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TIME: Almanac 1990
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1990 Time Magazine Compact Almanac, The (1991)(Time).iso
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041089
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04108900.054
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1990-09-22
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LETTERS, Page 8It's No Vacation
As a veteran of expeditions to climb Mount Everest in 1985,
1986 and 1988, I feel that John Skow's article about the ascent of
that mountain by Stacy Allison and Peggy Luce (AMERICAN IDEAS,
March 6) gave an unfortunate view of American Himalayan climbing.
Skow's phrase "idlers with powerful legs" is an inaccurate
description of people who are, after all, motivated to tackle the
world's highest mountain. As for getting "achievers in powerful
suits to pay for their vacations," climbing in sub-zero weather and
risking one's life daily is hardly a vacation. Allison contributed
$9,000 of her own money to the expedition. To describe climbing
Mount Everest Alpine-style or without oxygen as a "gimmick" to
attract backers was shallow. Sponsors of mountaineering expeditions
receive a variety of returns for their support, including media
coverage, advertising photographs, product testing and expedition
lectures. Unlike many professional athletes, most American climbers
do not receive lucrative personal endorsements.
Ed Webster
Boulder