Route to Otorten

[Lampe7]

First I thought, that the group walked the wrong way on the 01.02.1959. It was nearly pointed out as a fact within the book I have.

But in reference to the newer map (attached and found in the forum), the route to Otorten over the top of the hills, is marked as a possible way.
And it was also in the past used from the mansi.
So, yes, they didn't walked a long way on the 01.02.1959.
But the route seems not to be wrong.

Or are there facts that underline, that they where in the wrong route? What is your status on this point.

[GlennM]

When I read the case files. I get the interpretation  that the group wished to do the trip as economically as possible. Certain things interfered with that plan. I recall they wanted to ascend by skis the frozen Auspya tributary, but it was not solid, so they had to make their way along the embankment. They had to do a relay snow plowing to make progress. There was a suggestion that the group wanted to cross the saddle between 1079 and 880 in order to get to the valley of the Lovza. For some reason they didn't do that and instead crossed over  much higher above the tree line on the Auspya. They cached supplies and made an aborted effort to take the ridge route to Ortoten. Their second and final attempt failed, as we all understand. The ridge route to Ortoten had the advantage of less obstruction in trees, but the ground itself when exposed would be hard on skis and valenkis.

At the heart of it all was the desire to do things their way in spite of warnings in Fizhay and the weather. They were on a shoestring budget, they were using old and borrowed gear, they had a certain degree of sexual tension, they promised to swear off smokes and to some degree alcohol during the trek. Their route was ambitious.

[Lampe7]

Hi Glenn,

With the actual information that I have, I follow the same direction.

It might be, that they had the plan on the 31.01.1959 to end the day within the wood. If so, they would go directly in the north (and not in the direction of the 1.079m hill) . That corresponds with the text of Djatlow, that they skipped the walk and went back through south.

But it seems, that they changed there decision on 01.02.1959.
They had lost one day. And more important, they changed there strategic planning. The build the supply cache before moving forward. That is the oppisite to that, what the did one day before.
This was an economically decision and helps in two ways. First, it was easier to climb - it solves many problems, they had the day before. Secondly it open a new strategic space, to walk directly on the path above the tree line to Otorten with less effort and time.

The decision would be consciously to every member of the group. Because they wouldn't follow there foot made path from the day before, they would create a new path.