Saturday, December 02, 2006
Grover, Grover, Grover.........(sigh)............On the SJC, it has never been necessary to inform oneself before opining. In the instant case this is especially so as I have not given an opinion about whether TCCD summited. But here goes.............I have changed my mind several times on this question. Like most people, I am influenced heavily by the fact that Byron is such an egocentric, dislikeable individual. I WANT him to be proven to be a fraud.
Still, that egocentricity and dislikeability does not necessarily make him a liar. The lack of a Summit photo with Byron in it and his apparent attempt to portray the Danish climber's photo as a picture of himself certainly damage his credibility.
On the other hand, several years ago at the Banff Mountain Festivals, I raised the subject with Laurie Skreslet ( the first Canadian to summit Everest and , admittedly, a friend of Byron's ). He was unequivocal in stating that it just wasn't in Byron's nature to lie about such a thing.
Similarly, I find it interesting that there appears to be a Summit photo of several of Byron's Sherpas. Given the compensation they were receiving, I find it hard to believe that they would summit without him. Even if they had to short-rope him to the top a la SHP.
Also, I find interesting Byron's statement, " How much money would I have to pay 7 Sherpas to keep them quiet ? When would one have too much chang and let it slip ? " ( I paraphrase. )
There IS an element of subtle rascism in the easy assumption that as poor third world people , of course they lack integrity and could be bought off by Byron for a pittance. But follow that logic a bit. If Byron could pay them off, why couldn't someone else now easily induce one of them to tell the ' truth ' and expose Byron?
Byron's planned career as a motivational speaker is in ruins. He has lost one of his dealerships. His reputation has been destroyed. Personally, I would be inclined to go as low-profile as possible. Maybe, that's just not Byron's nature. Instead, He continues to pursue what he perceives as vindication through lawsuits and press interviews.
I am reminded of the story of the scorpion who asks a frog to ferry him across a river. The frog says " but you'll sting me and kill me ". The scorpion responds " but that wouldn't make sense 'cause then we'd both die. As they cross the river the scorpion stings the frog. As he is dying and they are both about to drown, the frog asks the scorpion why he did it. The scorpion responds " it's my nature ".
In short, I am undecided as to whether Byron summited or not.
Bruce is better tied into the local climbing community than I am and is more informed of the 'facts' of this matter.I'd be interested to see him post on the subject.
Finally, it is a beautiful sunny 'big sky' Alberta morning here. We have come out of a week long bitter cold snap. In a week, my 9 month old Nephew Michael will be Christened here in Calgary. The following week, I'll travel to Ottawa where my Family will join together for the Christening of my newest niece Finlay. Thereafter, we will celebrate Christmas amongst friends. I simply don't care about Byron Smith very much just now. I think I'll take my Bride, Ginnu, to brunch.
Still, that egocentricity and dislikeability does not necessarily make him a liar. The lack of a Summit photo with Byron in it and his apparent attempt to portray the Danish climber's photo as a picture of himself certainly damage his credibility.
On the other hand, several years ago at the Banff Mountain Festivals, I raised the subject with Laurie Skreslet ( the first Canadian to summit Everest and , admittedly, a friend of Byron's ). He was unequivocal in stating that it just wasn't in Byron's nature to lie about such a thing.
Similarly, I find it interesting that there appears to be a Summit photo of several of Byron's Sherpas. Given the compensation they were receiving, I find it hard to believe that they would summit without him. Even if they had to short-rope him to the top a la SHP.
Also, I find interesting Byron's statement, " How much money would I have to pay 7 Sherpas to keep them quiet ? When would one have too much chang and let it slip ? " ( I paraphrase. )
There IS an element of subtle rascism in the easy assumption that as poor third world people , of course they lack integrity and could be bought off by Byron for a pittance. But follow that logic a bit. If Byron could pay them off, why couldn't someone else now easily induce one of them to tell the ' truth ' and expose Byron?
Byron's planned career as a motivational speaker is in ruins. He has lost one of his dealerships. His reputation has been destroyed. Personally, I would be inclined to go as low-profile as possible. Maybe, that's just not Byron's nature. Instead, He continues to pursue what he perceives as vindication through lawsuits and press interviews.
I am reminded of the story of the scorpion who asks a frog to ferry him across a river. The frog says " but you'll sting me and kill me ". The scorpion responds " but that wouldn't make sense 'cause then we'd both die. As they cross the river the scorpion stings the frog. As he is dying and they are both about to drown, the frog asks the scorpion why he did it. The scorpion responds " it's my nature ".
In short, I am undecided as to whether Byron summited or not.
Bruce is better tied into the local climbing community than I am and is more informed of the 'facts' of this matter.I'd be interested to see him post on the subject.
Finally, it is a beautiful sunny 'big sky' Alberta morning here. We have come out of a week long bitter cold snap. In a week, my 9 month old Nephew Michael will be Christened here in Calgary. The following week, I'll travel to Ottawa where my Family will join together for the Christening of my newest niece Finlay. Thereafter, we will celebrate Christmas amongst friends. I simply don't care about Byron Smith very much just now. I think I'll take my Bride, Ginnu, to brunch.
