Crossing a series of aluminum ladders
lashed together with nylon rope, climbers gingerly traverse
the icefall.
The rungs creak and moan as the glacier inches forward,
pulling the makeshift bridge apart. On May 25th 1997, Karsong,
a young Sherpa climber, began his crossing. A sharp squeal
resonated as his crampons scraped along each rung. The ladder
vibrated more with each step. Karsong's eyes were drawn
to the snowy contours of the crevasse that gaped below.
A breeze swirled up his pant leg stiffening him. He took
another step, lost his focus and began to wobble. The ladder
swung - left and right. For a moment he hung on the edge
of control...
