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Ghost
climber
A long way from where I started
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Topic Author's Original Post - Jan 10, 2008 - 06:02pm PT
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Just saw a breaking news headline (no details yet) that Ed Hillary has died.
I guess most people think of him just as the first on Everest (with Tenzing), but he also made the first crossing of the Antarctic, which was pretty badass.
D
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survival
Big Wall climber
arlington, va
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Jan 10, 2008 - 06:05pm PT
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That's a drag.
The photo of Tenzing on top was such an inspiration
as a youngster.
Bless Ed Hillary and hope he enjoys the big peak
in the spirit world.
I'm sure NZ is in a national mourning moment.
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the Fet
Knackered climber
A bivy sack in the secret campground
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Jan 10, 2008 - 06:10pm PT
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Bummer, such a cool dude.
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, Ca.
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Jan 10, 2008 - 06:11pm PT
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The man led a great life.
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Fluoride
Trad climber
Hollywood, CA
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Jan 10, 2008 - 06:13pm PT
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RIP Ed.
He was such a down to Earth guy for someone who had such a remarkable achievement. Hell, when I was in New Zealand in '06 I looked him up in the Auckland phone directory. Sure enough, his number was listed.
Wish I'd had the balls to call him up and take him out for tea.
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happiegrrrl
Trad climber
New York, NY
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Jan 10, 2008 - 06:19pm PT
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What one of us hasn't been inspired by the man? His spirit will continue to guide, eve as he disappears into the spindrift that envelopes the trail ahead.
Wonder if Tensig extended his hand out to great Hillary as he topped out on this life? If one believes in an afterlife, the answer is, no doubt, yes.
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stevep
Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
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Jan 10, 2008 - 06:27pm PT
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RIP.
In addition to his climbing and exploration accomplishments, he did alot for the people of Nepal.
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Jan 10, 2008 - 06:30pm PT
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Could someone post the Sheridan Anderson rendition?
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TwistedCrank
climber
Ideeho
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Jan 10, 2008 - 06:32pm PT
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He was so the man. He and Tenzeng - can you imagine what it must have been like going *way* out there like that, pushing the limits of human endurance, not knowing what it was going to do to them, sticking their necks way out there in the name of getting it done.
The stories of the great ones like Hillary are ones I like to pass on to my kid.
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
sorry, just posting out loud.
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Jan 10, 2008 - 06:34pm PT
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Childhood dreams of being like Tenzing and Hillary on top of the world.
End of an era.
RIP
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Standing Strong
Trad climber
ghost ride the cop car
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Jan 10, 2008 - 06:37pm PT
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it sounds like he lived a beautiful life. i can only hope to lead such a long, adventurous life. death is a part of the circle of life. it's not separate.
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Beatrix Kiddo
Mountain climber
Denver
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Jan 10, 2008 - 06:39pm PT
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"Childhood dreams of being like Tenzing and Hillary on top of the world.
End of an era.
RIP "
Yes! That is exactly what I'm feeling right now. Very sad.
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labrat
Trad climber
Nevada
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Jan 10, 2008 - 06:59pm PT
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He was a good person. RIP
Erik
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Klimmer
Mountain climber
San Diego
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Jan 10, 2008 - 07:39pm PT
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I just hate it when our heros pass away.
Sometimes I would just like for time to stand still so we can all continue to live and do what we all love to do and enjoy each others company and adventure together, but no one grows old.
I sure miss my heros. Sir Edmund was one of them.
RIP Hillary.
Klimmer
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John Mac
Trad climber
Littleton, CO
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Jan 10, 2008 - 07:40pm PT
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He was such a humble and normal bloke who couldn't understand what all the fuss was about!
Rest in peace Sir Ed...
The words of a humble New Zealander who ascended the world's greatest peak.
* "We knocked the bastard off" – announcing he and Tensing had reached Everest’s summit.
* "I like to think that I am a very ordinary New Zealander, not terribly bright perhaps but determined and practical in what I do" – at the 50th anniversary
* Nepalese, he said, did not ask for poverty while New Zealanders lived in affluence: "The fact that we do is a blessing, and with it comes responsibilities."
* On becoming a knight: "It was a tremendous honour, of course, but I had never really approved of titles and couldn’t really imagine myself possessing one"
* "In some ways I believe I epitomise the average New Zealander. I have modest abilities, I combine these with a good deal of determination and I rather like to succeed."
* To an Indian reporter who asked him if he knew he was seen by many as a god:
"Well I know I’m not, so it doesn’t bother me."
* From Hillary’s diary, published in his ‘Nothing Venture, Nothing Win’:
"I continued on, cutting steadily and surmounting bump after bump and cornice after cornice looking eagerly for the summit. It seemed impossible to pick it and time was running out. Finally I cut around the back of an extra large hump and then on a tight rope from Tensing I climbed up a gentle snow ridge to its top. Immediately it was obvious that we had reached our objective. It was 11.30a.m. and we were on top of Everest!"
He describes the landscape below them and continues: "Tensing and I shook hands and then Tensing threw his arms around my shoulders. It was a great moment! I took off my oxygen and for ten minutes I photographed Tensing holding flags, the various ridges of Everest and the general view. I left a crucifix on top for John Hunt and Tensing made a little hole in the snow and put in it some food offerings - lollies, biscuits and chocolate. We ate Mint Cake and then put our oxygen back on. I was a little worried by the time factor so after 15 minutes on top we turned back at 11.45."
For news from NZ, check out:
http://www.stuff.co.nz
Lot of articles building by the hour.
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