dead_milkman

Tomaz Humar is, as I write, stuck on the Rupal Face of Nanga Parbat. I've never met the man, but tales of his courage and determination in the face of the extremes of high altitude mountain climbing have been a source of inspiration in my own pursuits of my rather minute goals. I have had far too many of my heros and idols fall over a piece of stone and ice. And now I'm watching in horror as another's death seems imminent. He climbs because the mountains are the only place that feels close to him. And now the most beautiful and savage alpine face on this Earth is exacting its piece of flesh in the most tortuous and cruel manner. Is it just wishful thinking to imagine that some of us will escape? That some of us will have an end of our choosing? Or can the strength of the human will, some good luck with weather and a skilled Lama pilot allow this brave man to risk it all again in vain pursuit of something inexplicably beautiful? Only time will tell, I suppose. But we will know soon. I need a cigarette.