No news from missing mtn climbers Christine Boskoff and Charlie Fowler - search area too big

[Wonk]

http://www.mounteverest.net/news.php?news=15407

(MountEverest.net) Chinese authorities and mountaineering organizations are trying to find the whereabouts of American climbers Christine Boskoff and Charlie Fowler, but with little luck. Basically, they don't know where to look. The climbers moved over a vast area and didn't report their exact locations.

Out exploring unclimbed peaks

Christine's company Mountain Madness has published a press release with the few details known. "After successfully leading three clients to the summit of Cho Oyu (26,906 ft), Christine Boskoff met up with Charlie Fowler and the pair set off on vacation with the intent of exploring unclimbed peaks in China," reads the note. "Christine often spends her personal time in Asia, enjoying the people and the climbing. In an email sent on November 7, she wrote: 'I am having a great time and love the country, mountains and people here.' "

(snip)

Previous reports stated the couple traveled to Genyen, in China's Western Sichuan Province, November 9 to do a 2 day hike to an un-named 6000-meter peak in Dechin. After the climb, they expected to return November 25 and catch a December 4 flight home. When the two failed to show up in US however, a search party was sent to Litang today to investigate the town for clues about the Americans, but has found no information.

(snip)

With 6, 8000ers summited, Christine is among the top female high altitude climbers in the world. She mantled the Himalayan commercial outfit Mountain Madness after founder Scott Fisher vanished on Everest.

Charlie Fowler is described by Alpinist as "one of America's most prolific pioneers, with countless expeditions and first ascents to his credit."

more...

[Wonk]

1. Key differences in China, Mt. Hood searches

http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061220/APC0101/61220154/1979

While a search for missing climbers on Oregon’s Mt. Hood triggered more publicity, searchers looking for two mountain climbers in southwest China say their ongoing task is far more complex.

Former Appleton resident Christine Boskoff and climbing partner Charlie Fowler remained missing Wednesday, as searchers continued to comb a vast area in southwest China containing some of the world’s tallest peaks. The pair failed to return to the United States aboard a Dec. 4 flight as planned after a two-month expedition.

(snip)

“Take Mt. Hood and stack another Mt. Hood on top of it,” Arlene Burns, spokeswoman for Mountainfilm, a Colorado film festival involved in the search effort, said. “That is the heights of the peaks we’re talking about here.”

Boskoff, a 1985 Appleton East graduate, and Fowler are considered among the world’s best climbers.

more...

[Old and In the Way]

2. You are right about how we are influenced by what the corporate media

chooses to cover. I hadn't heard about this. I suppose it's not news because it's too expensive to cover relative to the Mt. Hood story.

[Texasgal]

3. I have really enjoyed your posts

On mountain climbers.

Thank you for your expertise.

[Wonk]

4. Thanks, but I wouldn't call myself an 'expert', I just read a lot.

Ed Viesturs is an example of someone I'd consider a real expert. I'm more of an armchair climbing enthusiast.

I really hope Christine and Charlie turn up alive soon.