As one of Dick Bass’ relatives, Dick died as a result of a type of progressive pulmonary fibrosis, caused by scaring of his lungs having developed due to his prolonged time living in high altitudes… Dick told me, on his death bed, that if he had known about the genetics and the potential of scaring his lungs… he never would have climbed all those mountains… Also, Dick finally summited Everest, on his fourth attempt… at 55 years old… sucking on a dry oxygen tank… not knowing of the leak… At the time, the oldest to ever summit… In a way Everest took Dick, in the end… 2022 marks the 40th anniversary of Dick’s first attempt on Everest… having joined Lou Whittaker’s expedition to Everest via China… in 1982… Marty Hoey, who had originally badgered Dick into start climbing peaks, joined Dick on Lou’s expedition… Marty, died on Everest, due to a malfunctioning harness… some 40 years ago… On another attempt… at least four sherpas died in an avalanche… Frank Wells, Dick’s original partner in the Seven Summits adventure, died from a helicopter crash when snow skiing… Dick was in the second helicopter that day… Frank, was with Marty when she died… Two other climbers died on different expeditions when with Frank… I once pointed out to Dick, how people died climbing with Frank… Dick never climbed with Frank again, or flew… I think trying to order pizza delivery is perfect… for Dick to do… Just the attempt must of been a morale booster… for all involved…🎉 Dick, always referred to himself, as being a high altitude hiker… Marty Hoey memorial: www.rmiguides.com/blog/2022/05/18/celebrating_and_remembering_the_1982_china_everest_expedition
My friend, I have goosebumps reading your comment. Thank you. I really should do a longer review of Seven Summits. Your insight on Dick's life and his thoughts before passing are truly enlightening. He is someone I always had hoped to meet someday. One degree of separation, but I never got to ask him about his adventures. Interesting about the age he climbed Everest...55....I was 54....and most assuredly NOT the oldest to climb it at the time! When I mentioned the book in the video I honestly had a thought to mention Frank Wells, Marty Hoey...the efforts and losses in his quest to do what he did...it seemed a bit off topic. Having your comment is a gentle nudge to do a deeper piece on this. Perhaps we can connect one of these days...Dick is an inspiration, ahead of the pack on many things. Thanks for taking the time to comment...I've pinned it to the top so that more people will be able to read about Dick, Frank, Marty.... Peace, and thank you, -Thom
Interesting. I have never heard of climbers developing lung issues and there have been a lot of studies regarding that. In the grand scheme of things Bass spent very little time at high altitude. Hundreds of people have spent much more time up high. It will be interesting to see if others develop this issue. I am inclined to believe there were other factors that caused his illness but we will never know.
@@EverestMystery My dad sat next to Dick Bass on a plane just after he had finished the Seven Summits and had written the book by the same title. So, reading the comment above was interesting.
Excellent video. I totally agree with your opinions. I'm one person who has definitely heard of Manaslu, having read many books about Himalayan and other mountain climbing locations around the world. I know enough about peaks like Manaslu to understand the extreme challenges and the dangers. I respect people like Jim and Hilaree Nelson for their adventurous spirits, but I don't have sympathy when I hear she was killed on the mountain. I don't want to sound heartless, but all these people take extreme risks knowing the consequences if anything goes wrong. You are correct, unfortunately more will die just like Hilaree Nelson.
Totally agree with your assessment, Thom. The discussion about Reinhold Messner was about Annapurna I, which he (apparently) reached in snowy, foggy conditions and couldn't tell for sure if he was on the highest point. However, he did reach the true summit of Manaslu (without artificial oxygen) on a Tyrolean expedition in 1972, via the Southwest Face. He proved it by bringing back a rusty piton from the Japanese first-ascenders and accurate descriptions of the highest point. Love your hat and your Fender silver face!
Many thanks for the correction on Messner....someone msgd me about it, my bad! I appreciate your insight and knowledge of history. The hat: the North Face. Guitar: 2017 Fender American Pro Strat. Cheers!
Thanks again for the great content. I'm not a climber, but I believe your vast experience does allow you to give an opinion. I don't believe in contests. If you tell me that you haven't climbed all 8,000 meter peaks, I congratulate you! WHY, because you are alive to share the beauty that we can only see through the lens from your camera. Thanks for the awesome beauty!
Oh man Thom!! This is wonderful. So much great information. I am not blowing wind up your nethers, but I think of the expeditions you were a part of filming and photographing are more showing the necessity of preparation and skill and frankly fundamental common sense to safely complete climbs on these mountains and show others how to do it. And respect what you are doing. Thanks for sharing.
@@EverestMystery I was thinking about it. When I watch one of the movies about climbing Everest (for example) after all the wonder at the scenery, and the awe at the investment in time and effort needed to attempt a climb, the next thing that happens is I feel like, "Well, I guess I can do my PT for my back, or I can do my yoga three times a week". So I think what I take is that I am inspired within my capabilities to push harder, but not to run out and climb a mountain.
I totally understand....but hope you'll stick around for a short video I'm putting together about mountains in the Himalaya that are not 8,000 meter peaks, literally thousands of them, that are clean and uncrowded and beautiful. The Himalaya is among the most beautiful and wonderful places on the planet. It's getting its ass kicked in some places like this one seen in this video. I pray you won't view the entire Himalaya in that way. We need good people like you to do it right. Cheers, and thanks Derek for taking the time to watch!
@@EverestMystery Very good point. Even in thevmost crowded National Parks there's always hiddeb gems and ways to avoid the crowds. thabks for the reminder
@@EverestMystery But as the guy below said ,what`s the point of doing a lesser mountain if you`re not risking you life and it`s only a walk .? You kind of agreed !
@EverestMystery nepal 🇳🇵 has d most of d 8000m+m piks but it's so soo dirty 😫 nepal 🇳🇵 government needs to take action and close all d mountain ⛰️ climbing for almost 5 years so the mountains ⛰️ can be cured back to its former glory 👀 see india 🇮🇳 too have one of 3rd highest pick and rest are 6000+m but it's really clean.
Exceptional commentary. Thank you for talking about it. You obviously care about all the people up there, and it shows. Thanks for a great video. Keep them coming!
Thanks Thom for this material. I was under a huge impression watching Hilaree climbing Lhotse and descending with Jim Dream Line in 2018. What a loss. Once again many thanks for your brilliant job!
Nice! I love reading and learning about climbing stories for exactly the reasons you mentioned: these stories show us what people can achieve with determination and a bit of obsession. It's not necessary to climb a high mountain to appreciate that. There are many routes to doing something unusual and remarkable.
Manaslu has been on our radar for more than few years. My big mountain dreams began long before “North Face” athletes were even a thing. I’m so grateful that I was able the explore and experience the world pre-cell phone, when computers were in their infancy. A simpler time, where it seemed the mountains were quiet, remote… special, almost secret. Aw… the “golden years.” Now, health issues will keep me from the “big” summits. Absolutely not worth risk to self or others. This last year was spent grieving this loss. Yes, it has felt like the killing of part of my spirit in a sense. I now support my partner in his endeavors. The risk to all sure has increased over the last few years. It’s definitely concerning. Thank you for this. I appreciate your efforts to elevate awareness. Namaste
So weird how the 1996 tragedy seemed like a reckoning, but instead there’s an exponential rise in that type of risk. I climbed an easy mountain recently and was so disappointed at all the people. I was on the mountain, their bodies where there too, but their minds were on instagram.
Living in a digital world. Hiking locally for me, we’re always seeking out the least travelled mountains. It’s always a treat when there is no cell service! :) thank you for watching!
I've only been alpine climbing in Mont Blanc massif. I was really struck by how hard it was to evaluate risk and make good decisions e.g. stonefall. e.g. avalanche e.g. serac collapse e.g. storms. None of this can be learnt on a climbing wall with plastic holds and bolts. I would feel completely out of my depth on Himalayan sized mountains.
Nothing quite like the Alps....did a bunch of climbing there in the late 80's and learned so much. My experiences there were invaluable. Thanks for dropping by!
Yes, Drew, we did Mont Blanc in the late 1990s and it's an old frigging Mountain. Lots of loose rock the entire way up. People above you kicking rocks down in your direction. It was not what we expected and very dangerous just due to the loose rocks everywhere.
I'm not a climber either, I have trouble climbing stairs!! Still climbing has always interested me & I love watching videos like yours. I'm learning lots. Thank you.
2017 Fender American Pro Strat in Antique Olive ~ played SO DAMN well in the shop that it beat out a sunburst and a Lake Placid blue for which one I brought home. Consider it camo on stage when ya want to blend in 😎🎸 cheers my friend !
I agree with you completely my friend. I have climbed and hiked many of the 3000-4000 Meter mountains in The Euro Alps over the years, never spent a day in the Himalayas. Never paid any guide or Sherpa, many climbs all by myself. Never pushed it too far, turned back many times. Thank you for pointing out the reality of Commercial Mountain Climbing. It's a dangerous joke at this point. Keep it up.
Thanks for another great video. I done my first expedition in September. Mont Blanc/Gran Paradiso. I taught I was super fit. At the top of the glacier on gran paradiso I got altitude sickness. I'm not planning any bigger mountains until I return next year hopefully to summit successfully. All these wealthy mountain tourists need to earn their stripes on smaller mountains. I don't belong on bigger mountains until I climb atheist 8 mountains in the alps
David, great having you here....I love the Alps. Mont Blanc and the surrounding area is where I learned most of my big mountain lessons. Cheers and thank you!
I used to do a lot of match fishing here in the UK and paid my dues in my area. There were quite a few guys who never really cared about being competitive or paying their dues, but they looked the part, had all the top of the range fishing tackle etc. I used to refer to them as "all the gear and no idea", and this is quite similar to the climbers mentioned in the video not paying their dues, and are sponsored by gear companies who throw all the gear at them so they can market their brand, advertise to the same people who have all the gear and no idea 🙄👍
Thanks for the thoughtful video. I am a long distance swimmer, coach, and work for a company that does swim events and trips. Its on a different level but we have also seen a rise in people coming to things with unrealistic expectaions of themselves or maybe unrealistic expectaions of the difficulty of what they are attempting. This puts not only themselves but others in danger. I watched with the hope that there is a lesson I/we can take from the sport of mountaineering. My take away is to reinforce the list that asked myself before doing some of the more extreme/iconic swims that I have attempted: Have I prepared? Am I willing to accept the risk? and most importantly will the EXPERIENCE (not the bragging rights) add something to my life.
Welcome to the channel and thank you for your thoughts. I put myself through college on a swimming scholarship and am already a fan, having many friends who have stayed with the sport and undertake open water swims. Your insight is keen and on point. If everyone approached an extreme endeavor like you do, we’d have fewer disasters in the mountains. Thanks for being here and thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts.
I was on Manasu- in '89. It is a mountain that requires respect. I agree with every point you made. I can't hardly believe 100's of people on the mountain. As you said these are not for the peak bagging tourist. These mountains are so extreme that it takes years of experience and sound judgment before one should attempt them. Their was a saying that, "the people that keep summitting will eventually not come back." This is still true. So sorry to hear the about the losses and my heart felt condolences.
In 1989 it must have been closer to heaven....quiet, mountain to yourself....that was a great era in mountaineering (in terms of during my life, at least). Times have changed! Cheers and thank you for watching!
Great commentary. As a non mountaineer I'd much rather be alone on unknown peak just doing my thing . Sharing any mountain with hundreds of others is my idea of insanity .
Fascinating commentary Thom, in just over ten minutes you raised so many issues. A sad loss to the mountaineering world, a world where no one is invincible, Manaslu I feel has been commercialized very poorly, like several other mountains. When a peak like that, for whatever reason becomes the next must do thing, the hype starts rolling and the dollar signs start flashing in outfitters eyes and laptops, then yeah, you are absolutely right, it's disaster waiting to happen. Sadly I'm seeing this more and more here in Nepal, examples of adventure without purity in the Instagram etc world. The other aspect you didn't mention this time but you've covered well in other videos, is the environmental degradation when peaks become too popular. I know a lot of locals are really torn with all this right now, the balance between the bucks rolling in and what is right from environmental, pure adventure and even spiritual dimensions, is out of kilter.
Brilliant video. I am not a climber, but I am researching the impact Social Media is having on professional athletes, and the need for them to post content to appease sponsors, and their fan base, which in turn is leading to Mental Health issues, career down turns and in some cases, death. This is a really important topic, thank you for bringing it further out in the open.
I really appreciate your thoughts and reflections! Especially from an inside perspective…it is absurd what’s going on on these mountains. I miss the respect and humility for nature and native people. I really hope for the best and a shift in mindset.. Also, what an incredible woman and inspiration Hilaree Nelson was!
Really great insights! I recently found your channel after a video about the Manaslu avalanche came across my feed and I wanted to learn more. I'm not a mountaineer, I'm unable to do more than some easy hiking due to health/joint issues, but I'm always fascinated by this phenomenon we've seen on Everest, other popular peaks, and in an unrelated but recent incident, the Titan submersible, where pushing to go to these extreme environments that others are going is leading to making a risky situation even riskier. As someone who has had to practice much more caution as I get older due to my own personal situation not allowing me to take many risks without very careful risk assessment, the idea of waiting in line to summit sounds like hell to me. I'd rather go elsewhere and experience something less crowded and risky! But I suppose I can see where others would want to push for that "I conquered that" completionism.
I love your content. I found your channel when Hilaree was missing & listened to your conversation with Explorersweb. Newbies should watch Netflix Aftershock. All about the earthquake and deaths on Everest & devastation in Kathmandu. Sobering. Wow ! These Climbing “tourists” who are inexperienced, have no idea about the danger. The devastation in 2015, was heart wrenching to watch. Should be mandatory for everyone when they sign up for these expeditions. I agree w/ you Thom, TOO many people on the mountains. Ego & $$$$$. My heart goes out to the Sherpa community. Devastating this year. I subscribed, and really enjoy your insight & hearing the raw truth you are trying to educate the masses. Thank you Thom 😅
Thank you for being here and thanks for sharing your thoughts. It's great having you here! I watched the first segment of Aftershock last night....very intense. Thank you for the suggestion! Look forward to seeing you around. Cheers!
Wonderful commentary. I suppose that craving (Huxley's Bread and Circuses to an extreme) to get oneself away from the mundane, coupled with our Instagram/Selfie culture means there will be more of this. Subscribed and appreciate your take.
I think the reason more people are climbing these large mountains is because more people are aware of mountaineering (and of course, the population increase must be account for). I hardly knew about Everest until a UA-cam video got my interest and then another and another and it made me realise that perhaps climbing could be right up my alley in terms of my personal interests. Here’s the thought process: “if I can tackle this hill, then I can tackle the next bigger hill. Then the next mountain. Then pursue my dream career. What can stop me? I have developed the skill of perseverance.”
Just found your channel recently Thom. Appreciate your perspective and experience. I grew up riding out hurricanes on the East Coast with my dad. I very much appreciate the adventure and need to be fully present in the moment that mountaineering provides. For a couple of months now I've been binge watching videos about Everest on UA-cam at night. My son and I are talking about a trip to Nepal when I retire in a couple of years. I would love to just SEE Everest including the peak. Off the top of your head can you suggest one or two fairly accessible locations that that could be possible from? Do you happen to know? Thank you so much and keep up the good work.
Elizabeth, it's great to see you here. Very excited you're thinking of heading to Nepal for a look at Everest. Truly consider an Everest Base Camp trek...if you have a couple weeks. It will be the trip of a lifetime. Thanks for being here and for taking the time to say hello. Cheers!
Interesting video, thank you. As a side note though.....I love that stratocaster behind you. That's such a lovely looking guitar. Never seen one that colour before. Very nice with the black scratchplate and the white pick ups. Super cool!
@@EverestMystery Me too. I've always preferred the maple fretboard. Antique Olive? Pretty sure I've never seen or heard of that colour here in the UK. Maybe a US only colour. I love it though. Enquires will be made at the local dealers! Thanks for the reply.
P.S. I don't understand people lining-up in giant queues to climb ANYTHING. The wife and I drove to the Hyalite Canyon for some birthday ice climbing in Jan 2019. I hadn't been up there since I started ice climbing back in 1988. Suffice it to say that there was a queue at every piece of ice in the lower climbs. We walked back to the car, pulled-out the snowshoes, and just enjoyed shoeing around the trails in giant, heavy, falling snowflakes that piled-up a foot in just a few hours. I've since quit ice climbing, but if I do I'll stick to going to the unloved, empty ice over here in the Beartooths. Not gonna line up like I'm at an amusement park! :(
They're NOT tragedies,... If you partake in dangerous activities for selfish reasons ( ego, fame, money....). Then whatever befalls you is on you. Plain and simple.. Tragedies happen to the innocent . A family having a picnic and a sudden storm comes out of nowhere and kills them... THAT is tragic.. A person who has very little experience mountaineering, but lots of money and massive ego , pays another person ( people) tens of thousands to " get them to the top", stumbles their way up, ( complaining about anything they can) becomes delirious and causes a fall, killing people ... That's NOT a tragedy ! everyone there has a reason to be there ..the key is , they INTENTIONALLY put themselves there , knowing it's dangerous. And again, selfish reasons !! Uggh, I wasn't intending this to be so long......ok , to get to my point..... Some words are misused to the point of muddying their meaning ... Tragedy is most certainly a big one.. here's another that burns me. " HEROES " It's waaaaay over-used .. Not all military personnel are heroes.. .. example: A random soldier runs right through a mine field to a Lil child.. He keeps the kid still until the helicopter comes , grabs the rope ladder, flown to safety , everyones good.. He IS a hero Is the heli pilot? Nah Is the mess hall cook who gave the kid some stew after? No But according to the media , they ALL are... Omg I need to shutup
Good stuff, thank you! Honestly, you nailed it...I wrestled with the word tragedy and now am essentially left with it there. I am not a 'tragedy' guy, as I feel like we all have the experiences we're meant to have. For the children of these people? Yes....that constitutes something along those lines. I hope you enjoyed the vid anyway! Cheers my friend
@@EverestMystery oh I absolutely love this video. And I certainly did not mean that you were abusing the word at all. I just meant society on the whole. I should have couched that right at the beginning because now I read my first sentence in that comment and it looks like I'm blasting at you. Apologies for that. And again, yeah I really enjoyed it. These are the kind of videos that "reek" of quality lol.. Mostly because the experience of the presenter (you) is there to back it up ! Okay, carry on, and get to work on the next one :) P.s. and I think I should add that when I use the word "selfish" and the term "selfish reasons", it's to mean that people have their own self-driven motivation to do a thing. Sometimes the word selfish also is taken as a pure negative, but it extends to many things and not all of them necessarily bad or negative.
Yes, definitely was....so many comments about it that I added notes below the video and did a #shorts video about it. Much appreciated! Thanks for watching!
I knew Hilaree in telluride and like all world class, elite athletes she had a love of sport that catapulted her into that revered NF sponsorship where pushing it is expected… for many of them (not all) the risk of death is worth the glory if successful. It’s not a death wish, it’s also not greed and not all ego either… it’s a combo of the best in people with the worst of capitalism.
Risk is part of life. I think a bigger issue is how risk adverse younger generations are. Kids are scared of everything these days! They act like they might die if they do anything dangerous. Even scared of driving.
Driving is dangerous, though. Look up the rate of injuries for hours spent and it is pretty high. Granted, it’s no contact sport like Rugby, Hockey, Martial Arts, or American Football, but it certainly isn’t safe either; at least not on average. Though, it has gotten safer and still does. Not that it holds me back. But I recognize that I am pretty unique as far as my tolerance for unknowns. I actually consider myself fairly risk adverse, as I don’t go into things blind or unpracticed. But, with that said, I still likely have a greater risk profile than average. I think it has more to do with these young peoples lack of exposure to risk and the needed step to mitigate risk with compromising goal achievement. Wanna climb a tree? Harness up, tie in, and have fun! That type of thought process is missing.
The stuff they say about messner not summiting all the mountains is in my opinion bs. He did it to the best of the knowledge available and I’m sure no one will say he wouldn’t have been able to. It’s sad these mountains become a tourist attraction.
Social media has contributed to this madness immensely... I stopped posting on social media to a great extent and it help me focus amd relax on my expeditions...
This is a great point and topic worth looking into. As in, are the numbers of people more interested in the attention generated by an epic storm or or summit pic, is it a love of the mountains that has been borne into them? Thanks so much for watching!
Breaks my heart but I sold the Les Paul :( put a new pick guard on the Strat (aged pearl white). The amp is a Princeton Reverb....might have to bump up to a Twin one of these days! Cheers and thanks for watching
Great Video. I also feel that since you are paid to live your dreams one feels obligated to take risks. We need to stop being a part of the PR machine and live on our terms.
I apologize...my attention went to the Fender amp and what appears to be a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard Cherry except for the headstock. I couldn't get a clear view of it but liked the vid.
Yes! It's a 1991 Les Paul Standard in Candy Apple Red with gold hardware....they did a limited run that year (pretty much the Gibson thing). Walked into a shop one day and I picked that up and couldn't let it go. I've sold off a few of my guitars...honed it down to three...as a few thousand more hours practice are mandatory to master a few things. I'll put that in better view next time! Cheers and thanks for watching!
YOUR 100 % corrrect with regards to the searches with Manaslu attached to Hillaree Nelson, ( I am one) .....and have an adventurous soul ....although I may not be sponsored athlete like the North Face athletes....to be able to be monetarily compensated for something you love....is a Win Win!! Sadly ...the world has lost a beautiful soul, but she certainly inspires many millions of people to go out and adventure....I am passionate about kiteboarding ( it can be extremely dangerous), but having said that, it make me feel more alive ...and willing to take the associated risk with my sport...!!! As for whats happening with regards to non climbers attempting to climb mtns with minimal skillset, is comparable to someone to go kiting without kite lessons....its an accident waiting to happen!!! (Believe me lots have died kiteboarding because they didnt know how to use their safety systems ...etc!!! Lastly, North Face has lost a beautiful ambassador for products!!! Thank you for sharing!!! 1st time viewer (wont be my last) Cheers...1000 islands Canada
Bruce, thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts. Super pleased that you found this video. May you have many years of safe kiteboarding ahead of you! Your home area is certainly the right place for it! Cheers
Into thin air The Summit The ascent The will to climb Everest the cruel way The push Beyond the Mountain Annapurna Savage Arena K2 These are just some of the books I've read and loved. Yet none, NONE of them make me want to climb over 8000 metres. I only JUST want to climb the fells in the lake district. I don't generally mind how people want to spend their time and money. But I really do care when it involves Sherpa or porters that become exploited. Doesn't matter if they are "paid well" by comparison. If you can't take your own equipment, you shouldn't be up there. I even remember the during the earthquake in 2015 in Nepal. The people on Everest had enough money to get a helicopter to base camp quickly. When those in neighbouring villages/valleys couldn't. Sorry I hate to be cynical about areas of such outstanding natural beauty. But it urks me. An hell if I had the money and fitness maybe I would be there but I would like to think I'm realistic enough to know money isn't enough. Sorry for rant. Love your content. ❤️
Meg, great books and great suggestions. There are a handful in there I have never read. Sometime ago I did a post about mountaineering books...and it received dozens of comments and suggestions. I agree with you on the Sherpa question. Undoubtedly, the realm of mountaineering has helped them transform their lives in many ways. They're royalty in my eyes, and not just the ones who summit a dozen times. Yet, indeed, those on the front tip of the spear aren't making a ton of money and often pay with their lives. Totally agree on the 2015 heli flights....I think it would have been pretty cool to see the stranded climbers in 2015 and 2014 make their way down by themselves. (Easy for me to say, I was in Base Camp in 2014 during the serac avalanche that killed 16). Always good to have you here. Thank you for being a part of the channel!
@Everest Mystery - Thom Dharma Pollard Thank you for your reply. Always appreciate your interaction. Especially because I think you're a fantastic role model for those who wish to climb. I can't imagine what it would of been like in 2014. To lose that many souls. To know how that would affect the families of those men. It's truly heartbreaking and understandable that many didn't want to continue with the season.
Arnetts quote applies to every mountain on earth. You need to have the necessary experience prior to attempting anything whether it's a casual scramble on a weekend hike or a major expedition.
Hi Thom, great content, thank you. I believe that the images from the summit were taken by a new device called "Insta 360" and it looks like a drone shot although it is a camera in a huge "selfie stick", as you can see in one of the latest Casey Neistat videos. It is like a GoPro but more versatile. Check it out. Best Regards.
Hi Daniel, thank you so much....I was too late to the game when I figured out the selfie stick thing in the video. Honestly, when I posted it hadn't looked figured it out...then a friend asked me to film an event for him and he had one!....the light finally turned on! There is drone footage out there by the same person, which I intend to find and share here. Thanks for watching much appreciated!
he's not flying a drone. it's a insta360 on the invisible selfish stick. excellent video, thanks. I was talking with my gf about Hilary and she said what you said. "if you have children you have no right to do these things.
I totally blew it on the drone thing....this guy did fly a drone on the summit, but the footage I was referring to was that 360 selfie stick thing. I appreciate that you watched this, very much! I hope I didn't convey that Hilaree had no right to do what she was doing. I support it as someone who is in no position to judge someone who makes their own free will choices. That said, I personally made the decision to forgo my ambitions to climb K2 or doing Everest without Oxygen because of having kids. K2 got somewhat 'easier' recently, given all the support that has overwhelmed the mountain. I'm old enough not to care that much, though! Take care and thank you!
@@EverestMystery no I didn't get the feeling that was your opinion. Just stating what some people say. I think it's amazing what she did but you had a interesting perspective on the marketing machine that is the north face. Allowing these athletes to push it to these extreme achievements. Of course it's horrible she had kids.. but the passion and love she had for the mountains was and is inspiring. It's easy to say she had no right but I think those kids had a amazing mother and she was a incredible badass. I also think she will inspire them to go for their dreams as well one day. That's a incredible decision you made and I'm sure you are a excellent father. I just bought a insta360 so I have been watching videos on them. I'm sure it gets confusing when writing and editing these vids. I really enjoyed it.
Manaslu... check! Gibson Les Paul ... check! Fender Stratocaster... check! Fender blackface Princeton... check! Marshall plexi or JCM800... errrrr... something is missing here! You don't leave basecamp without a Marshall circuit! Go back down and ruck it up or have a Sherpa bring it up for PROPER summit celebration! :D
Honestly I think the pandemic changed the way a lot of people look at their own mortality and that may explain the increasing popularity of venturing into the Karakoram. The high of escaping something potentially fatal is somewhat addictive. That said, from a medical perspective, I think the best way to deal with the situation is to play it as it lies. If the reality is that climbers with less experience are going to be attempting the big mountains, and given the realities of summit fever, I would put forward the contrarian view that we should accept that additional infrastructure is required to support them. While we might scoff at their foolhardy decision making, from a medical perspective, we have to remain non-judgemental. We don’t deny treatment to smokers or alcoholics for example, and whether these folks are making a stupid decision or not, they don’t deserve to die. I would explore the benefits of erethropoetin treatment leading up to departure. Among other things solar, wind and geothermal energy could be harnessed to expand the availability of concentrated oxygen, etc. while certainly many people shouldn’t be there, instead of judging them, maybe we should be exploring practical ways of keeping them alive - or - at least - giving them a better chance of survival.
Truly appreciate your comments. No judgment here on people going to the mountains....inexperienced or not, if there is a permit to be had, anyone is free to purchase it. That said, the governments of these mountains have a responsibility to the planet and the environment to regulate the garbage and human waste problem, as do especially the outfitters who make bank on guiding the climbers, and on down to the individuals who climb there. They have every right to be there, no one can deny them that right. Regulations, though, from the top down, to foster a 'safe' experience, would help. Thanks for dropping by, really appreciate your thoughts!
Is it wrong to judge when net result is environmental degradation in a time of mass extinctions? It is important to refrain from being judgemental when it is counter-productive, but this is not the case. You say more infrastructure for the ambitious but less-experienced mountaineering elite and wealthy at the expense of the environment, I disagree because of the need of the commons. There is no "need" for this mountaineering except in the short term for the local sherpas to eke out a decent living, but long-term that's not a solution for the poverty gap. True happiness is not dependent upon extreme sports, despite what some people say.
For me it seems that the drone recordings are not "footage" but an Insta 360 camera (position 4:42). Therefore, the distance to the filmer is always the same and the arm is stretched out. The steepness in the pictures is actually due to the super wide-angle lens of the camera and certainly does not correspond to reality (even if I have not yet been to Manaslu to be able to judge for myself). All speculation regarding this exaggerated impression and, among other things, Reinhold Messner are therefore rather conspiracy theories or the like. Nevertheless, spectacular recordings!!!
Absolutely, I covered that in the notes to the video and actually did a UA-cam short about the subject of drone versus 360 camera. I really appreciate you took the time to watch and hope you enjoyed it! Cheers
I can hear the passion in your voice as you discuss the ecotourist trade.. always heartbreaking when something you're passionate about gets abused and misused.
The first I’ve heard of this woman - but I am one of those people who feel that the needs of your offspring - up until they’re if the age of independence - and that mileage varies, but up until such time you’re a person with dependants and their needs will surely usurp the needs of your own ego. So she’d rather break her own personal records at the risk of becoming the first woman who breaks the hearts of her sons. That my friend is an unfit parent.
This is a pretty misogynistic take on the situation. Also, do you say the same about law enforcement who die in the line of duty? This was her chosen career. She was paid to do these things. People choose risky careers. I do not think she should be criticized for earning money doing something she loved.
It's not just on the giants I've seen guides take up people on "simple" peaks in the Alps that had no business being there. In the end it's all about money
That pretty much sums it up! Some years ago, out of respect, many would opt to not go to the actual summit (maybe only ten feet) of mountains like Kanchenjunga out of respect. This distance of 75 feet has been a boon for outfitters. Thanks for watching!
My exploring aspirations have greatly declined as i grow older thankfully The North Face has introduced slippers so I can still feel the glory and danger of youth and good health going for coffee in the morning while wearing their logo. But the edge is still Out there. H.S.T .
The greatest adventure of all (at least in the morning) is that to create the greatest cup of coffee ever made. I still dread leaving home when I'm packing...but the absolute second the wheels or my feet cross the Rubicon past the driveway I'm transfixed into the realm of expectation that something amazing could happen just around the other corner. And all that said, I pack my slippers!
I know I'm blowing up your notifications haha. Many of my previous comments were during a peyote journey I was taking earlier today. Sorry about that. LOL But you said here in the description that you would bring the drone footage in another post. Just curious if that has happened yet. Thank you!!
Tim, that is awesome! Yes, working on a drone piece....might be closer to the holidays, as I'm putting it together with an interview that I won't be able to get til later. Stay tuned, as I am indeed 'on it' lol CHEERS and safe travels and adventures to you!
I would love to climb, however, the traffic means the risk is too high. Traffic increases your danger and it’s out of your control. Add weather to that and it’s Russian roulette
If I had the power, I would remove all the fixed ropes out of all the mountains. That alone would cleanse and purify the spirit of mountaineering and rebalance the relation of men with nature.
Me too, I think my days of desiring that mountain are past. I hope to visit the region someday though - always happy to see that you're watching the videos, thank you
Been on a track around Manaslu last April and we barely scraped the 17000ft mark. Ideal weather in the spring and even we had to adept our plans due to fresh snow. Any mountain ain't a picknick. It's a challenge even for the fit genetic freaks that can do 8000-ers. Tempting the many is disingenuous and dangerous. I get truly get the temptation to try. There's no one stopping you from trying, **** they actively tempt you with a supportive smile while cashing your check. I'm not a rich guy but I can likely get my bank to bankroll a summit attempt. But where's the ethics? There's no way a 50 year old guy with only light alpine experience and weighing over 100kg should do more then look at the pretty pictures. The fact that even I was asked by tour guides whether I would be back for an attempt at a higher altitude doesn't instill a lot of confidence as to the seriousness of some organizations.
Erwin, a good place to start would be a 3-day alpine mountaineering course, such as Rainier (in the states) or the like....or enlist with a company on a trekking peak in Nepal....Island Peak is a big mountain, but very do-able. 50 is not even close to being too old to do these things...in fact, your ambitions are probably in check. All that said, go with a reputable organization...truth be told, usually the ones that cost more are hiring more experienced guides. PM me if you want some intel on any other ideas. Cheers and thank you for watching!
alpining is no different than any other extreme sport or thrill / risk hobby; you push the edge with the skillset you develop and refine to handle all the elements required for you to manage stuff at extreme moments /on an edge; you go into it knowing that & that is, frankly, the appeal. No one goes into such things without feeling like they can accomplish the task. It is just a momentary oversight or slip or flash of time mis-stepped or looked in the wrong direction or grabbed the wrong handhold & WHAMO ;you find yourself ( if you are fortunate enough to have time to realize wtf is occurring) meeting your mortality. They are calculated risks but risks none-the-less & odds begin stacking against you over time....
Yes, good call. On a technicality, HN was a professional athlete sponsored by The North Face, team captain of the entire TNF team. That term wouldn't typically enter into the mindset...but your thoughts are on point!
Right on! Love those babies! Right now I'm spending about 80% of my playing time with my Les Paul, 20% Tele, and my Strat is in the case for a little while. Just mixing things up....
Climbers flocking to Manaslu this year probably has more to do with the fact that climbers don't have many choices. Manaslu is traditionally viewed along with Cho Oyu & Shishapangma as attainable 8000m peaks during the fall-season, now as the latter 2 are off limits because of China's corona politics, prospective climbers have to choose Manaslu by default.
Hey thanks for spelling out the truth! Stay safe out there. Don't get killed by any amateurs paying $25,000, to have somebody carry all that gear to the top for them!
I like being in the mountains, but I know, these 8000 meter high mountains are simple too much for me and today with 56 I´m too old for it. I admit, I was interested years ago, looked videos and documetations and it was fascinating. Today when I look at the crowd of people trying to climb Everest I ask myself, why should this be adorable? When I hear, that people are freezing to death because they are waiting a lot of time above 8000 meters to get over the last bottleneck I wonder, why? OK, many people can not afford the 30.000 or 50.000 $ and may be you are afterwards if you survived a start at every party, but what is so exceptional doing this with 200 other people? There will be more and more people trying to climb Everest or one of the other 8000 meter mountains. And yes, we will see a lot of people dying. But it is inevitable. When you read, some with 70 or 12 years, blind, one leg whatever and people who are not able to climb the mountain and being carried by a Sherpa, what is the expectation? If you have a drastic weather change or simple an avalanche on the wrong place, that´s it for some of the people. My fascination is far less than 20 years ago. It is mass tourism, quite similar people flying to Mallorca. The difference is, that in Mallorca people get drunk and may be get a tripper, at Everest & Co. some simple don´t come back for something, so many people did the same before.
Absolutely, it's not an adventure if one knows the outcome. That said, if 750 others, most of whom have no experience, are crowded into the same adventure and fully relying on the support of Sherpa and staff, perhaps another mountain out there could offer a better option. Thank you for watching, good having you here!
@@EverestMystery I Have to Walk Alone. If Only the Mountain will Take me. It would be Incomprehensible to be out There with another Human, out there where the Gods Live and Not Free from All & Everything - Think to Touch the Sky - but be Tiny, Buried within the Vast Expanse. Thank You for Having me.
As one of Dick Bass’ relatives, Dick died as a result of a type of progressive pulmonary fibrosis, caused by scaring of his lungs having developed due to his prolonged time living in high altitudes…
Dick told me, on his death bed, that if he had known about the genetics and the potential of scaring his lungs… he never would have climbed all those mountains…
Also, Dick finally summited Everest, on his fourth attempt… at 55 years old… sucking on a dry oxygen tank… not knowing of the leak… At the time, the oldest to ever summit…
In a way Everest took Dick, in the end…
2022 marks the 40th anniversary of Dick’s first attempt on Everest… having joined Lou Whittaker’s expedition to Everest via China… in 1982…
Marty Hoey, who had originally badgered Dick into start climbing peaks, joined Dick on Lou’s expedition…
Marty, died on Everest, due to a malfunctioning harness… some 40 years ago…
On another attempt… at least four sherpas died in an avalanche…
Frank Wells, Dick’s original partner in the Seven Summits adventure, died from a helicopter crash when snow skiing… Dick was in the second helicopter that day…
Frank, was with Marty when she died… Two other climbers died on different expeditions when with Frank…
I once pointed out to Dick, how people died climbing with Frank… Dick never climbed with Frank again, or flew…
I think trying to order pizza delivery is perfect… for Dick to do… Just the attempt must of been a morale booster… for all involved…🎉
Dick, always referred to himself, as being a high altitude hiker…
Marty Hoey memorial:
www.rmiguides.com/blog/2022/05/18/celebrating_and_remembering_the_1982_china_everest_expedition
My friend, I have goosebumps reading your comment. Thank you. I really should do a longer review of Seven Summits. Your insight on Dick's life and his thoughts before passing are truly enlightening. He is someone I always had hoped to meet someday. One degree of separation, but I never got to ask him about his adventures. Interesting about the age he climbed Everest...55....I was 54....and most assuredly NOT the oldest to climb it at the time! When I mentioned the book in the video I honestly had a thought to mention Frank Wells, Marty Hoey...the efforts and losses in his quest to do what he did...it seemed a bit off topic. Having your comment is a gentle nudge to do a deeper piece on this. Perhaps we can connect one of these days...Dick is an inspiration, ahead of the pack on many things. Thanks for taking the time to comment...I've pinned it to the top so that more people will be able to read about Dick, Frank, Marty.... Peace, and thank you, -Thom
Thanks… My pleasure, to share…
Interesting. I have never heard of climbers developing lung issues and there have been a lot of studies regarding that. In the grand scheme of things Bass spent very little time at high altitude. Hundreds of people have spent much more time up high. It will be interesting to see if others develop this issue. I am inclined to believe there were other factors that caused his illness but we will never know.
Wow,…..just….wow. I’ve seen some ‘hairy’ stuff in my day but I cannot I,shine the sheer Nerve and will. 🇨🇦 Army Veteran
@@EverestMystery My dad sat next to Dick Bass on a plane just after he had finished the Seven Summits and had written the book by the same title. So, reading the comment above was interesting.
Excellent video. I totally agree with your opinions. I'm one person who has definitely heard of Manaslu, having read many books about Himalayan and other mountain climbing locations around the world. I know enough about peaks like Manaslu to understand the extreme challenges and the dangers. I respect people like Jim and Hilaree Nelson for their adventurous spirits, but I don't have sympathy when I hear she was killed on the mountain. I don't want to sound heartless, but all these people take extreme risks knowing the consequences if anything goes wrong. You are correct, unfortunately more will die just like Hilaree Nelson.
Joe, your comments are always spot on. Thank you!
Totally agree with your assessment, Thom.
The discussion about Reinhold Messner was about Annapurna I, which he (apparently) reached in snowy, foggy conditions and couldn't tell for sure if he was on the highest point. However, he did reach the true summit of Manaslu (without artificial oxygen) on a Tyrolean expedition in 1972, via the Southwest Face. He proved it by bringing back a rusty piton from the Japanese first-ascenders and accurate descriptions of the highest point.
Love your hat and your Fender silver face!
Many thanks for the correction on Messner....someone msgd me about it, my bad! I appreciate your insight and knowledge of history. The hat: the North Face. Guitar: 2017 Fender American Pro Strat. Cheers!
Thanks again for the great content. I'm not a climber, but I believe your vast experience does allow you to give an opinion. I don't believe in contests. If you tell me that you haven't climbed all 8,000 meter peaks, I congratulate you! WHY, because you are alive to share the beauty that we can only see through the lens from your camera. Thanks for the awesome beauty!
Maria, thank you for being here and for taking the time to comment. It's very much appreciated!
Oh man Thom!! This is wonderful. So much great information. I am not blowing wind up your nethers, but I think of the expeditions you were a part of filming and photographing are more showing the necessity of preparation and skill and frankly fundamental common sense to safely complete climbs on these mountains and show others how to do it. And respect what you are doing.
Thanks for sharing.
So good having you here my friend. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
@@EverestMystery I was thinking about it. When I watch one of the movies about climbing Everest (for example) after all the wonder at the scenery, and the awe at the investment in time and effort needed to attempt a climb, the next thing that happens is I feel like, "Well, I guess I can do my PT for my back, or I can do my yoga three times a week". So I think what I take is that I am inspired within my capabilities to push harder, but not to run out and climb a mountain.
what I've learned from watching climbing culture in the Himalayas over thevlast 22 years is that I want NOTHING to do with it.
I totally understand....but hope you'll stick around for a short video I'm putting together about mountains in the Himalaya that are not 8,000 meter peaks, literally thousands of them, that are clean and uncrowded and beautiful. The Himalaya is among the most beautiful and wonderful places on the planet. It's getting its ass kicked in some places like this one seen in this video. I pray you won't view the entire Himalaya in that way. We need good people like you to do it right. Cheers, and thanks Derek for taking the time to watch!
@@EverestMystery Very good point. Even in thevmost crowded National Parks there's always hiddeb gems and ways to avoid the crowds. thabks for the reminder
@@EverestMystery But as the guy below said ,what`s the point of doing a lesser mountain if you`re not risking you life and it`s only a walk .? You kind of agreed !
@EverestMystery nepal 🇳🇵 has d most of d 8000m+m piks but it's so soo dirty 😫 nepal 🇳🇵 government needs to take action and close all d mountain ⛰️ climbing for almost 5 years so the mountains ⛰️ can be cured back to its former glory 👀 see india 🇮🇳 too have one of 3rd highest pick and rest are 6000+m but it's really clean.
@@Tapas82 Well Nepal isn't going to close anything if it means giving up 25 cents. Grow up and face facts.
Exceptional commentary. Thank you for talking about it. You obviously care about all the people up there, and it shows. Thanks for a great video. Keep them coming!
Thanks Thom for this material. I was under a huge impression watching Hilaree climbing Lhotse and descending with Jim Dream Line in 2018. What a loss. Once again many thanks for your brilliant job!
Thank you so much, I appreciate it. Glad you are here!
Nice! I love reading and learning about climbing stories for exactly the reasons you mentioned: these stories show us what people can achieve with determination and a bit of obsession. It's not necessary to climb a high mountain to appreciate that. There are many routes to doing something unusual and remarkable.
Manaslu has been on our radar for more than few years. My big mountain dreams began long before “North Face” athletes were even a thing.
I’m so grateful that I was able the explore and experience the world pre-cell phone, when computers were in their infancy. A simpler time, where it seemed the mountains were quiet, remote… special, almost secret. Aw… the “golden years.”
Now, health issues will keep me from the “big” summits. Absolutely not worth risk to self or others. This last year was spent grieving this loss. Yes, it has felt like the killing of part of my spirit in a sense. I now support my partner in his endeavors. The risk to all sure has increased over the last few years. It’s definitely concerning.
Thank you for this. I appreciate your efforts to elevate awareness. Namaste
So weird how the 1996 tragedy seemed like a reckoning, but instead there’s an exponential rise in that type of risk. I climbed an easy mountain recently and was so disappointed at all the people. I was on the mountain, their bodies where there too, but their minds were on instagram.
Living in a digital world. Hiking locally for me, we’re always seeking out the least travelled mountains. It’s always a treat when there is no cell service! :) thank you for watching!
@@EverestMystery I can certainly agree with that. We always choose days of the week and times of the year when few people are on the mountain trails.
I've only been alpine climbing in Mont Blanc massif. I was really struck by how hard it was to evaluate risk and make good decisions e.g. stonefall. e.g. avalanche e.g. serac collapse e.g. storms. None of this can be learnt on a climbing wall with plastic holds and bolts. I would feel completely out of my depth on Himalayan sized mountains.
U just go for it and hope for the best
@@markhilltaco4079 Haha I was in an avalanche.
Nothing quite like the Alps....did a bunch of climbing there in the late 80's and learned so much. My experiences there were invaluable. Thanks for dropping by!
Yes, Drew, we did Mont Blanc in the late 1990s and it's an old frigging Mountain. Lots of loose rock the entire way up. People above you kicking rocks down in your direction. It was not what we expected and very dangerous just due to the loose rocks everywhere.
I'm not a climber either, I have trouble climbing stairs!! Still climbing has always interested me & I love watching videos like yours. I'm learning lots. Thank you.
Thanks so much for watching and for commenting. Great having you here!
Nice to see you back in a more substantive contribution. But man, was I distracted by the horrible finish on that strat!! : ]
2017 Fender American Pro Strat in Antique Olive ~ played SO DAMN well in the shop that it beat out a sunburst and a Lake Placid blue for which one I brought home. Consider it camo on stage when ya want to blend in 😎🎸 cheers my friend !
@@EverestMystery I've many guitars, my favourite is my 1963 Jag, plays like being on a cloud. But any guitar is a good one if played and loved.
That´s a man speaking the truth, really refreshing to hear!
Glad to have you here, I appreciate it!
Thank you brother. I appreciate your insights. Namaste Dhai🙏
My pleasure, I am glad that you enjoyed the video. Cheers my friend!
I agree with you completely my friend. I have climbed and hiked many of the 3000-4000 Meter mountains in The Euro Alps over the years, never spent a day in the Himalayas. Never paid any guide or Sherpa, many climbs all by myself. Never pushed it too far, turned back many times. Thank you for pointing out the reality of Commercial Mountain Climbing. It's a dangerous joke at this point. Keep it up.
Thanks for another great video. I done my first expedition in September. Mont Blanc/Gran Paradiso. I taught I was super fit. At the top of the glacier on gran paradiso I got altitude sickness. I'm not planning any bigger mountains until I return next year hopefully to summit successfully. All these wealthy mountain tourists need to earn their stripes on smaller mountains. I don't belong on bigger mountains until I climb atheist 8 mountains in the alps
What are atheist 8 mountains?🤔🤣
@@bryancushman7106 spelling error Mr perfect
@@davidm8354 it was a joke... I know it's a spelling error. It's called proof reading?
David, great having you here....I love the Alps. Mont Blanc and the surrounding area is where I learned most of my big mountain lessons. Cheers and thank you!
Thank you for keeping both my guitars safe
It's the least I could do! When are you dropping by for a jam sesh?!
Thanks for the video. Only one minor correction: Not so much Manaslu but Annapurna is where Messners summit claim faces critique from "purists".
Ah, thank you!
Wonderful video Thom! You are a great story teller!
Thom is high.
David, thank you so much! Good having you here
Great video Thom. You're breathing fire 🔥 on this one
Alex, hope I didn't overstate it...cheers my man, more on the way!
100% correct Thom, I’m with you all the way!
Thank you, glad that you are here! I hope you're enjoying some of the recent uploads
I used to do a lot of match fishing here in the UK and paid my dues in my area. There were quite a few guys who never really cared about being competitive or paying their dues, but they looked the part, had all the top of the range fishing tackle etc. I used to refer to them as "all the gear and no idea", and this is quite similar to the climbers mentioned in the video not paying their dues, and are sponsored by gear companies who throw all the gear at them so they can market their brand, advertise to the same people who have all the gear and no idea 🙄👍
Thanks for the thoughtful video. I am a long distance swimmer, coach, and work for a company that does swim events and trips. Its on a different level but we have also seen a rise in people coming to things with unrealistic expectaions of themselves or maybe unrealistic expectaions of the difficulty of what they are attempting. This puts not only themselves but others in danger. I watched with the hope that there is a lesson I/we can take from the sport of mountaineering. My take away is to reinforce the list that asked myself before doing some of the more extreme/iconic swims that I have attempted: Have I prepared? Am I willing to accept the risk? and most importantly will the EXPERIENCE (not the bragging rights) add something to my life.
Welcome to the channel and thank you for your thoughts. I put myself through college on a swimming scholarship and am already a fan, having many friends who have stayed with the sport and undertake open water swims.
Your insight is keen and on point. If everyone approached an extreme endeavor like you do, we’d have fewer disasters in the mountains.
Thanks for being here and thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts.
I was on Manasu- in '89. It is a mountain that requires respect. I agree with every point you made. I can't hardly believe 100's of people on the mountain. As you said these are not for the peak bagging tourist. These mountains are so extreme that it takes years of experience and sound judgment before one should attempt them.
Their was a saying that, "the people that keep summitting will eventually not come back." This is still true.
So sorry to hear the about the losses and my heart felt condolences.
In 1989 it must have been closer to heaven....quiet, mountain to yourself....that was a great era in mountaineering (in terms of during my life, at least). Times have changed! Cheers and thank you for watching!
Great commentary. As a non mountaineer I'd much rather be alone on unknown peak just doing my thing . Sharing any mountain with hundreds of others is my idea of insanity .
Absolutely, me too ~ I’m glad you watched. Thanks for dropping by!
Fascinating commentary Thom, in just over ten minutes you raised so many issues. A sad loss to the mountaineering world, a world where no one is invincible, Manaslu I feel has been commercialized very poorly, like several other mountains. When a peak like that, for whatever reason becomes the next must do thing, the hype starts rolling and the dollar signs start flashing in outfitters eyes and laptops, then yeah, you are absolutely right, it's disaster waiting to happen. Sadly I'm seeing this more and more here in Nepal, examples of adventure without purity in the Instagram etc world. The other aspect you didn't mention this time but you've covered well in other videos, is the environmental degradation when peaks become too popular. I know a lot of locals are really torn with all this right now, the balance between the bucks rolling in and what is right from environmental, pure adventure and even spiritual dimensions, is out of kilter.
Thom is High
Brilliant video. I am not a climber, but I am researching the impact Social Media is having on professional athletes, and the need for them to post content to appease sponsors, and their fan base, which in turn is leading to Mental Health issues, career down turns and in some cases, death. This is a really important topic, thank you for bringing it further out in the open.
I'd love to see your research, it's truly fascinating. Is this for a publication or a book? I'd like to learn more about your findings. Thank you!
I really appreciate your thoughts and reflections! Especially from an inside perspective…it is absurd what’s going on on these mountains. I miss the respect and humility for nature and native people. I really hope for the best and a shift in mindset..
Also, what an incredible woman and inspiration Hilaree Nelson was!
Really great insights! I recently found your channel after a video about the Manaslu avalanche came across my feed and I wanted to learn more. I'm not a mountaineer, I'm unable to do more than some easy hiking due to health/joint issues, but I'm always fascinated by this phenomenon we've seen on Everest, other popular peaks, and in an unrelated but recent incident, the Titan submersible, where pushing to go to these extreme environments that others are going is leading to making a risky situation even riskier. As someone who has had to practice much more caution as I get older due to my own personal situation not allowing me to take many risks without very careful risk assessment, the idea of waiting in line to summit sounds like hell to me. I'd rather go elsewhere and experience something less crowded and risky! But I suppose I can see where others would want to push for that "I conquered that" completionism.
I love your content. I found your channel when Hilaree was missing & listened to your conversation with Explorersweb. Newbies should watch Netflix Aftershock. All about the earthquake and deaths on Everest & devastation in Kathmandu. Sobering. Wow ! These Climbing “tourists” who are inexperienced, have no idea about the danger. The devastation in 2015, was heart wrenching to watch. Should be mandatory for everyone when they sign up for these expeditions. I agree w/ you Thom, TOO many people on the mountains. Ego & $$$$$. My heart goes out to the Sherpa community. Devastating this year. I subscribed, and really enjoy your insight & hearing the raw truth you are trying to educate the masses. Thank you Thom 😅
Thank you for being here and thanks for sharing your thoughts. It's great having you here! I watched the first segment of Aftershock last night....very intense. Thank you for the suggestion! Look forward to seeing you around. Cheers!
It's not devastating to go to work and get paid. However, it is horrible to watch these ego maniac's ruin the earth everywhere they go.
Wonderful commentary. I suppose that craving (Huxley's Bread and Circuses to an extreme) to get oneself away from the mundane, coupled with our Instagram/Selfie culture means there will be more of this. Subscribed and appreciate your take.
Thank you for being here, truly glad you appreciate the content. I endeavor to keep bringing it. Thanks again!
I think the reason more people are climbing these large mountains is because more people are aware of mountaineering (and of course, the population increase must be account for). I hardly knew about Everest until a UA-cam video got my interest and then another and another and it made me realise that perhaps climbing could be right up my alley in terms of my personal interests. Here’s the thought process: “if I can tackle this hill, then I can tackle the next bigger hill. Then the next mountain. Then pursue my dream career. What can stop me? I have developed the skill of perseverance.”
Sarah, I would love to hear how your newfound interest in Everest has gone. Perhaps a summit photo is in the future? Cheers and thank you
This was an amazing take! Fully agree! Especially the “paying your dues” part.
Thank you so much! I have another vid about Manaslu coming out next week....interview with a climber and all. Really appreciate you being here!
Well said and balanced analysis.
love your channel, very down to earth
I appreciate it, thank you very much! Glad you are here :)
Fascinating and appreciate your insight.
Great having you here, thank you!
Excellent content as always
Just found your channel recently Thom. Appreciate your perspective and experience. I grew up riding out hurricanes on the East Coast with my dad. I very much appreciate the adventure and need to be fully present in the moment that mountaineering provides. For a couple of months now I've been binge watching videos about Everest on UA-cam at night. My son and I are talking about a trip to Nepal when I retire in a couple of years. I would love to just SEE Everest including the peak.
Off the top of your head can you suggest one or two fairly accessible locations that that could be possible from? Do you happen to know? Thank you so much and keep up the good work.
Elizabeth, it's great to see you here. Very excited you're thinking of heading to Nepal for a look at Everest. Truly consider an Everest Base Camp trek...if you have a couple weeks. It will be the trip of a lifetime. Thanks for being here and for taking the time to say hello. Cheers!
Beautifully stated 🍃🌸🍃🙏🏽🍃🌸🍃
Thank you Kathy, I appreciate it very much!
@@EverestMystery 👵🏽👋🏾🍃🦬🍃 You are very welcome! 😻
Interesting video, thank you. As a side note though.....I love that stratocaster behind you. That's such a lovely looking guitar. Never seen one that colour before. Very nice with the black scratchplate and the white pick ups. Super cool!
Jason, thank you! It's a 2017 American Professional, in antique olive. Maple fretboard was key for me. Plays like a dream!
@@EverestMystery Me too. I've always preferred the maple fretboard. Antique Olive? Pretty sure I've never seen or heard of that colour here in the UK. Maybe a US only colour. I love it though. Enquires will be made at the local dealers! Thanks for the reply.
Love your videos!
Thank you so much for your support!
I'm not a climber at all ! but this is very educational and responsible !.. I liked it.
Thank you! Glad that you dropped by
P.S. I don't understand people lining-up in giant queues to climb ANYTHING. The wife and I drove to the Hyalite Canyon for some birthday ice climbing in Jan 2019. I hadn't been up there since I started ice climbing back in 1988. Suffice it to say that there was a queue at every piece of ice in the lower climbs. We walked back to the car, pulled-out the snowshoes, and just enjoyed shoeing around the trails in giant, heavy, falling snowflakes that piled-up a foot in just a few hours. I've since quit ice climbing, but if I do I'll stick to going to the unloved, empty ice over here in the Beartooths. Not gonna line up like I'm at an amusement park! :(
I like your thinking ~ belated Happy Birthday!
They're NOT tragedies,...
If you partake in dangerous activities for selfish reasons ( ego, fame, money....). Then whatever befalls you is on you. Plain and simple..
Tragedies happen to the innocent .
A family having a picnic and a sudden storm comes out of nowhere and kills them...
THAT is tragic..
A person who has very little experience mountaineering,
but lots of money and massive ego , pays another person ( people) tens of thousands to
" get them to the top", stumbles their way up, ( complaining about anything they can) becomes delirious and causes a fall, killing people ... That's NOT a tragedy !
everyone there has a reason
to be there ..the key is , they INTENTIONALLY put themselves there , knowing it's dangerous. And again, selfish reasons !!
Uggh, I wasn't intending this to be so long......ok , to get to my point.....
Some words are misused to the point of muddying their meaning ...
Tragedy is most certainly a big one..
here's another that burns me.
" HEROES "
It's waaaaay over-used ..
Not all military personnel are heroes..
.. example:
A random soldier runs right through a mine field to a Lil child..
He keeps the kid still until the helicopter comes , grabs the rope ladder, flown to safety , everyones good..
He IS a hero
Is the heli pilot? Nah
Is the mess hall cook who gave the kid some stew after? No
But according to the media , they ALL are... Omg I need to shutup
Good stuff, thank you! Honestly, you nailed it...I wrestled with the word tragedy and now am essentially left with it there. I am not a 'tragedy' guy, as I feel like we all have the experiences we're meant to have. For the children of these people? Yes....that constitutes something along those lines. I hope you enjoyed the vid anyway! Cheers my friend
@@EverestMystery oh I absolutely love this video. And I certainly did not mean that you were abusing the word at all. I just meant society on the whole.
I should have couched that right at the beginning because now I read my first sentence in that comment and it looks like I'm blasting at you. Apologies for that.
And again, yeah I really enjoyed it. These are the kind of videos that "reek" of quality lol..
Mostly because the experience of the presenter (you) is there to back it up !
Okay, carry on, and get to work on the next one :)
P.s. and I think I should add that when I use the word "selfish" and the term "selfish reasons", it's to mean that people have their own self-driven motivation to do a thing. Sometimes the word selfish also is taken as a pure negative, but it extends to many things and not all of them necessarily bad or negative.
The footage shown while you described the 'drone' footage was in fact taken using a selfie-stick. 👍
Yes, definitely was....so many comments about it that I added notes below the video and did a #shorts video about it. Much appreciated! Thanks for watching!
I knew Hilaree in telluride and like all world class, elite athletes she had a love of sport that catapulted her into that revered NF sponsorship where pushing it is expected… for many of them (not all) the risk of death is worth the glory if successful. It’s not a death wish, it’s also not greed and not all ego either… it’s a combo of the best in people with the worst of capitalism.
That totally makes sense, thanks for sharing your thoughts Jen, much appreciated!
Tom spittin’ hot fire about Os! Tell us how you REALLY feel! 🤯
Nah, but....well....true, tho... :)
Risk is part of life. I think a bigger issue is how risk adverse younger generations are. Kids are scared of everything these days! They act like they might die if they do anything dangerous. Even scared of driving.
Driving is dangerous, though. Look up the rate of injuries for hours spent and it is pretty high.
Granted, it’s no contact sport like Rugby, Hockey, Martial Arts, or American Football, but it certainly isn’t safe either; at least not on average.
Though, it has gotten safer and still does.
Not that it holds me back. But I recognize that I am pretty unique as far as my tolerance for unknowns. I actually consider myself fairly risk adverse, as I don’t go into things blind or unpracticed. But, with that said, I still likely have a greater risk profile than average.
I think it has more to do with these young peoples lack of exposure to risk and the needed step to mitigate risk with compromising goal achievement.
Wanna climb a tree? Harness up, tie in, and have fun! That type of thought process is missing.
Fascinating stuff, great photos but I ain't mountain climbing or cave diving, even if you paid me.
Totally get that. Cave diving gives me chills just thinking about it!
"Der Gipfel" von Anatoli Boukreev ist übrigens eine sehr interessante Ergänzung zum Buch von Krakauer!
Yes! (I used Google Translate) Danke!
Great vid bro
The stuff they say about messner not summiting all the mountains is in my opinion bs. He did it to the best of the knowledge available and I’m sure no one will say he wouldn’t have been able to. It’s sad these mountains become a tourist attraction.
Social media has contributed to this madness immensely... I stopped posting on social media to a great extent and it help me focus amd relax on my expeditions...
This is a great point and topic worth looking into. As in, are the numbers of people more interested in the attention generated by an epic storm or or summit pic, is it a love of the mountains that has been borne into them? Thanks so much for watching!
Off topic, but your Strat and Les Paul👍 Think I saw a Fender Twin reverb for a split second…I also love the classics
Breaks my heart but I sold the Les Paul :( put a new pick guard on the Strat (aged pearl white). The amp is a Princeton Reverb....might have to bump up to a Twin one of these days! Cheers and thanks for watching
Thanks!
Thank you so much!
Great Video. I also feel that since you are paid to live your dreams one feels obligated to take risks. We need to stop being a part of the PR machine and live on our terms.
I apologize...my attention went to the Fender amp and what appears to be a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard Cherry except for the headstock. I couldn't get a clear view of it but liked the vid.
Yes! It's a 1991 Les Paul Standard in Candy Apple Red with gold hardware....they did a limited run that year (pretty much the Gibson thing). Walked into a shop one day and I picked that up and couldn't let it go. I've sold off a few of my guitars...honed it down to three...as a few thousand more hours practice are mandatory to master a few things. I'll put that in better view next time! Cheers and thanks for watching!
YOUR 100 % corrrect with regards to the searches with Manaslu attached to Hillaree Nelson, ( I am one) .....and have an adventurous soul ....although I may not be sponsored athlete like the North Face athletes....to be able to be monetarily compensated for something you love....is a Win Win!! Sadly ...the world has lost a beautiful soul, but she certainly inspires many millions of people to go out and adventure....I am passionate about kiteboarding ( it can be extremely dangerous), but having said that, it make me feel more alive ...and willing to take the associated risk with my sport...!!! As for whats happening with regards to non climbers attempting to climb mtns with minimal skillset, is comparable to someone to go kiting without kite lessons....its an accident waiting to happen!!! (Believe me lots have died kiteboarding because they didnt know how to use their safety systems ...etc!!! Lastly, North Face has lost a beautiful ambassador for products!!! Thank you for sharing!!! 1st time viewer (wont be my last) Cheers...1000 islands Canada
Bruce, thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts. Super pleased that you found this video. May you have many years of safe kiteboarding ahead of you! Your home area is certainly the right place for it! Cheers
I can’t even imagine trying to ski that mountain 😱 absolutely insane peak.
Ditto....it's a realm of which I am not familiar... Thanks for watching!
Into thin air
The Summit
The ascent
The will to climb
Everest the cruel way
The push
Beyond the Mountain
Annapurna
Savage Arena
K2
These are just some of the books I've read and loved. Yet none, NONE of them make me want to climb over 8000 metres. I only JUST want to climb the fells in the lake district.
I don't generally mind how people want to spend their time and money. But I really do care when it involves Sherpa or porters that become exploited. Doesn't matter if they are "paid well" by comparison. If you can't take your own equipment, you shouldn't be up there. I even remember the during the earthquake in 2015 in Nepal. The people on Everest had enough money to get a helicopter to base camp quickly. When those in neighbouring villages/valleys couldn't. Sorry I hate to be cynical about areas of such outstanding natural beauty. But it urks me. An hell if I had the money and fitness maybe I would be there but I would like to think I'm realistic enough to know money isn't enough.
Sorry for rant. Love your content. ❤️
Meg, great books and great suggestions. There are a handful in there I have never read. Sometime ago I did a post about mountaineering books...and it received dozens of comments and suggestions.
I agree with you on the Sherpa question. Undoubtedly, the realm of mountaineering has helped them transform their lives in many ways. They're royalty in my eyes, and not just the ones who summit a dozen times. Yet, indeed, those on the front tip of the spear aren't making a ton of money and often pay with their lives. Totally agree on the 2015 heli flights....I think it would have been pretty cool to see the stranded climbers in 2015 and 2014 make their way down by themselves. (Easy for me to say, I was in Base Camp in 2014 during the serac avalanche that killed 16).
Always good to have you here. Thank you for being a part of the channel!
@Everest Mystery - Thom Dharma Pollard Thank you for your reply. Always appreciate your interaction. Especially because I think you're a fantastic role model for those who wish to climb. I can't imagine what it would of been like in 2014. To lose that many souls. To know how that would affect the families of those men. It's truly heartbreaking and understandable that many didn't want to continue with the season.
Well done.
Arnetts quote applies to every mountain on earth. You need to have the necessary experience prior to attempting anything whether it's a casual scramble on a weekend hike or a major expedition.
On point!
🙏🏼❤️ Wise Words
Thank you my friend 🙏
I saw a video recently on UA-cam of a guy from the Red Bull team SKIING DOWN K2!!!! 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯 That just looks and sounds like an utter death wish
Yeah that is pretty insane....a special breed indeed!
Hi Thom, great content, thank you. I believe that the images from the summit were taken by a new device called "Insta 360" and it looks like a drone shot although it is a camera in a huge "selfie stick", as you can see in one of the latest Casey Neistat videos. It is like a GoPro but more versatile. Check it out. Best Regards.
Hi Daniel, thank you so much....I was too late to the game when I figured out the selfie stick thing in the video. Honestly, when I posted it hadn't looked figured it out...then a friend asked me to film an event for him and he had one!....the light finally turned on! There is drone footage out there by the same person, which I intend to find and share here. Thanks for watching much appreciated!
There's calculated risk combined with expertise, but then there's gambling.
True!
Jim Morrison completed skiing down Manaslu? I thought he died in the 70’s. 😏
He was hiding in Paris all these years....
Wow, great summary of ego, drive, greed... I would love to do a trek in Nepal, but not at anyone else's or my own life expense.
Dawn, please try to get to Nepal for a trek someday!
he's not flying a drone. it's a insta360 on the invisible selfish stick. excellent video, thanks. I was talking with my gf about Hilary and she said what you said. "if you have children you have no right to do these things.
I totally blew it on the drone thing....this guy did fly a drone on the summit, but the footage I was referring to was that 360 selfie stick thing. I appreciate that you watched this, very much! I hope I didn't convey that Hilaree had no right to do what she was doing. I support it as someone who is in no position to judge someone who makes their own free will choices. That said, I personally made the decision to forgo my ambitions to climb K2 or doing Everest without Oxygen because of having kids. K2 got somewhat 'easier' recently, given all the support that has overwhelmed the mountain. I'm old enough not to care that much, though! Take care and thank you!
@@EverestMystery no I didn't get the feeling that was your opinion. Just stating what some people say. I think it's amazing what she did but you had a interesting perspective on the marketing machine that is the north face. Allowing these athletes to push it to these extreme achievements. Of course it's horrible she had kids.. but the passion and love she had for the mountains was and is inspiring. It's easy to say she had no right but I think those kids had a amazing mother and she was a incredible badass. I also think she will inspire them to go for their dreams as well one day.
That's a incredible decision you made and I'm sure you are a excellent father. I just bought a insta360 so I have been watching videos on them. I'm sure it gets confusing when writing and editing these vids. I really enjoyed it.
Regarding the “true summit” is it possible that it is just built up snow and ice to make a new form and size over time?
Very mush so, the true summit is somewhere under that ice flute…but still likely higher than the previous spots. Cheers
Manaslu... check! Gibson Les Paul
... check! Fender Stratocaster... check! Fender blackface Princeton... check! Marshall plexi or JCM800... errrrr... something is missing here! You don't leave basecamp without a Marshall circuit! Go back down and ruck it up or have a Sherpa bring it up for PROPER summit celebration! :D
My friend I choose YOU as my Sherpa, I need that Marshall STAT! I truly lack a complete collection 🎸🙏✌️
Started coughing up blood on annurpurna at only 5600 m descended 3600m then slept for over 24 hours woke up with a “ hangover”
Sounds awful....pulmonary edema or acute mountain sickness.
Honestly I think the pandemic changed the way a lot of people look at their own mortality and that may explain the increasing popularity of venturing into the Karakoram. The high of escaping something potentially fatal is somewhat addictive.
That said, from a medical perspective, I think the best way to deal with the situation is to play it as it lies. If the reality is that climbers with less experience are going to be attempting the big mountains, and given the realities of summit fever, I would put forward the contrarian view that we should accept that additional infrastructure is required to support them. While we might scoff at their foolhardy decision making, from a medical perspective, we have to remain non-judgemental. We don’t deny treatment to smokers or alcoholics for example, and whether these folks are making a stupid decision or not, they don’t deserve to die.
I would explore the benefits of erethropoetin treatment leading up to departure. Among other things solar, wind and geothermal energy could be harnessed to expand the availability of concentrated oxygen, etc.
while certainly many people shouldn’t be there, instead of judging them, maybe we should be exploring practical ways of keeping them alive - or - at least - giving them a better chance of survival.
Truly appreciate your comments. No judgment here on people going to the mountains....inexperienced or not, if there is a permit to be had, anyone is free to purchase it. That said, the governments of these mountains have a responsibility to the planet and the environment to regulate the garbage and human waste problem, as do especially the outfitters who make bank on guiding the climbers, and on down to the individuals who climb there. They have every right to be there, no one can deny them that right. Regulations, though, from the top down, to foster a 'safe' experience, would help. Thanks for dropping by, really appreciate your thoughts!
@@EverestMystery agree completely.
Is it wrong to judge when net result is environmental degradation in a time of mass extinctions? It is important to refrain from being judgemental when it is counter-productive, but this is not the case. You say more infrastructure for the ambitious but less-experienced mountaineering elite and wealthy at the expense of the environment, I disagree because of the need of the commons. There is no "need" for this mountaineering except in the short term for the local sherpas to eke out a decent living, but long-term that's not a solution for the poverty gap. True happiness is not dependent upon extreme sports, despite what some people say.
For me it seems that the drone recordings are not "footage" but an Insta 360 camera (position 4:42). Therefore, the distance to the filmer is always the same and the arm is stretched out. The steepness in the pictures is actually due to the super wide-angle lens of the camera and certainly does not correspond to reality (even if I have not yet been to Manaslu to be able to judge for myself). All speculation regarding this exaggerated impression and, among other things, Reinhold Messner are therefore rather conspiracy theories or the like. Nevertheless, spectacular recordings!!!
Absolutely, I covered that in the notes to the video and actually did a UA-cam short about the subject of drone versus 360 camera. I really appreciate you took the time to watch and hope you enjoyed it! Cheers
@@EverestMystery shure, I did enjoy. Right after my statement I saw you discription about the drone footage.
I can hear the passion in your voice as you discuss the ecotourist trade.. always heartbreaking when something you're passionate about gets abused and misused.
Sir Edmund Hillary spoke passionately about this, as did my mentor Bradford Washburn...now they were doing it pure style. Thanks for watching!
The first I’ve heard of this woman - but I am one of those people who feel that the needs of your offspring - up until they’re if the age of independence - and that mileage varies, but up until such time you’re a person with dependants and their needs will surely usurp the needs of your own ego. So she’d rather break her own personal records at the risk of becoming the first woman who breaks the hearts of her sons. That my friend is an unfit parent.
This is a pretty misogynistic take on the situation. Also, do you say the same about law enforcement who die in the line of duty? This was her chosen career. She was paid to do these things. People choose risky careers.
I do not think she should be criticized for earning money doing something she loved.
It's not just on the giants I've seen guides take up people on "simple" peaks in the Alps that had no business being there. In the end it's all about money
The "real" summit of manaslu? As someone who only hikes to be in nature and for the views, it seems like a load of BS to me
That pretty much sums it up! Some years ago, out of respect, many would opt to not go to the actual summit (maybe only ten feet) of mountains like Kanchenjunga out of respect. This distance of 75 feet has been a boon for outfitters. Thanks for watching!
Awesome guitars
If I could rip a little better I’d jam an intro every time! Thank you for watching!
@@EverestMystery welcome I watch a lot
My exploring aspirations have greatly declined as i grow older thankfully The North Face has introduced slippers so I can still feel the glory and danger of youth and good health going for coffee in the morning while wearing their logo. But the edge is still Out there. H.S.T .
The greatest adventure of all (at least in the morning) is that to create the greatest cup of coffee ever made. I still dread leaving home when I'm packing...but the absolute second the wheels or my feet cross the Rubicon past the driveway I'm transfixed into the realm of expectation that something amazing could happen just around the other corner. And all that said, I pack my slippers!
I know I'm blowing up your notifications haha. Many of my previous comments were during a peyote journey I was taking earlier today. Sorry about that. LOL But you said here in the description that you would bring the drone footage in another post. Just curious if that has happened yet. Thank you!!
Tim, that is awesome! Yes, working on a drone piece....might be closer to the holidays, as I'm putting it together with an interview that I won't be able to get til later. Stay tuned, as I am indeed 'on it' lol CHEERS and safe travels and adventures to you!
I would love to climb, however, the traffic means the risk is too high. Traffic increases your danger and it’s out of your control. Add weather to that and it’s Russian roulette
These are all the truth, people and traffic makes it much more dangerous.
If I had the power, I would remove all the fixed ropes out of all the mountains. That alone would cleanse and purify the spirit of mountaineering and rebalance the relation of men with nature.
Old fixed lines add up....they are an eyesore and somewhat dangerous.
Don't play in the traffic if your not driving all the cars.
Always been a big fan of manaslu, haven't got to climb it. Montani semper liberi.
Me too, I think my days of desiring that mountain are past. I hope to visit the region someday though - always happy to see that you're watching the videos, thank you
Been on a track around Manaslu last April and we barely scraped the 17000ft mark. Ideal weather in the spring and even we had to adept our plans due to fresh snow. Any mountain ain't a picknick. It's a challenge even for the fit genetic freaks that can do 8000-ers. Tempting the many is disingenuous and dangerous. I get truly get the temptation to try. There's no one stopping you from trying, **** they actively tempt you with a supportive smile while cashing your check. I'm not a rich guy but I can likely get my bank to bankroll a summit attempt. But where's the ethics? There's no way a 50 year old guy with only light alpine experience and weighing over 100kg should do more then look at the pretty pictures. The fact that even I was asked by tour guides whether I would be back for an attempt at a higher altitude doesn't instill a lot of confidence as to the seriousness of some organizations.
Erwin, a good place to start would be a 3-day alpine mountaineering course, such as Rainier (in the states) or the like....or enlist with a company on a trekking peak in Nepal....Island Peak is a big mountain, but very do-able. 50 is not even close to being too old to do these things...in fact, your ambitions are probably in check. All that said, go with a reputable organization...truth be told, usually the ones that cost more are hiring more experienced guides. PM me if you want some intel on any other ideas. Cheers and thank you for watching!
alpining is no different than any other extreme sport or thrill / risk hobby; you push the edge with the skillset you develop and refine to handle all the elements required for you to manage stuff at extreme moments /on an edge; you go into it knowing that & that is, frankly, the appeal. No one goes into such things without feeling like they can accomplish the task. It is just a momentary oversight or slip or flash of time mis-stepped or looked in the wrong direction or grabbed the wrong handhold & WHAMO ;you find yourself ( if you are fortunate enough to have time to realize wtf is occurring) meeting your mortality. They are calculated risks but risks none-the-less & odds begin stacking against you over time....
The kicker is when you survive and go back up, i guess, to roll them dice again. Maybe this time it'll come up snake eyes
I'd say they're glorifying adventure and endeavour, over risk. (In addition to glorifying North Face merchandise, of course!)
For sure.... Thanks for watching!
Is that a Princeton on the right?
It is indeed! It's a '65 reissue....solid amp!
Trust Americans to call them "athletes" rather than climbers or mountaineers - it immediately signals 'competition'.
Yes, good call. On a technicality, HN was a professional athlete sponsored by The North Face, team captain of the entire TNF team. That term wouldn't typically enter into the mindset...but your thoughts are on point!
Nice guitars!
Right on! Love those babies! Right now I'm spending about 80% of my playing time with my Les Paul, 20% Tele, and my Strat is in the case for a little while. Just mixing things up....
@@EverestMystery I have a wine red Les Paul that is a beauty. If I could play as good as it looks I would be thrilled! Lol
Climbers flocking to Manaslu this year probably has more to do with the fact that climbers don't have many choices. Manaslu is traditionally viewed along with Cho Oyu & Shishapangma as attainable 8000m peaks during the fall-season, now as the latter 2 are off limits because of China's corona politics, prospective climbers have to choose Manaslu by default.
This is true. Very good call. We await word on China opening their doors for Cho, Everest, Shish....we shall see! Thank you for watching!
Hey thanks for spelling out the truth! Stay safe out there. Don't get killed by any amateurs paying $25,000, to have somebody carry all that gear to the top for them!
Never go anywhere to join a queue.
Sage advice! Thank you
The gatekeeping is unreal :P
The drone footage you mention was not taken by a drone! It looks like a 360 camera on a long pole
Yes, check out my recent short video ~ for sure. I don’t have footage of the drone shot, only stills. Thanks my friend!!
I like being in the mountains, but I know, these 8000 meter high mountains are simple too much for me and today with 56 I´m too old for it. I admit, I was interested years ago, looked videos and documetations and it was fascinating. Today when I look at the crowd of people trying to climb Everest I ask myself, why should this be adorable? When I hear, that people are freezing to death because they are waiting a lot of time above 8000 meters to get over the last bottleneck I wonder, why? OK, many people can not afford the 30.000 or 50.000 $ and may be you are afterwards if you survived a start at every party, but what is so exceptional doing this with 200 other people?
There will be more and more people trying to climb Everest or one of the other 8000 meter mountains. And yes, we will see a lot of people dying. But it is inevitable. When you read, some with 70 or 12 years, blind, one leg whatever and people who are not able to climb the mountain and being carried by a Sherpa, what is the expectation? If you have a drastic weather change or simple an avalanche on the wrong place, that´s it for some of the people. My fascination is far less than 20 years ago. It is mass tourism, quite similar people flying to Mallorca. The difference is, that in Mallorca people get drunk and may be get a tripper, at Everest & Co. some simple don´t come back for something, so many people did the same before.
I can't See myself Attempting a Mountain if there wasn't Risk of Death.
What's the Point Going for a Walk?
Absolutely, it's not an adventure if one knows the outcome. That said, if 750 others, most of whom have no experience, are crowded into the same adventure and fully relying on the support of Sherpa and staff, perhaps another mountain out there could offer a better option. Thank you for watching, good having you here!
@@EverestMystery I Have to Walk Alone. If Only the Mountain will Take me. It would be Incomprehensible to be out There with another Human, out there where the Gods Live and Not Free from All & Everything - Think to Touch the Sky - but be Tiny, Buried within the Vast Expanse.
Thank You for Having me.