re: #162 austin_blue

Good for him! People who chase those peaks are just casualties waiting to happen, no matter their skill.

It’s imminent suicide, every goddam year.

Many people (non-mountaineers) have gotten into their heads that nearly anyone can climb Everest (Qomolongmafeng 珠穆朗玛峰 as it is known in this part of the world), as long as they have a good guide and the right equipment. So, the number of people trying to climb the mountain has skyrocketed in the last decade, persuaded no doubt by tour operators and news stories of 90-year-old grannies reaching the top. More climbers, more casualties.

Plus, I suspect global warming is screwing with the weather conditions there, so it’s even more treacherous than before.