Section Ten Summary and Analysis

After Vizintin left them, Parrado and Canessa took a break to replenish their energy and then continued their ascent. Parrado (Nando) took the lead position on the expedition. The extreme altitude wore on their bodies and rendered them exhausted. During their hike, Canessa prayed continuously to God. They made it up the mountain and down the other side. The top of the mountain was wind blown and lacking in humidity, so there was little snow. Once on the other side the snow drifts were deep, and when the sun came out they began to melt. The ground beneath their feet was mushy and it required much effort to advance. In some areas they tumbled or sled down on their bottoms. Canessa was thankful for those times of sledding. He was struggling with the physical demands of the journey and...