A TANGO
WITH FATE???
(L-R): Dick Bettinger, Troy Bettinger, Kevin Stephens and James Bettinger. Not
shown: photographer Glenn Leasure
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DENVER - 31-MARCH-1998 21:40 HOURS:
Five grown men spend agonizing minutes acclimatization to the crushing atmospheric
pressure levels found in Troy's basement. On the night before leaving for the exotic lands
and untamed mountains of Kansas, our brave team is seen planning what could be a trip into
the jaws of death .Late word from Kansas confirms that the northern border of the
Sunflower region is closed to climbers. Studying the map, the team decides which route
will be the safest at this time of year. Grimly, a poll is taken. The team votes for the
Northeast Ridge.
Looking at the statistics, we can tell what is in store for us. An average of two
people per day leave for the top of Mount Sunflower. Some days, nobody makes it... |