Sunday 17 May 2009

book: Touching the Void by Joe Simpson

Joe Simpson and Simon Yates climb the 6,344 metre Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes in 1985.
The climb is tough (tougher than expected somewhat) and the description is gripping.
On the way down Joe falls and smashes his leg. OW.
Both climbers think Joe is almost as good as dead.

Simon stays to help Joe descend despite increased risk to himself and worsening frostbite in his hands. The descent goes well at first but ends in darkness with Simon holding onto a rope at a hold gradually giving way not able to communicate with or see what is going below with Joe who is dangling over an ice cliff unable to do anything,
Simon eventually cuts the rope.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Touching-Void-Joe-Simpson/dp/0099771012
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Touching_the_Void
http://www.touchingthevoid.co.uk/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siula_Grande
Google Maps: Siula_Grande area




I am actually reading this one today.
Library book.
Picked it up and half way in before it's time to go to bed (but I'm obviously not going to get to bed on time YET again!)








View Larger Map

No comments: