National Park After Dark 347: The Cost of Survival: The Cordillera Huayhuash Reserved Zone (Part 2)
Jan 12, 2026
In a gripping tale of survival, Joe fights to escape a crevasse with a shattered leg while Simon grapples with an agonizing decision made high on Siula Grande. As night falls, the stakes soar with Joe’s struggle for water and warmth, leading him to a breakthrough that could mean life or death. Forgiveness unfolds between the two climbers, even amidst the chaos of recovery. From the horrors of isolation to the camaraderie of friendship, this harrowing journey portrays resilience against nature's brutal challenges.
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The Fall Into The Crevasse
- Joe Simpson fell into a crevasse after Simon Yates cut the rope during a stormy descent on Siula Grande.
- Joe survived the fall and began an agonizing self-rescue despite a shattered leg and no supplies.
Forgiveness As Survival Closure
- Simon cut the rope believing both would otherwise die and carried immense guilt afterward.
- Joe's immediate forgiveness — “you made the right decision” — relieved much of Simon's torment.
Solo Crawl Back To The Surface
- After falling Joe crawled, lowered himself deeper into the crevasse, found a snow bridge, and hauled himself back to daylight.
- He then followed Simon's footprints across the glacier while dragging himself toward base camp.
