Article May 12, 1986 Issue

Illusion fetters freedom

CAROLYN HILL

As a child I loved hearing my parents tell of their mountain climbing adventures, especially Mother's "Abominable Snowmen" experience. The members of her party were descending one of Oregon's higher peaks when a sudden storm enveloped them in a blinding, swirling fog. Each one in the group dug a "snow hole," and crawled inside to wait out the storm. Suddenly she saw five monstrous forms approaching. Howling wind made it impossible to communicate with her companions. As the figures came closer they became smaller until she recognized who they were—a rescue patrol from the lodge.

The illusion of great size was caused by a combination of weather conditions—the angle and quality of light on the ice crystals creating the optical effect. At a distance the rescuers were giants. Up close they were seen in their true size. The climbers wouldn't be fooled again.

Mankind has taken some tremendous strides forward. Old illusions and fears holding us to earth have been shattered. Footprints on the moon are proof! But are we still held by unjustified illusions, such as fatigue and illness, that continue to fetter human capacity?

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