Adventuring in the Modern Age

Air Date: October 12, 2011

Guest Paul Deegan on the summit of Mount Everest

Hour 2

What does it take to summit a mountain, traverse the poles or dive into the deepest cave? In the past it took physical prowess, good logistical skills and an intrepid spirit. Today though, technology plays an increasingly large role in outdoor adventures. Cellular and satellite phones have certainly saved countless lives on mountainsides and in remote areas but have they also changed the culture of exploring in fundamental ways? Some longtime mountaineers mourn the good old days when venturing into the wild really was an escape from it all. Park rangers have also noticed a change – park visitors with a false sense of security feel that help is just a call away. This hour — a conversation on modern day adventuring and the drive that pushes people into the void. We’ll talk with longtime mountaineer and adventure writer DAVID ROBERTS, expedition leader and author PAUL DEEGAN and Denali National Park chief climbing ranger JOHN LEONARD.

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[audio: 101211_110630.mp3]

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