On Sat, 28 Jun 2008 20:45:19 -0400, "Wilbur Hubbard"
<wilburhubbard@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
>First off, this is not an off-topic post as the title might indicate.
>Rather, I shall make a point about mountain climbing when it's not
mountain
>climbing and then equate it to sailing when it's not sailing. Here goes .
.
>.
>
>You're off on an expedition to climb Mt. Everest. But, instead of the
>traditional guided trip that you purchase from professionals,
><http://alpineascents.com/everest-why-climb.asp>
a new company is
offering
>to guarantee that you summit Everest without ever having to breathe hard,
>become cold, be endangered or miss a single hot meal. This company has a
new
>invention. It is sort of a mountain-specific climbing machine with
>caterpillar type treads and pulleys for cables etc. Large steel cables
have
>been strung all the way to the top of Everest and this machine claws and
>pulls itself to the summit. Inside there is heat, color television, hot
food
>on demand, sleeping quarters, showers, a bar, a sauna, world telephones,
>maids, and all other manner of luxuries. You simply purchase a very
>expensive ticket and a week later you can tell the whole world that you
>summited Everest.
>
>Is this really mountain climbing? I think not.
>
>In like manner is "sailing" in some huge, heavy, luxury-filled boat that
is
>automated, has wind up sails, has a washer/dryer, dishwasher, hot and
cold
>running water, air conditioning, refrigeration, ice maker, bar, satellite
>TV, stove/oven/broiler, auto pilot, autonavigation, large diesel,
generator,
>water maker, etc. really sailing?
>
>I think not!
>
>So one must ask why do so many people consider various versions of the
above
>abomination sailing? Why do they brag about their floating condos? Why is
it
>they just don't seem to see the folly of their thoughts, desires and
actions
>which cry out loudly and clearly to any real sailor, "Here is a
pretender! A
>lubber afraid to really go sailing but who wants to brag that he does."
>
>Do you see my point?
>
Yes, but if you do a better job with your comb-over, it won't be as
noticable.
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