[pct-l] re dogmatism

[jmertes at verizon.net (John Mertes)]

I have just one experience carrying an ice ax.

I was on a Sierra Club trip led by a couple of experienced leaders. All
trip members were required to have an ice ax. I borrowed one from a
friend.  In the vicinity of Mt. Banner  about July 04, 1973, we had to
cross several steep snow covered slopes. Before the first crossing, the
leaders gave us our only instruction in using the ice ax. aleader led,
and one by one we followed across the snow pack with ice ax at the
ready. About half way across one pack, the snow gave way beneath my
feet. I fell forward and dug the pick into the snow. In 20 or 30 feet or
so, I stopped sliding. If I had kept on going I would have landed on a
frozen lake way below and maybe thru the ice into the cold water. As it
was, I stood up; hiked up the slope and rejoined the rest.

Last minute instruction does work.

IMHE (experience).  HYOH, etc.

John