Summary Chapter 11 Flashcards
What significant physical challenge does Krakauer face during the climb?
Krakauer perspires heavily and his tongue swells until he can’t breathe through his mouth.
Who is Göran Kropp?
A Swedish solo climber who traveled from Stockholm to Nepal by bicycle and planned to climb Mount Everest without Sherpa support or bottled oxygen.
What decision does Kropp make on May 6, and why?
He decides to climb down due to concerns about his energy levels.
What does Hall think of Kropp’s decision to descend?
Hall is impressed by Kropp’s caution, as most climbers would push ahead.
What is one of the most difficult challenges for mountain climbers?
Accepting their own limitations.
What happens on May 7 as the team reaches Camp Two?
Hall declares a day of rest.
What issue does Fischer face at Camp Two?
He is forced to make multiple emergency trips back to Base Camp due to client problems.
What condition does Dale Kruse have?
HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema).
What does Boukreev claim about climbers needing help?
If a client cannot climb Everest without significant help, they should not be on Everest.
What injury does Andy Harris sustain during the climb?
A bruise from being hit in the chest by a falling boulder.
What is the purpose of breathing compressed oxygen during the climb?
To protect the body from HACE and hypothermia.
What do some ‘purists’ argue about using oxygen for climbing?
They argue that using oxygen is ‘cheating’ and that real mountaineers shouldn’t use it.
Who is Anatoli Boukreev?
One of the most talented climbers on Everest in 1996, known for his unique guiding philosophy.
What is Boukreev’s guiding philosophy?
He believes it is the climbers’ responsibility to climb on their own.
What does Krakauer realize while chopping ice?
The importance of the Sherpas’ contribution to the expedition.
What happens to Chen Yu-Nan on the mountain?
He falls into a crevasse but survives initially, only to later die from deteriorating conditions.
How does Makalu Gau react to Chen’s death?
He orders his team to proceed with their climb without showing emotion.
What is Krakauer’s mindset after learning of Chen’s death?
He thinks there would be plenty of time for reflection after they summit and return.
What does Krakauer suggest about Gau’s emotional response?
Gau may conceal his emotions to keep the team focused on reaching the summit.
Fill in the blank: Breathing pure oxygen can protect the body from _______.
HACE and hypothermia.
True or False: Most climbers accept their limitations easily.
False.
