Summary: Chapter 12 Flashcards
What is Camp Four known as in the context of climbing Everest?
The launching pad for the summit assault
Camp Four is located on the plateau known as the South Col.
Who is Bruce Herrod?
A deputy leader from the South Africa team and the sole remaining member of that expedition with real mountaineering credentials
Bruce Herrod suffers from severe hypothermia after getting lost.
What condition is Doug Hansen experiencing during the climb?
He hasn’t slept in days and feels horribly nauseous
Krakauer expresses sympathy for Doug, highlighting a disconnect with other climbers.
What happens just after midnight during the climb?
Hall’s team proceeds with the next stage of the climb
Fischer’s team and the Taiwanese team are also climbing to the summit at this time.
What significant decision does Doug make during the climb?
Doug turns back after an interaction with Hall
The content of their conversation remains unknown.
What major problem is highlighted with guided expeditions to Everest?
They are disorganized and lack strong bonds between climbers
Guides can sometimes be as clueless as clients due to oxygen deprivation.
What was one of the major issues on May 10 during the climb?
Too many teams climbing at the same time
This overabundance of climbers delayed Krakauer’s descent and weakened him.
What did Rob Hall emphasize to his team about summit day?
The importance of obeying his directions
Hall insisted that the team must turn around if conditions became too dangerous.
At what time does Krakauer reach the Southeast Ridge of Everest?
5:30 am
He must wait for the rest of his team before proceeding.
What does Krakauer feel is the most rewarding part of mountaineering?
Self-reliance and the freedom to make decisions for oneself
As a member of a group, he must obey Hall’s orders.
What does Lopsang do during the climb?
He tows Sandy Hill Pittman on a short-rope
This decision may have contributed to his exhaustion.
Why did Lopsang choose to pull Pittman?
He confused her with a different, weaker client
He also claimed to have thought she would be the weakest member.
What does Sandy Pittman claim about her decision to remain tied to Lopsang?
She didn’t want to disrespect him
This raises questions about the dynamics between them.
What critical aspect did Hall fail to officially announce during the climb?
The ‘turn back time’
This lack of clarity may have contributed to the chaos.
How does group expeditions affect strong climbers?
They have to wait for weaker climbers, becoming weak and tired themselves
This is contrasted with solo or duo expeditions.
What role did Sandy Pittman’s equipment play in the May 10 disaster?
It contributed to Lopsang’s exhaustion
Most talented mountaineers in the expedition were unusually tired.
What impression does Krakauer give about Lopsang’s feelings towards Pittman?
Lopsang’s behavior seems highly resentful and disrespectful
This may have been influenced by his burden of carrying her heavy equipment.
What does Lopsang aim to ensure regarding Sandy Pittman and Scott Fischer?
He wants to ensure Pittman arrives safely and Fischer gets good press
This reflects Lopsang’s loyalty to Fischer.
