Oceania highest mountain

[7summits]

Hi 617,

thanks for the input. Probably this debate will never end as there are many possible views andreasons.
However, I think that all 3 arguments mentioned above are invalid when you know that:
- Messner had identified the 7 summits a long time before and had climbed 6 of the 7 before Dick bass even started climbing them. Dick Bass had the means to go to Vinson, but just because he finished his list first, does noet mean he was the first to come up with the concept (actually others even started before).
- Messner never ran a guiding business.

If you climb Kozie, at least do the Hannel's Spur, the only route that actually involves ascent (1800m up). Still a hike, but much more fun than an iron boardwalk...

Keep on climbing!
Cheers, Harry

[617]

Hi Harry,

Some valid points (and i agree the debate will never come to an end, aside from the "agree to disagree" status which accepts different definitions based on (consistently) applying different criteria).

True Messner never ran a guiding business (although I think he has done some minimal commercial guiding), but many others have. This is no jab at you as you're freely allowing this debate on your forum and aren't demanding inflated prices.

I'm not really aware of who was then the first to think of the 7 summits as a concept. Would require some research. I guess all i can indicate is Bass is the first to have claimed to finish them (and write a book) and only that triggered the publically controversial debate. Would be interesting to know whether Messner challenged Bass on the definition:
- before or after Messner climbed K?
- before or after Bass completed his 7?

I freely admit i did the lazy Thredbo route and consider it more of a nice excercise (although i was pleased with my 1:15 time, i'm not in that bad a shape after all). Back in Sydney now and regret not having also done another route (e.g. Charlotte's Pass). I'm not a purist though...  if a lift goes up to below the summit, i'll take it. Just like i'll also fly to australia rather than swim or use a canoo On Kili i did the Lemosho / Western Breach route though - thought it would be a nicer way to see more of the mountain, avoid teh crowds and get a better acclimatization. Will also take an alternative route up Aconcagua... either Polish Traverse orGuanacos if that's open again I'm intrigued by the glacier route as well but am a bit concerned about whether it represents too  much unnecessary risk. In any case, a few more months to decide... first the battle to get time off from work