I read an interesting article about a mysterious phenomenon that happens to solo climbers who are hurt, lost, or very tired. It invoves a human's capacity to conjure up a companion when one is most needed in a survival situation. T.S. Elliot wrote about it:

Who is the third who walks always beside you?
When I count, there are only you and I together
But when I look ahead up the white road
There is always another one walking beside you
Gliding wrapt in a brown mantle, hooded
I do not know whether man or woman
-but who is that on the other side of you?

I seldom solo and have never experienced this. Have any of you?

More information on this can be found in a book written by explorer and survivalist John Geiger- "The third man factor: surviving the impossible". He has document hundreds of these incidents.

Interesting.

I day hike the mountains mainly on my own. And often choose routes where I can be alone all day. I have sometimes returned very, very tired, (one of the conditions mentioned), due to being old, over weight etc, (Ugly Fat Bastard in fact!), but not yet experienced that phenomenon.

Interesting idea you've presented. The mind can definitely do some crazy things. I've recently been looking into studies people have done regarding the human brain in solitude and desperation. A notable one of which was Ken Ambler's recollection of the 1996 Everest season and how one climber, Beck Weathers, after lying in the snow for about 2 days just below the summit, drew enough energy from the thought that he had too much to live for, to just die there.

Very interesting 20 min. video, I can find the link if anyone would want to watch it.

http://www.summitpost.org/phpBB2/viewto ... =third+man

discussed before...

Dingus Milktoast wrote:OK here is an interesting link. Its to a thread authored by Jeff Lowe, one of the greatest American alpinists of all time.

http://www.supertopo.com/climbers-forum/498905/A_solid_companion_-_first_edit

This is really first rate. Thought those interested in this topic might like to see a Companion (hehe) thread. A Gift of the Taco, if you will....

DMT

Very erie. Extremely well done

Yes, I've experienced the Third Man Factor and wrote about it here:

http://www.summitpost.org/trip-report/435884/The-Search-A-Winter-Solo-of-the-Leaning-Tower.html

There is a good book about the Third Man Factor.

I prefer the third person to be a woman, but to each his own.

I often mumble and have conversations with my self when I am out and about by my self in the hills. I don't think that that is th same thing though...

Does a sock puppet count?

The subconscious will do anything to help a person (the host) survive. Many Third Man experiences arise from delirium, though the need to "create" a companion is a tool that the mind will use in order gain comfort.

Dr Hamish MacInnes described meeting another man in the jungle below Roraima (Climb To The Lost World), when in a state of exhaustion. He reported following the man, until he turned and faced him. Only to find that it was himself.

I have not had a direct Third Man experience, though when I'm in a blizzard and get all closed up in my gear, I get very close to my own, inner self.

Sierra Ledge Rat wrote:Yes, I've experienced the Third Man Factor and wrote about it here:

http://www.summitpost.org/trip-report/435884/The-Search-A-Winter-Solo-of-the-Leaning-Tower.html

There is a good book about the Third Man Factor.

Probably you are thinking on The Third Man Factor by John Geiger.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_Man_phenomenon

Reinhold Messner's story by David Roberts on Adventure Magazine:

http://www.a-z.gr/index.php?name=News_e ... cle&sid=14

Lolli wrote:

MoapaPk wrote:Does a sock puppet count?

A sock puppet? What's that?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrK3Zko8Lbg

Lolli wrote:

MoapaPk wrote:Does a sock puppet count?

A sock puppet? What's that?

Puppet made out of a sock.



I know they have them in Sweden, because I made one when I lived in Denmark.

Lolli wrote:hehe
yes, they do
For some reason I thought about electricity... not about dolls.

Good one!