Cave Built With a Knife Saves Climber

I just read an article about a climber that literally saved his own life by digging a snow cave using nothing but a knife and a ball point pen. According to the article:

"He was unable to use his climbing axe which was buried under a metre of snow. With the tent buried under the snow, his friend had been unable to find his boots when he crawled out...Mr Hideaki said it took him hours to dig a small snow cave with a knife and ballpoint pen. After he managed to dig the cave he curled up in it. It was only big enough to partially protect both of them. His friend chose to remain outside two to three metres away in his sleeping bag where he could lie outstretched."

That decision would prove to be fatal for his climbing partner and guide. As they checked each other every few hours, finally they slept until sunrise at which point his partner did not wake. I can't imagine what he's going through right now, but the sheer fact that he literally saved himself using nothing more than his own pocket knife and a ball point pen shines so much light on the human spirit.

This accident took place in a location I am familiar with and have been to, Mt. Cook in New Zealand. We all wish you well Mr. Hideaki, and we applaud your spirit.

(Image via Pat Leahy on Flickr)

Labels: Aoraki/Mount Cook, climbing, Climbing News, New Zealand, Survival

  ¶ Thursday, December 11, 2008