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General Climbing Discussion

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Tim Holding missing 1-Sep-2009 At 7:40:32 PM mattjr

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On 1/09/2009 patto wrote:
>I do find some the attitudes being cast around on this forum quite amazing
>considering this is a forum of ROCK CLIMBERS. Words like irresponsible
>and foolish to describe somebody not equipped with an EPIRB or ice axes!!!!?
>
>Some people would similarly argue that rockclimbing up a cliff is irrepsponsible
>and foolish when there is a perfectly good track that leads to the top.
>
>I was up at Feathertop during August and I would definately agree an ice
>axe would be highly recommended if you are attempt to summit. In fact
>this past month I would and have discouraged people from going up without
>one.
>
>However I can think of many climbs that are far more dangerous than the
>summit of feathertop under recent conditions. I'd rate my ascent of Snake
>Dike as similar type of risk to ascending feathertop without an axe (though
>even harder). It is fairly easy, but remote and the risk is high if you
>fall. (And I am certainly not one with big cojones at the moment. I was
>bloody scared today leading a well protected 16 total at Camels Hump!)
>
>Am I irresponsible and foolish for climbing a classic such as Snake Dike?
>
>Have you guys not ever been run out before while climbing?

Yes, but fortunately I am not the ex minister for emergency service. Agree with your points, you must admit however that the whole situation is a little ironic.