Hinterstoisser Traverse. Swallow's Nest. Death Bivouac. Traverse of the Gods. Higher, past these hazards, the White Spider awaits the next climber. This is one of the most feared faces in the world, the North Face of the Eiger. Considered unclimbable for a century, it holds a very special place in climbing lore.
I saw it for the first time exactly a year ago. Directly below the North Wall stand the four or five buildings that make up the village of Kleine Scheidegg. One of these buildings is the Restaurant Eigernordwand (literally, Eiger North Wall), while another is the grand old Scheidegg Hotel. Once upon a time, a telescope sitting on the patio of the restaurant was the only relatively reliable way to keep track of climbers on the Face. Sitting on that patio, reading White Spider and seeing that Face looming over me every time I looked up, is one of the most unforgettable experiences I've ever had. A great memory and to me, one that would not have been possible without "being there" reading.
If you're a "being there" reader, please leave a comment and share your stories.
More reading: Guardian's Great Escapes, Part 1, Guardian's Great Escapes, Part 2.
Related posts: White Spider.
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