I just watched a live new's conference ( last one if no new developments ) where the sheriff in charge said that James had a dislocated shoulder. They also found a camera, and the pictures showed they were lightly but well equiped. They have recovered 3 pick axes.

Too bad they couldn't have reset his shoulder. I've had my right shoulder dislocate 5 times in my 20's and twice I had a friend relocate it right away. While your shoulder is sore, this eliminates the pain and give you back a usefull arm.
Of course his dislocation might have been more severe, and maybe they did try ?

Even the worlds best and most experienced climbers have died due to unexpected circumstances. The simplest misstep can end it all. Mountain weather is also almost impossible to predict accurately

This climb was a practice run for a planned Everest climb next year. These guys were not lightweights. They did plan it - according to friends, very well. They just had a run of bad luck.

Bad luck indeed...Mark, you lived in the Pacific NW for a spell. Do you think part of this tragedy was in they not knowing how quickly weather conditions can change here? My condolences for the families.... Even the most skilled can lose it all when playing dangerously. These guys had to know that.

They just announced it will be next spring before any more attempts are made.

Sad end for a weekend on the mountain.

Paul,
I can't speculate about their knowledge of the weather patterns there, but can only assume they did their homework and knew the possibilites.

Very sad ending......

Paul,
I think one of them had climbed Hood before at least once, and James actually had climbed Rainer something like 10 times (proposed to his wife on the mountain by news stories). At least one had done McKinley and another a Peruvian peak. They actually planned a one day up/down assault which was supposed to be possible from the chosen starting point. The injury was probably what did it. And once one thing happens, things snowball (pun not intended) rapidly....:(

Katy who?

If I was dumb enough to climb a mountain like that in winter (I'm not) I don't think it would much matter how much stuff i took with me, EXCEPT FOR A FULLY CHARGED CELL PHONE AND A GPS.
See it goes like this: I call and say I'm in trouble and here's where I'm at according to my GPS positioner. the rescuers pin-point my location within about 3 feet or so.
Wouldn't that make sense? Kinda makes it easier I'd think.
I know some places don't have phone reception but this guy did.

The problem was though his phone call got out, the rescue effort was stalled because of weather. Dumb to climb a mountain in winter? Those who do so probably would consider us dumb for taking chances in high performance cars. It's really all about what turns your crank...

Re: Here's a nice Mt Hood pic
 

Hey, I took that pic . . .that's Maxnine11 in his C2S on a SCWDP drive.

I know it was dangerous driving twisty mnt roads with cameras out the sunroofs . .. but, we had cell phones and a GPS. :cool:

Seriously tho', I also met Kelly J. (in Texas). He was no idiot. The thing is, life is a balance between risk and boredom.

What 'gets' me are those who whine about rescuers who "have to risk going after those guys." Why isn't anyone saying/implying that the rescue guys are just stupid risk takers? . .. is it because the rescue guys have a noble goal?

My point was...motorcycles, small planes, helicopters, high performance cars of any kind, mountain climbing, hunting, backpacking, scuba diving....whatever. NOTHING is without risk...even tabbydoll's buffet dining is risky...The trick is to minimize the risk, while still having fun.

Guys like these climbers take big bites out of life - they died as they lived. I envy their moxy. No one should diss them for living life on their terms.

+1

+2