The Sherpa and the Snowman

This isn't the only book I have read about Yeti. Reinhold Messner has also written a book [b:My Quest for the Yeti: Confronting the Himalayas' Deepest Mystery 861064 My Quest for the Yeti Confronting the Himalayas' Deepest Mystery Reinhold Messner https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1442924291s/861064.jpg 846503] (in 1998, much more recently that this one) although I enjoyed this one more. Charles Stonor's book was published in 1955.It is no spoiler to divulge that the expedition didn't return with conclusive evidence of Yeti, and that there was much second hand information. However the book covers more than just searching for Yeti, it gives generous coverage to the Sherpa people, their culture and way of life, and to the many individuals that are encountered during this expedition.I found the writing very good, readable and it explained things in a sensible, logical way. There was variation in the pace of the story, and it didn't dwell on any particular aspect too long. There was a lot of supplementary information on flora and fauna, especially flowers and birds, but not to such an extent that it becomes a bird fanciers book.There were some well summarised thoughts, one of which I picked out below:P102 - On Sherpa:Another train of though suggests that no people without the threefold gifts of adaptability, of toughness that hardly recognises hardships, and of ability for both husbandry and trade, could possibly have survived and come to terms with the grim severity of their surroundings. They are a race who are not only tolerant, tranquil and kind-hearted, but able, adaptable, and above all realistic. Probably their greatest limitation is the lack of any positive, creative spark; hence the absence of any art. (It goes on to explain the amazing frescos in the monasteries don't count as they are the exclusive work of the Tibetans.) So, as to the Yeti - does it exist?There are a few things to consider, which are spelled out by this book. I have paraphrased, so don't quote me on the exact accuracy below!- The area of the Himalaya that is occupied by the Sherpa and Tibetan people is tiny compared to the total area. This means that there is only a very small chance of Yeti crossing paths with humans. Despite this there are many sightings of Yeti. This also means the authors brief month or so in the area is really a very long shot at discovering something concrete.- The author is at pains to point out that at no time during his time there, did any of the Sherpa look for a reward, or to benefit in any way from information provided. Many were reluctant to discuss their experiences.- The many stories that the author was told had and incredibly high degree of similarity - there were very few variances, and the consistency across many different people and villages and areas leads to the suggestion that they are all witnessing the same thing.- The people consistently describe two types of Yeti (or Yeh-Teh). The larger are very rare in the Nepal Himalaya, but more common in the higher lands of Tibet. These were described by those Tibetans who had made regular journeys between Tibet and Nepal. These Yeti, called Dzu-Teh, are very large, with thick long reddish brown fur. They are a danger to Yaks, and move about on four legs. The smaller Yeti, called Mih-Teh are roughly the size of a small man or youth, and goes on two legs like a man. It has long hair on the legs and waist, usually described as lighter in colour on the chest, and has a partially hairy face. It is tail-less. It varies in colour from red/black to red/brown, and they have a high pointed head. They hunt the abundant mouse hare, and are often described as not eating the entrails. Its call is a loud wailing, yelping noise, most frequently hears late afternoon or early evening. When heard close to, it often makes a chattering noise.- Footprints of the Mih-Teh are regularly found, and they are always the size of a small man's with at least 3 toes visible. The Sherpa live in snow, and are expert trackers. The usual explanation given for Yeti tracks is the footprints on a man with snow melt. Sherpa would not be fooled by this. Footprints are nearly always found after hearing Yeti, and it is unrealistic to think men would be out walking in bare feet in these locations.- Red bear, black bear and Himalayan Langur are often suggested as the source of the yeti sightings. The Sherpa a re very familiar with these animals, and are quick to point out they are not mistaken in their identification. Their tracks are well known, and differ from Yeti tracks.There is a whole lot more of interest in the book, but by way of summary, the book concludes that there is a formidable body of circumstantial evidence, but the more telling aspect is the attitude, “expressed more than once by Sherpas of proved intelligence and integrity, that there is no conceivable reason why they should fabricate a mammal in which they are not particularly interested, which they would rather not encounter, and the reality of which depends not on its mythological associations, but on its status as an animal of flesh and blood.”Fascinating stuff.Four stars.