The Road to Everest

Today, Greg sent a big fat folder full of pictures from the teams' travels through Tibet. Click on an image for the large version. Enjoy!

[Click on the pictures to see larger versions with captions.]

Comments

[SteveH]

Hi Mr Child:

Thank you for posting the pictures from Tibet...I'm a friend of Betsy Huelskamp and the images you posted was the first I had read of her travels since she left on March 28th...she's my inspiration as she advances toward the top of the world...my thoughts are with her. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts of this extraordinary adventure.

Steve H

[Rick]

After reading the posts on this blog, it is clear that there are two possible scenarios. Either Betsy misrepresented her experience, or Russell knew she was inexperienced. If (for those like Steve H who know Betsy -- I repeat -- IF) the first scenario is correct, then Betsy is both inexperienced and dishonest. Not exactly the qualities you look for in a fellow climber. Presumably, Russell would not have accepted her if she told the truth. Therefore, if Betsy misrepresented herself, she should already be on her way back to Katmandu. Since she is apparently being allowed to continue, then in this scenario Russell is willing to overlook both her dishonesty and complete lack of mountaineering skills. If Russell is the man of character described by others, and this scenario is true, then why is Betsy still on the mountain?

If (for those who know Russell – I repeat – IF) Betsy did not misrepresent herself, then Russell is not telling the truth and is selling climbing spots to anyone who can pay.

Time will tell whether Scenario 1 or 2 is correct, but either way someone has been less than truthful, and ethics are taking a beating. The losers are the other climbers and, especially, the Sherpas who presumably have little say in whether Betsy continues to climb. The winner is the Discovery Channel – regardless of what happens, it will make for good drama.