It is all in the personal perception Harvey.Like two people looking at the same clouds. Each person sees a different image.
Bummer about the boot throw.I can't imagine hobbling down the trail with only one boot on.Thanks for the report.
Agreed on all counts. The loss of the boot was a bummer, but stepping up and accompanying my friend back to the trailhead safely was reward enough. He wasn't hiking in bare feet though. He had one boot and a Teva sandal with a foot bed from my water shoe duct taped to it for arch support and heel cushioning. He did quite well on it, but the potential for a Teva blow out or a turned ankle were high, so neither he nor we felt good about him walking out on his own (although he likely would have made it just fine).
As for the differing perceptions, I tend to give walking in the mountains a lot of respect. I don't dwell on potential danger, but I don't ignore it either. I'd rather carry the extra weight of an ice axe than face the prospect of not being able to arrest myself if I made a dumb mistake and slipped off trail and started sliding down the snow. I've seen my share of dumb mistakes, the errant toss of the boot across rock creek being the most recent, so it's not outside the realm of possibility. If a lighter load means more to you than carrying an ice axe, you'll most likely be fine without one. It's a matter of personal comfort level I guess.
Thanks to all for the congratulations. It's the first time I've ever gained the summit on a day hike (soemthing I swore I would never attempt), so there is a feeling of accomplishment.
