Mt. EVEREST, A LOST ROMANCE?

I never had a strong desire to climb Mt. Everest.  But recently I've had an overwhelming interest in those who have, those who've tried, but mostly those who've died.

Is the 20% chance of death worth the experience of sitting at the top of the world?

To get there you walk into the "Death Zone" where your body is literally dying from lack of oxygen. Then drag your exhausted self to the summit with only aching will power driving you forward.

Most likely you are starving and dehydrated but are too disoriented to realize. Your mind will play tricks on you, believing you are seeing what was never there. And sleep, it rarely comes AND if it does, be wary that it's not your body shutting for a cold and icy death.

All the while stumbling around fallen climbers who have found their frozen tomb on the tallest mountain in the world.

The attraction to Mt. Everest in the last decade is less of a romance with the mountain and more of a snuff film. Reaching the summit is not only the top priority but for many, the only. It's not about how you get there, as long as you get there.

Sherpa's are heavily relied on to carry supplies, provide cooking and set up camp. Using bottled oxygen is the norm. And if or when you've reached the summit and arrive back to Base Camp IV, don't be surprised if your tent, with food supplies and sleeping bag, have suddenly gone missing (aka stolen).

But you can't walk to Base Camp III now. Most likely a severe storm has rolled in not to mention your brain is exhausted and still, at this moment, dying. You have no choice but to hunker down in your snowsuit or find a fellow friendly climber who will share tent and tea.

But of course that doesn't happen as much anymore either. When pushing for the summit, if you fall, lose sight, become disoriented or too tired, do not rely on your Sherpas, fellow climbers and sometimes even guides to help you down. Many will walk past, unwilling to lose their chance at the summit bid to help you.

It is every man for himself. You made the choice to climb knowing the dangers and possible outcome and that is how you shall die, accepting your choices.

Is that strength or selfishness?

I do not know.