doggler wrote: But I certainly don't think it would offer me the opportunity to brag any more than if I were to buy a sports car or big house. I don't really see it as much of a physical accomplishment anymore, as the only real limiter seems to be money.
No disrespect to you either, but you really don't know what you're talking about. Have you ever even been to significant altitiude? I have. But only a mere 7000 meters. I cannot imagine what 8800 meters feels like.
Here's my favorite Roach quote:
"All Rise. Mount Everest is Earth’s highest peak, the highest peak in Asia, Earth’s largest continent, and the highest peak in both Nepal and China. No Earth-bound peak can top it! Those who think Everest is easy to climb have usually not been to the top of the “Big E.”
Some glibly dismiss Everest with, “Oh! K2 is harder to climb than Everest!” Those folks have likely never been to the top of either peak, and most have never even seen these peaks. Set your prejudice aside, and take a good look at the photo. Then, take a fresh breath and hold it for three minutes while you stare at the photo. The discomfort you feel while holding your breath will be minor compared to the discomfort you will feel near Everest’s summit. Once, I held my breath for six minutes, and I would quickly accept that discomfort over Everest’s. If you can’t hold your breath for two to three minutes with aplomb, then you likely won’t be able to climb Everest. Just standing on the summit feels like running a six-minute mile. Movement, of course, only makes matters worse. The Big E has long since earned her reputation."