Now Laura, I don't say "crap" over there. I'm more civil and genteel than that.
Over there, I've been chastised for suggest people don't come, something I've never said. I do believe the gram counters who believe they can do the MMWT safely, and the key word is safely, with no experience are fools. What I've always said is don't go higher than you can descend safely. I've seen way too many people in I've really screwed up, what do I do now position.
All the noobs need to do spend previous winter reading Freedom of the Hills to get a clue, practicing and when spring rolls if they have an once of brains in the skulls they will throw $125 at SMI or SMC in Bishop for their excellent snow travel course.
It is my belief the same accidents occur at Mt. Whitney only the names of the victims change...unfortunately.
BTW, in a month or so they will not be asking about axes over there, only clamp-ons.
You are so right, wb, on all counts. (Note to self: do not attempt meaningful post at 0400 before coffee). I know I've pulled out of most of those conversations on ALL boards because it is such an exercise in frustration. You were one of the few brave people willing to tell people to not go higher than what they feel safe doing, and people don't like to hear that. In my opinion, no one wants to do the "work" involved in being safe up there. I've tried encouraging people in that direction also: learning skills elsewhere than the WZ, then applying them. Yeah: that goes over well.
<sigh> Guess I'll just go back and sit in my corner again.
