So I had a strange today. Things have finally slowed down at work. A buddy of mine and I took the day off and drove up near Charlotte to do some mountain climbing. We get there, and . . .

Channel 9 Story

That's me in the red shirt in the video.

I've been climbing for 17 years and have seen people take 40 foot falls and all kinds of crazy accidents, but I've never stumbled upon a body. We were actually "detained" and treated as murder suspects for a short while. Four news helicopters circled overhead. It was surreal . . . kinda like reading a John Sandford "Prey" book.

Here's another link: WCNC Story

"I sent Donald, my partner, down to take a look". Just to be clear, Donald is my CLIMBING partner.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SaintFan,

first, eewwww

second, I notice you weren't the one who hiked down to the bottom to see if it was a body.

third, you ugly.

quote:

Originally posted by ravage:
first, eewwww

second, I notice you weren't the one who hiked down to the bottom to see if it was a body.

third, you ugly.

I admit I don't exactly resemble Matt Damon in that video!

quote:

The climbers who found the man at the bottom of an 80-foot rock wall said it was an upsetting sight.

“I saw him. He looked like what you would think a guy who just fell off a mountain would look like. It was terrible,” said Donald Merckle.

genius

Damn, that would be very freaky, to say the least. Definitely a "Stand by Me" moment.

quote:

Originally posted by Astros:
Damn, that would be very freaky, to say the least. Definitely a "Stand by Me" moment.

At least it wasn't a "River's Edge" moment.

Pretty crazy story. Remind me never to go rock climbing with you, though

Our own star in our midst! Bad deal though. Probably ruined a great day. For all 3 of you....

quote:

Originally posted by Manzier:
Our own star in our midst! Bad deal though. Probably ruined a great day. For all 3 of you....

That it did. I would have been fine to continue. But, then again, I'm not the one that had to poke the body to determine if it was cold and stiff (at 911's urging). So when Donald said he would rather not climb, I wasn't going to force the issue.

We're going back next week, though, so at least he's not overly freaked. This was only his second trip to climb outdoors.

quote:

Originally posted by SaintFan:
"I sent Donald, my partner, down to take a look". Just to be clear, Donald is my CLIMBING partner.

Thanks for clarifying.

I have caught so much crap for that . . . and for waving at the damn helicopter. (That happens on the "raw" footage on the Channel 9 site.

I have a defense for that one, though. I know one person who lives in Charlotte. After giving my statement to the police and being told I was no longer a suspect and could use my phone, I sent a text to the guy and told him to turn on the TV. He called right back and asked what he was looking at. He said, "I think I see you, wave or something." So I stuck my arm in the air, not really thinking about it.

I've never wanted to be "that guy" that waves in the background of sporting events, etc.

quote:

Originally posted by ravage:

quote:

Originally posted by Astros:
Damn, that would be very freaky, to say the least. Definitely a "Stand by Me" moment.

At least it wasn't a "River's Edge" moment.

or a "Deliverence" moment.