Tuesday, December 7, 2010

"Rainbow Valley"

When you hear of a place called "Rainbow Valley," do you think of prancing unicorns, magical faeries handing out lollipops, and long-haired hippies strumming jangly guitars? Think again.

An area along the northeast route to the summit [of Mt. Everest] has earned the unassuming nickname of "Rainbow Valley", simply because of the multicolored down jackets of the numerous corpses littering the hillside. Even in the harsh conditions of lethal altitudes, corpses can remain for decades, some appearing frozen in time with climbing gear intact.

Brashears explains, "Despite the snow and ice, Everest is as dry as a desert, the sun and wind quickly mummify human remains." The picture [above] serves as an example, it shows the corpse of mountaineer George Mallory, lost on Everest in 1924, and the state in which it was found in 1999 after 75 years exposed.

No study has ever been done on the causes of death on Everest, what it is that makes people sit down and give up sometimes within shouting distance of safety. But climbers refer to a kind of confrontation with fear that they experience at a certain point up the mountain. The realization that, not only will you not be able to help anyone else in trouble, but if you mess up, in any way, no one will likely be able to help you either.

Media term it "summit fever", the apparent callousness that drives mountaineers to disregard ethics on their Everest ascents, sometimes literally climbing over dead bodies to reach their goals. But whatever the preparation and outlandish cost, perhaps it's not simply ruthless determination that makes someone abandon their team mates, and yet still have the energy to summit. In such alien conditions, utterly hostile to human life, climbers might face their own mortality. Under the spectre of pure, unadulterated fear, they must realize that they are beyond help as well as beyond helping anyone else.

If they don't, they fall among those who never leave, abandoned on Everest.

Long-time Daily Downers readers know that the Captain hates to be harsh and is loath to pass judgment upon others, but come on. If you're dumb enough to climb Everest, Rainbow Valley is where you belong. Be sure to click thru to the linked piece, there are lots more frozen corpse pictures there for your enjoyment.

[godhead/v]

66 comments:

  1. Hello, i think that i saw you visited my weblog thus i came to “return the favor”.
    I'm attempting to find things to improve my web site!I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!
    My webpage nfl jerseys

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm curious to find out what blog system you are working with? I'm having some small security issues with my
    latest site and I'd like to find something more risk-free. Do you have any solutions?
    Take a look at my site ; canada goose jacket outlet

    ReplyDelete
  3. I want to to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little
    bit of it. I have got you book marked to look at new things you post…
    Here is my web page christian louboutin us online

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi! I've been following your weblog for a long time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Houston Tx! Just wanted to say keep up the good job!
    My web page :: nfl jerseys hot sale

    ReplyDelete
  5. I visited several web sites except the audio quality for audio songs present at this
    web site is actually excellent.
    Look at my web site : Canada Goose

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm extremely impressed with your writing talents and also with the format on your blog. Is that this a paid topic or did you modify it your self? Anyway keep up the excellent high quality writing, it is uncommon to look a great blog like this one today..
    Feel free to visit my web-site - ssense canada goose

    ReplyDelete
  7. I like it when individuals get together and share thoughts.
    Great site, keep it up!
    Here is my page : christian louboutin ambertina

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hello, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam comments?
    If so how do you protect against it, any plugin or anything you can recommend?
    I get so much lately it's driving me crazy so any assistance is very much appreciated.
    Here is my blog : Canada Goose

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great info. Lucky me I ran across your website by
    accident (stumbleupon). I have book marked it for later!
    My web site - wholesale jerseys

    ReplyDelete
  10. My brother suggested I would possibly like this blog. He
    was totally right. This submit truly made my day.
    You can not imagine simply how a lot time I had spent for this info!

    Thank you!
    Look into my web site :: http://www.cheapchirstianlouboutinshoes.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. It's perfect time to make some plans for the future and it's time to be happy.

    I've read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you few interesting things or advice. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read even more things about it!
    My web blog ; nfl jerseys outlet

    ReplyDelete
  12. I was suggested this web site by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my difficulty.

    You are wonderful! Thanks!
    Also see my page - cheap authentic jerseys

    ReplyDelete
  13. As the admin of this site is working, no question
    very rapidly it will be well-known, due to its feature contents.
    Here is my web-site ... http://www.cheapnikenfljerseys-usa.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'm not sure why but this blog is loading extremely slow for me. Is anyone else having this problem or is it a problem on my end? I'll
    check back later and see if the problem still exists.
    Also visit my website Christian Louboutin sale

    ReplyDelete
  15. Right here is the perfect web site for anybody who wants
    to find out about this topic. You realize a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I
    personally will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new
    spin on a subject that's been written about for a long time. Great stuff, just wonderful!
    Also see my web page - cheap throwback jerseys

    ReplyDelete
  16. This is a topic that's near to my heart... Cheers! Exactly where are your contact details though?
    Feel free to visit my weblog : nfl jerseys custom

    ReplyDelete
  17. Fantastic blog! Do you have any hints for aspiring writers?
    I'm hoping to start my own website soon but I'm a little lost on everything.

    Would you recommend starting with a free platform like Wordpress or go for a paid option?
    There are so many options out there that I'm completely overwhelmed .. Any ideas? Thanks a lot!
    Have a look at my webpage :: nfl jerseys wholesale

    ReplyDelete
  18. What's up, I would like to subscribe for this website to take newest updates, so where can i do it please help.

    Visit my webpage レイバンサングラス

    ReplyDelete
  19. After checking out a few of the articles on your website,
    I honestly appreciate your technique of blogging. I added it
    to my bookmark website list and will be checking back in the
    near future. Take a look at my website too and let me know how you feel.


    Feel free to visit my web page :: オークリーメガネ

    ReplyDelete
  20. Wonderful blog! Do you have any tips for aspiring
    writers? I'm planning to start my own site soon but I'm
    a little lost on everything. Would you recommend starting with a free platform like Wordpress or go for a paid option?
    There are so many options out there that I'm completely confused .. Any suggestions? Kudos!

    My weblog レイバンメガネ

    ReplyDelete
  21. Link exchange is nothing else however it is just placing
    the other person's website link on your page at suitable place and other person will also do similar in favor of you.

    Here is my site :: 激安オークリー

    ReplyDelete
  22. Great article, exactly what I needed.

    Feel free to surf to my web-site; レイバンサングラス

    ReplyDelete
  23. I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good.
    I do not know who you are but certainly you are going
    to a famous blogger if you are not already ;) Cheers!


    Feel free to surf to my homepage: オークリーメガネ

    ReplyDelete
  24. I just like the helpful info you provide to your articles.
    I'll bookmark your weblog and take a look at once more right here frequently. I'm reasonably certain I'll learn lots of new stuff proper right here! Best of luck for the next!

    Here is my homepage :: 眼鏡レイバン

    ReplyDelete
  25. It's awesome to pay a quick visit this website and reading the views of all mates regarding this piece of writing, while I am also zealous of getting knowledge.

    My web-site: レイバンメガネ

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hello! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers?
    I'm kinda paranoid about losing everything I've worked hard on.
    Any tips?

    My homepage ... http://www.rayban1stoutlet.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Good day! I just would like to give you a
    big thumbs up for your excellent info you have got right here on this post.
    I will be coming back to your blog for more soon.

    Check out my web blog :: オークリーメガネ

    ReplyDelete
  28. Whats up are using Wordpress for your blog platform?
    I'm new to the blog world but I'm trying to get started and create my own.
    Do you need any coding expertise to make your own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!


    My website - レイバン 偽物

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi, just wanted to say, I enjoyed this blog post.
    It was practical. Keep on posting!

    Look at my webpage :: eudev.uta.cl

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hello, yes this post is really fastidious and
    I have learned lot of things from it concerning blogging.
    thanks.

    Also visit my web site; オークリー サングラス

    ReplyDelete
  31. Do you have a spam issue on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I
    was curious about your situation; many of us have created some nice methods and we
    are looking to exchange strategies with others, why not
    shoot me an e-mail if interested.

    My website ... オークリー サングラス

    ReplyDelete
  32. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot
    about this, like you wrote the book in it or something.
    I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit,
    but other than that, this is great blog. A great read.
    I'll definitely be back.

    Also visit my web page オークリーメガネ

    ReplyDelete
  33. When some one searches for his necessary thing, so
    he/she wants to be available that in detail, therefore that thing
    is maintained over here.

    my page; オークリー サングラス

    ReplyDelete
  34. I like it when people get together and share views. Great
    website, keep it up!

    my blog; モンスター ヘッドホン

    ReplyDelete
  35. What's up all, here every person is sharing such familiarity, therefore it's pleasant to read this blog, and I
    used to go to see this blog everyday.

    Review my web page; rayban サングラス

    ReplyDelete
  36. Amazing! Its truly amazing article, I have
    got much clear idea concerning from this piece of writing.


    My blog post ... ジョーダン 靴

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hey very interesting blog!

    Here is my web blog; プラダ バッグ トート

    ReplyDelete
  38. このようなケイトスペードバーバリーDKNYおよび多くの他のようなデザイナーが後半のように新しいおむつバッグをリリースしている

    Feel free to surf to my web blog ... ワンピース バーバリー

    ReplyDelete
  39. 彼らはラベルでも時々矛盾している

    my blog; コート バーバリー

    ReplyDelete
  40. Howdy just wanted to give you a quick heads up.
    The text in your content seem to be running off the screen in Opera.

    I'm not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with browser compatibility but I figured I'd post to let you know.
    The layout look great though! Hope you get the problem resolved soon.

    Cheers

    Also visit my web page :: tao of badass mendolia

    ReplyDelete
  41. I've learn some good stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how a lot effort you set to make this sort of great informative web site.

    Also visit my blog - ルブタン

    ReplyDelete
  42. Peculiar article, exactly what I needed.

    Feel free to surf to my webpage - Replica Watches

    ReplyDelete
  43. Today, I went to the beachfront with my children. I
    found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said "You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear." She placed the shell to her ear and screamed.
    There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
    She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is completely off topic but I had to tell someone!


    Also visit my weblog - ジョーダン スニーカー

    ReplyDelete
  44. What's Going down i'm new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It
    absolutely helpful and it has aided me out loads. I'm hoping to contribute & assist other customers like its aided me. Good job.

    My blog monster ヘッドホン

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hey there I am so grateful I found your site, I really found you by mistake, while I was browsing on Digg
    for something else, Regardless I am here now and would just
    like to say thank you for a marvelous post and a all round interesting blog (I also love
    the theme/design), I don't have time to read it all at the moment but I have book-marked it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the great work.

    Here is my blog post http://www.monsterbeatssale-shop.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. I could not resist commenting. Very well written!

    Feel free to visit my blog post ルブタン 通販

    ReplyDelete
  47. Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It actually was a leisure account
    it. Look complex to far added agreeable from you! However, how can
    we keep in touch?

    my web blog :: www.christianlouboutinoutletshopx.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. I have read so many articles on the topic of the blogger lovers however this article is genuinely a pleasant article, keep it
    up.

    Here is my blog post ... クリスチャンルブタン

    ReplyDelete
  49. excellent put up, very informative. I ponder why the opposite specialists of this sector don't realize this. You must continue your writing. I am confident, you've a huge
    readers' base already!

    Have a look at my web-site - www.asymetria.org

    ReplyDelete
  50. Excellent article. I certainly love this website.

    Keep it up!

    my web page ... ルブタン 通販

    ReplyDelete
  51. I don't drop a ton of comments, but after looking at a few of the responses here ""Rainbow Valley"". I actually do have a couple of questions for you if you do not mind. Could it be simply me or do some of the remarks come across like they are left by brain dead people? :-P And, if you are writing at additional sites, I'd like to follow you.
    Could you list of every one of all your shared sites like
    your Facebook page, twitter feed, or linkedin profile?



    Also visit my page :: monster beats

    ReplyDelete
  52. I want to to thank you for this wonderful read!! I absolutely enjoyed every little bit of
    it. I have got you bookmarked to look at new stuff you
    post…

    my web blog ... http://www.2013chloeoutletshop.com/

    ReplyDelete
  53. It's a shame you don't have a donate button! I'd most certainly donate to this outstanding blog! I guess for now i'll settle for bookmarking and adding your
    RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will share this site with my Facebook
    group. Talk soon!

    My blog post: elearn.mgimo.ru

    ReplyDelete
  54. Your mode of explaining all in this paragraph is genuinely
    good, every one can easily know it, Thanks a lot.

    my web-site; www.edx.com

    ReplyDelete
  55. If you are going for best contents like I do, simply pay a visit this web site
    everyday as it presents quality contents, thanks

    My web site; http://www.monsterbeatsoutlet-sales.com

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hello, I enjoy reading all of your article. I like to write a little comment to support you.



    my webpage; beansproutcreations.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. This is really interesting, You're an excessively skilled blogger. I've joined your feed and stay up for looking for more of your fantastic
    post. Additionally, I've shared your site in my social networks

    Take a look at my blog :: ルブタン 通販

    ReplyDelete
  58. I must thank you for the efforts you've put in penning this site. I really hope to view the same high-grade content from you in the future as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my own blog now ;)

    Here is my page: トリーバーチ アウトレット

    ReplyDelete
  59. You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but
    I find this topic to be actually something that I think
    I would never understand. It seems too complicated
    and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next
    post, I'll try to get the hang of it!

    Take a look at my site :: ミュウミュウバッグ

    ReplyDelete
  60. Stunning story there. What happened after? Thanks!


    Visit my web page: ミュウミュウアウトレット

    ReplyDelete
  61. Magnificent items from you, man. I've consider your stuff prior to and you're simply too great.
    I actually like what you have obtained here, really like what you are saying and the way in which through which you say it.

    You're making it enjoyable and you still take care of to stay it sensible. I can't wait to read much more from
    you. That is really a tremendous site.

    Also visit my blog - モンスターケーブル

    ReplyDelete
  62. It is easily damaged and is often manufactured hurriedly. You may consistently buy replica Gucci,
    because the fee suits your pocket sized. In deboss the design is actually recessed down into the wristband itself.

    The colors available on Gucci's shoulder bags were light tan and dark dark. http://easun-tz.org/index.php/member/128091/

    Look into my web blog - louis vuitton bags

    ReplyDelete
  63. Be certain that the spelling to do with Gucci, sometimes salvaging spelled
    with an C, Guci. You can feel that it is at a shop within your zoom.
    This type of Gucci handbags become low in excellent quality and
    are burned. Women love to shop with handbags from very top
    brands like Hermes and Gucci. http://www.
    adfreeclassifieds.com/travels/water-parks/get-the-best-look-alike-gucci-bags-pertaining-to-your-beloved-distinct-290362.
    htm

    ReplyDelete
  64. Here we seem at a a couple of factorsto consider when making your large handbags choice.
    Purchase affordable Nike proper footwear and reduce be priced aides.
    Every hollywood has one, including the males. The collection becoming filled with your 1980 vibe and also splashes of metal salt
    gold and mac products green. http://docfred.net/docfred/Oxwall/blogs/post/35346

    my weblog ... prada handbags

    ReplyDelete
  65. Your requirements ? not hat to put with Ugg " booties "?
    ? Sequined hats and bold tinted scarves are the best compliment to comfortable boots.
    Most of all the materials counseled me synthetic and no longer
    natural products. As generally, UGG hiking footwear offer you correct fit and ease, heat, and defense on the.

    http://wwsdemo.fourptzero.com/blog/antoinettelawhorn/best-ways-did-ugg-record-start

    ReplyDelete