KitCatherine

A little off topic, but I am just hoping to learn. I understand that the news isn't the best source for information, and even what I read on CNN isn't necessarily matching what the sheriff is stating. And although I COMPLETELY understand this is a good time of year for this ascent, why are we hearing from crews at Hood River that this climb is normally made during May-July season and rarely at winter? Is this another misnomer caused by more speculation? My focus on learning about climbing have been Washington State alone, (my father and uncles climbed Mt. Rainier in their younger days) so this is something I was just curious about in overall learning. My husband and I have expressed a desire to venture to Oregon when we become very experienced, so its just a piece of information I was hoping to learn.

They just showed on CNN and Nightly News that the caves were at the top of the anchored "y" Formation on the NF of the mountain at 300 feet below the summit. Maybe its just the angle of the photography? I am wanting to hear what new clues they found today. Someone asked if the only injury sustained was the broken arm, and so far, reports said he had a severely broken arm, and that was all found at that time.

I know I am new here, but I have been reading this forum for a few months now, and I just have to say "thank you" to all of you, who have really taken to heart what the families are feeling. I know myself, having only in the past year, deciding that I want to learn to climb, and reading what you have said, just shows me how compassionate of a group that is here. Both yesterday and today, I have cried, just watching the news. And coming here still gives me hope for the families. I just wanted to say "thank you" for that, because although it seems like hope is slipping, many of you are saying reasons to still not give up, and to still hold out.