70 years ago

[Michael Rolls]

29TH May, 1953, 70 years ago today, Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary became the first people known to have reached the summit of Mount Everest. Some believe that either Mallory or Irvine reached the summit in 1924 but perished during the descent, something that cannot be proven. Mallory's body was found in 1999 but no way of knowing if he had been going up or down when he died

[Diasi]

29TH May, 1953, 70 years ago today, Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary became the first people known to have reached the summit of Mount Everest. Some believe that either Mallory or Irvine reached the summit in 1924 but perished during the descent, something that cannot be proven. Mallory's body was found in 1999 but no way of knowing if he had been going up or down when he died

The balance of probabilities would suggest on the descent, as that's when the majority of climbers die.

[Michael Rolls]

does seem a strong possibilty - just can't be proven

[Cassandra]

All incredibly brave men ...

[Alex]

This will get me shot down but Why ?   Why on earth would you risk your life to climb a bloody mountain ? 

[Michael Rolls]

Mallory was asked exactly that question before (IIRC) the 1922 expedition. His answer? 'Because it's there'

[Alex]

Very condescending response !

[klondike]

Perhaps they should install a funicular railway. It would save a lot of lives. Mind you plenty still walk up Snowden even though there is a railway. I have in the past a couple of times using different routes. I think Everest is a tad more challenging though.

[Cassandra]

Good idea, people like Schofield could be flung out of it periodically!

[Michael Rolls]

what a good idea!

[klondike]

Only need to do so once if they got it right.

Leaving plenty of time for others like the rapist who burned his victim alive for instance. Or the one who booted his pet dog around. Or each and every politician. Plenty of chances to improve the gene pool. Could even set up an internment centre for the dinghy boys at the top.

[Michael Rolls]

I like it!

[JBR]

Only need to do so once if they got it right.

Leaving plenty of time for others like the rapist who burned his victim alive for instance. Or the one who booted his pet dog around. Or each and every politician. Plenty of chances to improve the gene pool. Could even set up an internment centre for the dinghy boys at the top.

Good idea.  You have been convicted of a serious crime.  If you can successfully climb Everest, your debt is paid.  If you can make it down again, we'll even bring you home.