[pct-l] losing ice ax on Mt. Reindeer

[CMountainDave@aol.com (CMountainDave@aol.com)]

Monte - actually, I HAVE led about a dozen climbs of Rainier. The obvious 
answer for that particular problem is to CARRY AN EXTRA ICE AX IN CASE 
SOMEONE LOSES THEIRS FOR WHATEVER REASON. Problem solved. I wrote a whole 
bunch more about legalists vs. situationalists but decided to delete it in 
order to facilitate my quest to just relax and let things go. I ain't there 
yet but haven't given up hope. Let's just say that for a variety of reasons I 
no longer lead climbs but go solo instead so I can have the joy of being a 
pure situationalist. Legalists - save your breath about the dangers of 
climbing solo. I ain't listening. And if one tosses out the guidebook along 
with the rules and just uses topo's instead, the climb can approach that of a 
first ascent with all its joy of discovery. As in life, no rules, just 
decisions. I do still love to go on group backpacking trips and day hikes 
with the club I belong to. After all, no man is an island, right?