Part 2: Northward Summary and Analysis

It is October and the weather is perfect for travel and for harvesting potatoes. There is no need for all the sherpas, but the new ones refuse to leave and will not give up the money paid in advance to buy food. The party starts to climb toward the White Mountains. The group finally reaches snow at 12,400 feet. The snow is gray and lies atop slushy scree, which makes the climb difficult. Matthiessen has blisters on his feet and is wearing sneakers so his feet are wet and numb.

Matthiessen speaks about his relationship with Deborah. The marriage had begun to come apart five months before she died. The cancer was sudden and didn't begin until late autumn. By January, Deborah was consumed with cancer and barely lucid. Matthiessen and Schaller wait by a stone hut for the rest...