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More for the Locals (August 30, 2000)

I check the MountainZone.com website everyday. I even have it as a default browser. I am an avid mountain bike rider. I look at the website and all I see is what the professionals are doing, that's all I see. Don't get me wrong, I like looking at the great photos of the pros doing their stuff, it gets me pumped up for the weekend rides. There is one problem that I have and that I think the thousands of riders have that check the mountain bike website you provide. We are not pros! It would be nice to see or read about local trails and local riders. I don't ride in Austria on the weekends. I ride in Long Island, New York. We have great trails out here, and I'm sure most of the country but nobody ever hears about them. I think you guys have a great idea for the website, but I think you're missing the point. It's not the pros that are checking your website out everyday, it's the "Local Yocals" like me that are checking the website out. The pros are too busy flying around the world, racing the World Champion races that they have to race. I give mucho credit to the pros for putting mountain biking in its every for mon the map. (Don't get me wrong). Remember — we are the ones that keep the mountain bike — shirt, shorts, shoes, underwear, eyeglasses, helmet, gloves and bike companies going. All I'm asking is to show more stuff for the weekend warrior in all of us.

Humberto Diaz

Bike Polo (August 24, 2000)

I enjoyed your article on bike polo. It's unfortunate that you didn't explore other sources of information in the course of researching the article, though. The USBPA uses a unique set of rules which make for what most players find to be a very stilted and unnatural game. There are two other significant organizations in the US who use a set of rules that are more closely related to equestrian rules. The exceptions are that a player is only allowed three successive hits and ride-offs (riding between a player carrying the ball and the ball to force him/her off) are prohibited. These rules are codified in several versions, the American Bicycle Polo Association (ABPA) rules and, indirectly, to the Bicycle Polo Association of America (BPAA) rules. These are all similar and a reconciliation to create a set of International Rules is in the works.

The ABPA and the Canadian Coalition of Cycle Polo (CCCP) are sending teams to India for the third International bicycle polo championship this October. The Indians have attended (and dominated) tournaments at Richland WA and Vancouver BC in the past.

BIke polo is still a fringe sport in the US, but it is very popular in some countries and seems to be growing here. There is a vital International organization for the sport and the Indian Olympic Committee is considering promoting it as an Olympic sport.

I hope this is helpful, and that you will maintain an interest in the sport as it grows. I can furnish more information on the International if you would be interested in covering it.

Regards
Dennis Mullen

Come On...Let's Work Together (August 21, 2000)

Thanks for these incredible excerpts from the highest places in the WORLD.

You all did it together...being a former NOLS graduate I must ask how is the Expedition Behavior? Don't know EB? How well each one treats each one?

I have been trying to incorporate great togetherness by specific muscle work & exercise through massage therapy in the tents we lay & wake, read & pray to highest mountain god for great weather or a pass to the top.

Does anyone tucked away in their mummy bag hear me?

In touch,
Matthew Stephen Hall

Keeping Tabs (August 21, 2000)

Dear Zoners,

Hi. I started with the Mountain Zone during one of the climbs on Everest. My life now is not as adventurous as it once was and being able to keep tabs on what real adventurers are doing lifts my spirits and sends a part of me to that event. Keep up the good reporting and the news from the summits and all that you do. I even had the Everest screensaver on for a very long time. (I finally wanted a change, but the pictures were awesome!)

Keep up the good work and I'm always happy to see upgrades.

Ruth

Safety First (August 18, 2000)

I know it's a huge disappointment to walk away from the mountain without getting a shot at the top but thank G-D there hasn't been any major injuries or fatalities. Tragedies might make for best selling books but for me it's a source of anguish.

Mike Weiss

Anatoli: Hero of the Mountains (August 2, 2000)

I first heard of Anatoli Boukreev in Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air. Although I enjoyed the book for its gripping narrative quality, I was a bit suspicious about Krakauer's portrayal of Boukreev as a villain.

After reading Into Thin Air, I have come across many more accounts of the 1996 tragedy. Most recently I read The Climb. It was then that I gained some clarity on the tragedy that unfolded on Everest in 1996.

I would like to strongly question Krakauer's intentions behind his portrayal of Boukreev as a villain, express solidarity with Weston DeWalt, and salute Boukreev as a true hero of the mountains. His spirit, approach to mountaineering, and empathy with the mountains is inspiring. I hope Boukreev's example finds life in others, and that his spirit lives on.

Anand Vasu
Madras, India

K2000: Professionalism and Hype in Mountaineering (July 31, 2000)

Shawn O'Fallon's dispatch regarding amateur climbers is interesting because "amateur" climbers are often some of the hardest working and fittest athletes around (compare the typical pro baseball player to an amateur climber who can climb 5.13 and the climber will be in much better shape).

However, his statement that pro climbers are "all about hype" sounds a bit petulant and misplaced. The people who I have known who are sponsored to climb rock had the sponsorship for a reason, and the reason was tied to climbing skills, not self promotion. I think it is different in the mountaineering world. Although there are very skilled climbers who aspire to Himalayan achievement, there are also a lot of "bumblies" that buy their way to 8000 meter summits. (I know Bearzi's routes in RMNP [Rocky Mountain National Park], and he has made some impressive ascents).

Please do not mix in all climbers with "peak-baggers" who lay out tens of thousands of dollars to climb steep snow and breathe bottled oxygen. That is about hype; just summiting an 8000 meter peak will get you press. The media loves it, the non-climbing world is intrigued by it, and all climbers get labeled as "mountain climbers" and have to field questions like "Do you want to climb K2 someday?"

Maybe Shawn should get out of "ABC" and go cragging with some of the pros. After you on-sight a 5.14a and free-solo Astroman, then you can start trash-talking professional climbers and slighting their climbing performance. In my opinion, Himalayan climbers love the hype and seem to repeat the same routes season after season, as long as the media and corporate sponsorship is there.

Jason Prinster
Salt Lake City, UT

Forbidden Towers: Inspiring Coverage (July 29, 2000)

Steph, Dave, Jimmy, Brady:

Way to go team! I've been following your progress on the Zone for weeks. Glad to hear you were so successful. Way to go MountainZone for the great coverage.

Tough rock, new territory, some adventure, some hardship (the gombu), some punishment (Jimmy's fall), but overall a great climb. Hearing what you were up against, the aid doesn't take a thing away from it. Hope to be reading more about you in the near future.

I started climbing about a year-and-a-half ago. Middle-age crisis stuff. I'm up to some easy 5.9s now. I climbed Mt. Whitney (Mountaineers route) and Mt. Rainier (Ingraham Direct route) this year.

MountainZone.com is one of my favorite websites. A must-read every day. Keep up the good work.

Lynn Stephens
Orem, Utah

K2000: Vital Dispatches (July 29, 2000)

Dear Mountain Zone:

Thank you so much for providing detailed information on high-altitude climbing expeditions. I enjoyed your coverage of this year's Alpine Ascents International Everest expedition, and of course last year's awesome search for Mallory and Irvine.

I'm a little disappointed that the K2000 dispatches seem to be few and far between. I keep hoping for daily updates. It's the first thing I check for on my computer, even before e-mail. But sometimes there's an agonizing four or five day interval with no news from the mountain. This isn't a criticism of MountainZone, nor of the climbers, just anxious waiting from an avid fan. I hope the weather has turned favorable and they're busy climbing, but day after day with no word is driving me crazy (it's currently Saturday in Pakistan, but we've heard nothing since Monday).

I suspect that Terry Richards' scathing exposé of Jeff Alzner's leadership style has soured the climbers on sharing more about their experiences. I don't blame them. That was "pimp journalism" in my opinion: selling out to sensationalism. How sad. Anyone with brains has to know that being cooped up together for weeks with endless foul weather and the constant threat of avalanches is going to take its toll on the individuals. Who wouldn't get cranky? I think they're all to be commended for their effort, and I wish them well. But please, oh please, can they try taking turns at jotting down a little note each day so we can follow their progress more closely? It's terribly frustrating having the available technology - and silence.

Thank you for providing this forum, and please send along my best wishes for a safe and successful climb.

Sincerely,

Shanda McGrew
Glencoe, California

Mallory: Still a Hero (July 28, 2000)

Helloha,

I'm a deep ocean explorer, but follow all adventure sports. Since childhood, 50 years ago, Mallory was one of my heroes! What is the latest on a possible return to find Irvine's body?

Congrats on a great website.

The best,

Ken Clayton

Climbing: Dangerous, Rewarding Society (July 28, 2000)

Dear members,

I am not a member of the climbing fraternity, but have shared many adventures through an old friend who has been climbing for the past 20 years. Through Duncan, I have learnt of many brave people and read many gripping accounts of successful summits, as I have come to appreciate many great aborted climbs!

I write to you to share the loss of an exceptional friend, Duncan Elliott who did not survive the north face of Mt Huascaran (Peru's highest). I gather the North face is the most challenging, while the particular route Duncan was on was last climbed successfully six years ago. He, I believe, through sketchy reports, was about 300 metres from the summit when an avalanche of ice bore down on him and fellow climber Markos Lopez. Both were struck and lost their gear in the incident. Duncan was struck unconcious while Markos clung to consciousness and patched a call to base camp. Some 30 - 40 hours later, a rescue team reached them, however, Duncan had lost a great deal of blood and had succumbed to his injuries.

We (his friends and family) will mourn this brave, friendly and charming man in Cape Town, South Africa on Friday the 28th of July. Should any of you know the mountain he was on and can relate to me how, what, etc., I would be delighted to hear more of this fascinating place that has kept Duncan enthralled and obsessed for many years. If any of you have ever climbed with him it would be great to hear from you too.

Warren Green
South Africa

Anatoli: Not Forgotten (July 28, 2000)

It was with much sadness that I learned of Anatoli's passing. I have read John Krakauer's Into Thin Air and now just recently Anatoli Boukreev's The Climb. I only wish that John Krakauer would have taken more time to reflect and research before so quickly writing his book. I am grateful Anatoli took the time to tell his story. It would have been even more tragic for the truth to never be told. His courage, strength, and heroism will never be forgotten.

Jackie Van Horn
Texas

MountainZone: Superior Coverage! (July 28, 2000)

Dear Editors -

We had never been to MountainZone before our son [Walter Keller - Ed.] left for this adventure and said to check it and Quokka to see if you put anything on.

Well, we have become constant followers, you have everything and every type of sport. We have told many people about this site over the last few months.

A great big heartfelt "THANK YOU." This was the first time we were able to follow our son's climbing. The completeness (team bios, maps, photos, dispatches and actual calls) was nothing short of AMAZING. Some of the photos the members were able to take with your equipment were absolutely breathtaking, suspenseful and awesome, clarity was excellent.

Also a special thank you to ALL the team members that climbed the normal route and the first ascent of the east ridge of Mustagh Ata, China for allowing us and others to follow your adventures from May to July of 2000 via MountainZone.

It was so exciting to follow, we can't even imagine what it was like to have actually been there.

Walt & Chris Keller

Everest: History Inspires Students (July 25, 2000)

Hello from The Upper Yarra Valley, east of Melbourne, Australia,

I am a teacher of Geography, at a high school. Recently we had that wonderful video on the finding of Mallory on our ABC TV. I taped it and showed it to the students. They were fascinated. They sat riveted, speechless, looking at the screen. I have since planned a whole unit of work called "Climbing Mount Everest." I found you while I browsed through material thrown up by the keywords "George Mallory."

I have only climbed one tiny peak on New Zealand's South Island. I am a Kiwi and proud of the Hillary's, of course. This week I have re-read a 1920's book on the 1924 expedition, plus Hunt's account of the 1953 expedition, and I am also re-reading James Ramsay Ullman's book on Tensing. Is Tensing still alive?

I am too old now to climb mountains, and I do not have the finances, but I can photograph them, and teach about them, and I can hopefully travel among them as much as possible. I am delighted to receive the updates.

Blessings,

Barbara Russell de Vries

K2: Just Climb! (July 24, 2000)

Aw Heidi...for Christ's sake...it's an avalanche. Either climb, quit, bitch, or do all three, but shut the f*&# up! I'm sick and tired of your stupid grasps to relate any act of nature to the meaning of all mankind.

Lew Turner

Dave Hahn: Humble Hero (July 24, 2000)

Kudos to David Hahn for his article on Everest Fame. Written with humility and truthfulness.

You are one of my heroes!

Kevin Shilka

MountainZone and K2: Winning Combination! (July 24, 2000)

I discovered your website when a neighbor of a good friend of mine became a team member of the K2 climb that you are currently highlighting on your site. I absolutely love visiting your website, not only to get updates on the climb, but to tap into the adventures that are most definitely out there to be had.

In regards to the K2 climb, I would like to pass along my best wishes to all involved; their commitment is simply amazing! I would like to tell Heidi that I am in awe of her writing. She truly allows me to "be there;" in a small way, to experience the mountain.

Thanks for this look into the dreams of others!

Jane Smyth

MountainZone: Salve for the Soul (July 20, 2000)

Dear Sirs,

I love your website. I get such a feeling of calm and serenity, it is really Zoloft for the soul. I recently had cancer and I am in remission. Your website and everything about it has been therapy. I thank you. My goal in life is to take a trip to Base Camp of Everest, not as a tourist, but as a human being connecting to something in life that has given me great pleasure and a will to live. I hope this letter makes sense.

Sincerely,

Kevin D. Johnson

K2: Hi Wayne! (July 18, 2000)

To the editor,

Please accept my thanks and praise for a fine job of reporting on the K2 expedition. In spite of (or maybe because of) all the drama, I've been glued to the browser.

I would like to send a personal message to Wayne Wallace, if possible:

"Wayne, hang in there!"

Thanks,

Steve Graham

K2: Howkins Supporters Unite! (July 17, 2000)

Hi friends,

I'd like to say to you (and to Heidi) how much I enjoy her dispatches. Once in a while someone writes for you who is a fresh voice, who seems to grasp some of the wider context of "getting to the expedition's goal". A couple of seasons ago, Dave Hahn wrote with a humanity unusual among the other dispatches. Now Heidi, who is funny, and reflective, and all else. Her "Dear Mom" dispatch went to half of my friends.

Thank you for your services to expeditions and to us armchair mountaineers.

Chris MacIntosh
San Mateo, California

Anatoli: Not Forgotten (July 17, 2000)

To me Anatoli was the greatest climber in the world. I almost never cry, but when reading about his death in the book "The Climb" I teared up and cried. I felt like I knew Tolya personally, though I've never met him. Anatoli risked his own life in May of 1996 so that he could save those lost climbers. He didn't have to do that. Anatoli is my hero!

I'll always think about him as I climb mountains, how his life touched a 15-year-old's heart. Anatoli said in his book: "Mountains have the power to call us into their realms, and there left forever are our friends who's great souls were longing for the heights. Do not forget the mountaineers who have not returned from the summits."

Savannah Collins
Lincolnton, GA

MountainZone: Somebody Loves Us! (July 14, 2000)

Hey,

I just took a close look at your web site! It rocks! I think it is awesome! All the info I was looking for was right there and it is really one of the greatest sites. Don't change a thing!

Kate

Mustagh: Heavenly State of Nature (July 10, 2000)

Dear Editor and all those putting together the progress of the Mustagh Ata (East Ridge) Team currently there,

I've been reading with great joy about the team's progress and magnificent photos of the Mustagh Ata. You guys are doing a great job! Thanks for making it happen.

I can't help thinking about the team in the extreme, but heavenly states of nature, every time I look up at the top of the Central Plaza building in Hong Kong. I would appreciate if you could pass on my best wishes to all the team members, especially Walter Keller.

Thank you,

Best Regards from Hong Kong,
Angela Lau

K2: Hurrah for Howkins (July 7, 2000)

I am unaware of exactly how I might send an e-mail to Heidi Howkins, who is currently climbing K2 as part of Jeff Alzner's team. While each of the dispatchers has done a magnificent job of capturing both the drama as well as the day-to-day mundaneness of climbing the mountain, I just wanted to say that Heidi's eloquence has been most appreciated by me as an armchair follower of the expedition. I would appreciate it if that compliment could be forwarded to her along with my wishes to the entire team for a successful summit bid.

Jon Caless

K2: Dissention is De Rigueur (July 6, 2000)

Salut from Canada!

I have followed the American K2000 Expedition on MountainZone.com religiously. Most recently I have been reading about the Oregonian article and its subsequent fallout. What is so surprising? Stress, boredom, details, danger, altitude and egos are the ingredients for a nasty cocktail. I read all the time about fist fights in and around El Cap - and that's back home in America - so why would disagreements at ABC in the middle of the Karakoram seem so strange?

Mountaineering/Summiting/Failing/Dying is ultimately a solo endeavour and not a team sport. Whatever the case, it makes for good reading and that's good news for the Oregonian and MountainZone! And for Alzner, Ziel, Howkins, Mountain Hardwear, and even the Pakistan Tourism Industry...

All that being said, I wish Heidi would write more dispatches. Hers at least show some creativity and cleverness. In fact, I think she is the best mountain correspondent I have ever read and I can't wait to read more. Viva Heidi! After all, can you imagine hanging out with all those guys, all the time? (As a male, I can't imagine spending that kind of time at that kind of endeavour in that kind of place with that many women!!!!!!).

Stay free and play nice,

Billy Collins
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Iditarod: Norwil is Local Hero (July 3, 2000)

Hi-

After reading through some of the letters to the editor, I was particularly struck by the many nasty comments about Pat Norwil. The letter of 3/14 about the Iditarod and Pat was especially disturbing. First of all, I don't consider anything a sport in which not all participants are willing participants, such as the sled dogs, many of whom die every year. There is surely not much joy in the life of a sled dog, many are abused and are strictly considered a cash crop. In the same letter V.V. of Alaska dares to trash Pat Norwil, who is only punishing himself, not some helpless dogs, on that trail.

Those of us whose worked with Pat at Crystal Mountain know him only as an extremely hard worker who was well liked and admired by everyone at the mountain. You go, Pat, don't listen to those idiots. You are a hero! Thanks for not looking for glory by abusing animals!

Your friends at Crystal

Liz Enger
Enumclaw, Washington

K2: Altitudes, not Attitudes (July 3, 2000)

I'd first like to say what an incredible job you and the team are doing on the web site covering the American K2-2000 North Ridge Expedition. The up-front, in-depth information provided about the team, SupPorters, the mountain history, maps, etc. is a great way to introduce us low-landers to the expedition and the people involved. I especially enjoy the daily dispatches with accompanying photos. I just viewed the photos taken on June 30th of the climb from Camp 1 to Camp 2. Some of the best climbing shots I've seen. I also enjoy the writings of Heidi Howkins. Her ability to relate the hardships of the expedition with her wonderfully witty sense of humor is an invaluable asset to your web site. It would be a shame to lose her due to some of the uncontrolled egos on the mountain.

Secondly, I am fortunate to live in the Portland metro area. Each Sunday, Pulitzer winning journalist Terry Richard provides an article in the Oregonian with a slightly different slant on the climb. Because he is climbing no higher than base camp, and he has been following the organization of this climb for the past two years, he can step back and view the team and their mission from a different perspective. Thus, I was disappointed to read in yesterday's (Sunday Orgeonian, 7-2-00) article about the dissention among the team members. If anyone (and I'm sure most of the team members have) has read Jim Wickwire's account of his first attempt to summit K2 in 1975 (Addicted To Danger) then they know that the attitudes and egos that are currently prevailing on the mountain will destroy this teams attempt to reach the top. I'm not sure what your response to the team was regarding their "vote" to remove Heidi form the spokesperson position. But when you get word to those boys, tell them to cool their heels and concentrate on climbing. She obviously has taken it upon herself to go above and beyond the call of duty to provide informative reporting from the mountain. The whole point of having several people providing dispatches is to realize the different perspectives of the individuals. For them to try to stifle Heidi is a shame. If they have something to say, let them write their own dispatches and leave the others to theirs.

Again, excellent web site. Keep the reports coming and encourage cooperation and tolerance and pray for success.

Sincerely,

Rob D. Amsberry
Milwaukie, Oregon

K2: Brats! (July 2, 2000)

As reported by Terry Richards in The Oregonian, Sunday, July 2nd, the members of the K2 Expedition sound like a bunch of spoiled rich brats. Most of us who spend our days working just to pay the bills would feel so lucky to be included in a multi-million dollar adventure like their expedition. Somebody needs to whack these guys over the head and give them a reality check....they seem to have lost their perspective.

Dave Stalker
Bend, OR

K2: Greetings from Home (June 28, 2000)

Hi!

I wanted to say thank you for doing such a great job with the K2 expedition coverage and sponsorship! I have a personal interest 'cause one of the climbers is our next door neighbor.

Say hi to Wayne Wallace from neighbors Dee, Mike Nelson, Larry, and Ryan. Tell him his house is still standing and all is well there. And please add our congratulations for your success so far, and extra good luck for the remainder of your journey.

Thank you!

Sincerely,
Dee

National Champion Recovers from Crash (June 27, 2000)

Hi,

This letter is for Lucas Kane regarding his article on the Mount Snow NCS. I was reading your article and saw that you mentioned my crash during the Pro Women's Downhill qualifier. Just wanted to let you know that even after the crash, I was able to finish my qualifying run and actually qualified in 33rd position.

I was checked out by the race doctors on site and basically they said that I probably compressed my spine, but didn't appear to have broken anything. I was packing up and getting ready to leave the race when a fellow competitor told me I qualified for the final. I was undecided on whether to race or not, but decided to go for the points for the series. I figured that if I was hurt that bad I could always pull off, but I really wanted to try to race. Through the help of my sponsor, White Brothers, and my mechanic, Stephen Porraro, we were able to get my bike back into rideable condition for the final run.

As I sat in the start gate, I thought I might be doing something really stupid by racing, but once I started, I actually felt good. I didn't race fast, but I did hit every line I wanted to, even riding down the ledges (with one break in my flow to change direction). I was able to complete the course in 7:51 (not a fast time, but considering my crash I was thrilled). In retrospect, I'm glad I did the race because instead of going home defeated, I felt like I conquered the mountain.

I want to thank my sponsors Avalanche Downhill Racing, White Brothers, Azonics, and Spectro for all their assistance, and for making it possible for me to compete. Some personal info: I'm the reigning Masters 40+ World and National Downhill Champion and this is my second year competing on the pro circuit.

See you on the trails,
Kathi Krause

Robb on Denali (June 26, 2000)

Well Mr. Knowall, Scott Darnsey, calls us "Avalanche Poodles". He says we didn't know any better, or is he just trying to be the big media hero? He wasn't up there on the slopes so he didn't know what the conditions were like. He went up the next day, so had the conditions changed so much, or was he a fool as well? His team appears to have taken over 10 hours to summit whereas we had summitted and were back to top camp in under that time. Who is more foolhardy? It was -50 when we summitted whereas his team says it was -80. I know which day I'd rather summit on! Let me be a "poodle" any time in preference to having a mouth 10 times too large and an insatiable appetite for inappropriate media coverage!

Geoff Robb

Alex Lowe (June 25, 2000)

First and foremost, I'd like to congratulate you on an informative and entertaining web site. Secondly, I was wondering if there was any way to obtain a video copy of your tribute to Alex Lowe. I only met him once but that one encounter is an experience I will always remember, and I wish that I could have introduced him to my little brother. That said, I would assume all funds would go to the trust fund for his family, so if there is any amount, let me know.

Thank you in advance for your time,
Rob Trauscht

Editor's Note:

The video was created for the internet and Real Player G2 only. Prior to Alex leaving for Shishapangma, he left us a CD that contained his favorite climbing pics from his life's endeavors.

Epic Colorado Plateau Hike (June 24, 2000)

Dear Sir/Madam,

I'm writing about the ongoing story regarding the 700-mile hike around the Colorado Plateau. Last September, I took a vacation through much of the same area, driving to many of those same national parks and hiking the various trails. Your accompanying photographs allowed me a chance to remember and reflect on the extraordinary topography of the region. I just wanted to thank you for publishing such a story on-line. Utah succeeded in expropriating a piece of my soul!

Sincerely,
Christopher F. Gaspar

Dissatisfied Ex-Fan (May 22, 2000)

You used to be the best adventure/outdoors etc. web site in the world. Now with the sale to Quokka, we do not find the stories as well presented, it is full of bells and whistles that take away from the story, a lot of links crash Netscape... I was an early follower from France and I see once again that greed which seems the only value of America and Americans has taken over. What don't you buy Everest while you are at it ?
So long,

Olivier Pilley

Goran Kropp (May 22, 2000)

Hi,

I want to vote on the polartec challenge. Goran Kropp gets my vote. He bicycled with all climbing gear from Sweden to Nepal, climbed the summit solo, and then back to Sweden on the same bicycle. State of the art. The superman on the mountains. The reason Goran Kropp is the only name for the price is that he set a new lightweight style standard.

Bjorn Svensson

Anatoli Boukreev (May 18, 2000)

I never knew Anatoli, but I miss him . We need more men of his courage, passion, and conviction on this Earth. I have read all the books and articles, but just today came upon the audio of him singing. The sadness of his songs and his singing broke my heart. I can imagine the pain his dear friends must feel. Ms.Wylie must be an extraordinary woman. I would like to know her. I hope some day she will write an article or a book. But I suspect she never will, as her memories of her adventures with Anatoli must be private and personal. I am glad Anatoli is still on Annapurna. He should always be in the mountains. My deepest sympathy,

Patsy Rowell McClure
San Jose, California

The Whittaker Brothers (May 5, 2000)

Dear Mountain Zone,

Just a thought: it would be great if you could get BOTH Jim and Lou Whittaker in the same room and just turn on the microphone and listen to them BS about their mountaineering thoughts and experiences. Two brothers, two legends: priceless.

Regards,
John Darrell Van Horn, Ph.D.

Editor's Note:

John,
This year, we actually had Jim and Lou in the same room — but different times. Both remarked on the upside and downside of their inextricably intertwined lives as twins. Jim Whittaker's recent books expounds on that topic a little, so if you haven't read it you might want to.

All the best,

Peter Potterfield
Editor & Publisher
MountainZone.com

Marathon Kit List (May 5, 2000)

I found your site quite by chance and enjoyed a lot of it. However, when I saw your kit list I did not know whether to laugh uncontrollably or be appalled. This race can be done in trainers, with a down jacket, thermal underwear, jeans, a couple of polo necks, a sweatshirt, some good socks and a good sleeping bag. Take a medical kit if you are paranoid, listen carefully to what the Himalayan Mountain Association says to you, drink lots and enjoy the scenery. What would I know, I only invented this race.

Jan Turner

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