Why Do People Keep Trying To Climb Mt. Hood In The Winter? - It's Too Dangerous!
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
United States
February 18, 2007 10:48pm CST
GOVERNMENT CAMP, Oregon. - Rescuers located three climbers who fell from a ledge on snowy Mount Hood Sunday, but rescue efforts were being hampered by blinding snow and wind, officials said.
Rescuers were trying to rappel 150 feet to reach the climbers, but were caught in whiteout conditions. Officials were in sporadic cell phone contact with the three, and believed the were in decent condition.
The climbing mishap occurred at about the 8,300-foot level on the mountain, which is about 60 miles east of Portland.
Battling snow and winds that exceeded 70 mph, a team of rescue mountaineers scrambled up the mountain to search.
Just last December the same thing happened with three other mountain climbers.
There bodies were never found and they will serch for them again in the spring.
Why do they keep climbing this mountain in the middle of winter, putting themselve in danger and the people who try to rescue them?
Over 35 people have died trying to climb this mountain over the last 25 years.
what do you think?
Lloyd
2 people like this
4 responses
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
19 Feb 07
I can share a bit, since I am of that kind. We like to push ourselves. Challenge is the joy to meet. We prepare and train, at least most of us do, and then go out to meet our goals. Some of us are glad to meet our maker while out in the challenge. Die as we have lived. Might not call it sane, however, it is the pursuit of our happiness. The kicker is when the taxpayers end up spending money on the rescues or collection of our bodies. Would seem that there could be some insurance for that sort of thing.
3 people like this
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
19 Feb 07
I just seen on CNN that all may be ok. That is good news.
But this risky behavior has to stop. Why not climb the mountain in the spring or when there are better weather conditions?
Lloyd
2 people like this
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
19 Feb 07
Less of a challenge and there is something to be said about traveling with all that gear that can be hot in the summer. Glad that they appear to be ok, there was a dog with them too I think.
2 people like this
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
19 Feb 07
I think this it is crazy. That have to know the danger that is involved in climbing in this weather. I can't understand why people do this.
3 people like this
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
19 Feb 07
Don't they realize that they are putting others at risk?
How about all the family members at home worrying about them?
Lloyd
2 people like this
@HeartofFaith (25)
• United States
20 Feb 07
I was born and raised in Oregon. People have been climbing Mt Hood since I can remember. However, in the winter time i do think it's a bit nuts! Some people "get off" on the "thrill" of doing the difficult, and yes dangerous things in life. I do think they should have put a bit more thought into doing such a crazy thing, especially under those conditions. That's what I think. Do you think they gave it sufficient thought?
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
20 Feb 07
I think they gave it sufficient thought because they were well prepared.
But nothing is absolute when it comes to Mother Nature. Testing her and her powers in the winter time is not a good idea.
Lloyd
@Tenerifelynn (575)
•
19 Feb 07
I love mountains! But would never try to climb one, let alone in the winter time risking my own life and that of others.
Guess some people cant live without danger in thier lives! Just a pity they dont give a thought to those that have to go out searching for them to bring them back down to saftey. If I go up a mountain, let me stick to guided tours by people that know what they are doing!
Lynn-Marie
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
19 Feb 07
Tenerifelynn,
Well if it's danger they seek ... there's always visiting Washington, D.C.
I'm in full agreement with the previous posts! Part of mastering any sport, including mountain climbing, is knowing the best times/locations to pursue the sport. These latest examples of high-risk, costly rescue operations indicate that either the climbers haven't mastered their sport, or they don't care how their decisions affect others.
At least these three climbers were properly equipped with GPS, and adequate supplies. I'll add that I'm really glad they were all found in pretty decent shape.
I haven't heard about the condition of the Black Lab though. Anyone else heard about the dog's rescue?
1 person likes this
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
20 Feb 07
The Black Lab is in good condition. She only had a couple of scratches on her paws.
They credit her for saving their lives by laying across them and keeping them warm during the night.
Lloyd
