Everest for a third time.
This past week Alan was doing a “training” climb on Mt. Denali, North America’s tallest peak. He seen this as a stepping stone to his eventual goal–but the stepping stone decided to give Alan a run for his money, as we will see.
From Alan Arnette’s Post:
We climbed higher and soon I could see the top of the headwall at 16,100’. I was feeling strong, comfortable and confident. Actually I was enjoying the climb and feeling secure - then it happened.
A hit to my stomach that took my breath away. I stopped in my tracks bringing my rope to an abrupt halt. I bent over to catch my breath. What the Fu*K? I asked myself.
I pushed as I consider what was happening. Was I drinking enough? I had a liter at breakfast and another half at the break. Eaten enough? Cream of wheat for breakfast and a Cliff Bar an hour ago. Warm enough? Yup, needed to zip down to stay cool and was comfortable. OK, covered the basics, what else. I felt like I had diarrhea. What had I eaten… the same as the others. So, probably no food problem including food poisoning.
Needless to say, the next few hours seen Alan getting worse. His condition had deteriorated to the point where Medical Evacuation from Denali was intitiated.
To speak with Alan you will understand two things immediately. 1) Climbing is his life and 2) Getting Home Safe is the only option. Being a climber though–being on that mountain sometimes plays havoc with your instincts.
These guys sometimes put in years of training for just one climb. Alan has put in years of training, definately has the experience to know when to say when–yet even at that point, it is a very hard decision. I encourage all of you to check out his personal report of this expedition–this is as real as it gets and Alan puts it into words perfectly..( Click Alan’s Denali 2007 Report).Now on with the story..
Alan was airlifted by helicopter off of Denali and then taken to a nearby hospital. The Doctors were baffled as to what Alan’s problem could be. The next couple of days seen Alan return back to his home in Colorado and a much anticipated reunion with his wife.
At this current time, Alan has updated me that he is now feeling about 90%. He is awaiting a meeting with his specialist and nutritionist to see if they might know what went wrong. Does this problem slow Alan down though? Not one bit.
He recently emailed me a few images of a climb–that is right–a climb that he has done since returning back from Denali. He took on his local Long’s Peak in Colorado. I am sure that this was both for the physical workout as well as the mental workout after suffering such a scary momment a week earlier, and at 14, 256 feet, Long’s Peak provided just what Alan needed.. This trip went well for Alan and he says that his training schedule is moving forward as planned.
Alan’s next stop will be the Himalayan monster peak of Shisha Pangma. Standing at 26, 335 feet tall, it is the world’s 14th largest peak. Alan will be heading to Tibet at the Beginning of September for this journey, with a preliminary summit date of October 8.
Alan’s crusade back to Mt. Everest has been inspired by his cause to help raise awareness for Alzheimer’s Research. This is a very personal cause to Alan, as well as alot of us, as this disease has touched so many lives. Unless you have been there, you just don’t know. And if you have experienced this disease in your own family, friends, and associates–then perhaps you would like to give Alan a hand in his quest. You may do so by making a donation through the following link.
We are all glad to hear that Alan is doing well. I will be bringing you updates as his Quest for Everest in the name of Alzheimer’s Research picks up throughout 2007. If you would like to visit Alan’s own website which includes his own updates, as well as a Climber’s Forum, by all means stop over and let him know I sent ya. You may do so by clicking Alan Arnette.
(Editor’s Note: The Images in this article are the Property of Alan Arnette and represent his 2007 Long’s Peak Climb. Alan has granted me special permission to publish these images, but they may not be republished without contacting Alan Arnette for permission.) J. Alan Hendricks, Editor
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