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It is a symbol of men banded together in a common effort of will and strength - not against this or that imagined foeman of the instant, but against their only true enemies: inertia, cowardice, greed, ignorance, and all weaknesses of the spirit" The story is great, and it's going both through spiritual part and technical part of the climb.It is an inspiring book for those who like adventure.My personal favourite quote from the book:"When men climb on a great mountain together, the rope between them is more than a mere physical aid to the ascent; it is a symbol of the spirit of the enterprise. It is a great story about friendship and life. I was amazed about the skills and the logistics available in that time (1953).
This book is the best first had account of this most famous event in U.S. I trekked to the base of K2 in 2007. This book is a must read for anyone interested in mountaineering or the big mountains of Asia. mountaineering. You still have to walk about 150 miles in total over treacherous terrain to get to where you can even see K2. The bravery of these early adventurers is amazing.Some where I have read a less detailed description of the fall and famous belay by Pete Schoening.
But perhaps the authors' objective was not to give insight into individual team members and how they interacted with one another, but rather to just tell of their adventure and how, through remarkable teamwork, they were able to survive K2 against the odds, and live to tell about it.I also would have liked to see more detailed maps of their route throughout the book, so it would be easier to follow them on their ascent and descent.I won't deny that this book deserves a place with the other classic mountaineering epics, due to the extraordinary events that this team lived through. But in extreme, stressful conditions (both mentally and physically) like these, don't people sometimes become short-tempered, or even withdrawn. They were always very complimentary toward everyone on the team.
It is interesting to see the difference in climbing narratives written back in the 50's as compared to those written in the last thirty years or so. I was somewhat bored by this narrative though (except for storm and the famous Pete Schoening team-arrest) and it's one-dimensional portrayal of the team members. Although I have nothing but the utmost respect for these reknowned climbers and their worthy attempt to summit K2, I did not enjoy this book nearly as much as some of the other climbing epics out there today.
It made me wonder if Houston and Bates were telling it like it really was. However, I prefer narratives that really tell it like it is, "warts and all." I want to get a true sense of the struggles (to feel like I am really there in the bitter cold), and come to understand each person who makes up the entire team. It seems like there was a different attitude toward climbing in the 50's and before, one that was more supportive of teamwork and cooperation, whereas many of today's narrations are more reflective of each person being responsible for taking care of him or herself only (such as the '96 Everest disaster).
As in the case of Art Gilkey's emergency situation, the entire team without question (at least in this rendition of the story) made the effort to get him off of the mountain.
Getting down from the high altitude, steep face carrying a wounded member led to the most incredible living disaster I have ever read. Needless to say, the long, unforgiving storm takes it's toll on the men placing them in ultimate peril. One of the writers was a doctor.
This is a detailed account cowritten by two of the climbers and is very detailed including the long walk in. This expedition is no different as a brutal storm stops the climbers just short of the summit. A 1953 climb still translates in 2002.
The book does a great job detailing how high altitude can effect a climber's body. Well, living for most of the climbers Read this book for adventure and historical climbing perspective. I was surprised how little mountain climbing had changed although it did appear distances traveled daily were less as they required 8 campsites to get to the peak.
I find books on mountaineering expeditions very interesting although the climbs themselves contain long periods of boredom.
After a spell of fine weather during the first part of their ascent, all their luck went against them. The authors will astound you with their story. Snow, ice, rock, constant avalanches, loose shale and a generally evil disposition. The task was almost impossible to contemplate, let alone carry out. At 28,250 feet, K-2 is the world's second highest mountain, 800 feet less than Everest.
They were not successful only because the storm was so unrelenting. The book tells us of their meticulous preparations, financing and outfitting. I will not spoil the book for you by describing their descent. Highly recommended One team member became seriously ill and a bitter storm locked them in their "camp" for seven days. The wind almost blew them off their fragile platform.
Mentally add 6,000 feet to K-2 for sheer meanness. I was struck by the fact the cost estimate for the entire 8-man expedition was $25,000. They were determined to carry out their dangerously ill member. Everest is considered a "snow" mountain; K-2 has everything. The camp was a mere outcropping on a rocky ledge. The entire team's bravery in adversity is inspiring.
In 1953, an eight-man American team attempted to summit K-2. I recently read the cost for one ~person~ to join an Everest expedition is $80,000.The two authors come across as fine, honorable, decent men.
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