Wait, Did You Hear That Too? Colonel Howard-Bury's Himalayan Mountaineering Expedition, 1921
*Please Note: this is a non-traditional crisis committee*
Legend has it that the Himalayan mountains are protected by a gentle guardian residing in the isolated and mostly inaccessible areas of the region. Sherpa and Tibetan communities' legends include numerous tales of this large, ape-like creature covered in shaggy fur to protect it from the harsh winter of the Himalayas. In 1921, a mountaineering expedition led by Colonel Howard-Bury braved the extreme weather conditions of the Himalayas and mapped out the region. This group included numerous mountaineers, scientists, cartographers, and local Sherpa and Bhutia guides. During this trek, several strange events occurred, leading to a growing belief that they might have actually encountered the Yeti… at least, that’s what some of the members of this expedition think.
The expedition faced perilous weather, treacherous terrains, and the ever-present risk of avalanches. Amidst these challenges, they discovered mysterious footprints in the snow, larger than any known animal. At night, eerie sounds echoed through their camps, unsettling even the most seasoned climbers. Some members reported seeing a shadowy, towering figure moving swiftly among the peaks, always just out of clear sight. Equipment mysteriously disappeared, and the local guides spoke in hushed tones about feeling an inexplicable sense of unease.
This non-traditional crisis begins right at the end of the expedition itself when all members of the expedition stay to discuss their findings and observations in Darjeeling, their starting point. As they gather in Darjeeling to debrief, the air is thick with speculation and tension. The heated discussion revolves around the possibility that the Yeti is not just a myth, but a living, breathing creature they might have encountered. Strange phenomena continue to plague the mountaineers’ day-to-day lives, with unexplained occurrences adding fuel to the fire.
Should delegates investigate these phenomena and the potential existence of this creature? The stakes are high as they navigate the tension between scientific inquiry and local lore, seeking to uncover the truth behind the legend of the Yeti while ensuring the safety and cohesion of their team. This delicate balance between skepticism and belief will test their resolve and unity as they confront the mysteries of the Himalayas.
