[pct-l] re dogmatism

[mceverj at qwest.net (Jim McEver)]

It seems that every post about "learning to use an ice axe" talks about
self arrest - certainly an important use of the tool. Meanwhile, through
all these years of climbing, I've been thinking my primary use of an axe
was to avoid having to self arrest in the first place - did I miss
something?

Jim

On Mon, 2004-01-12 at 16:21, Hiker wrote:
> At 02:51 PM 1/12/04, CMountainDave@aol.com wrote:
> >  He worked at building their self
> >confidence, not through training but with attitude. That is what made
> >inexperienced people safe
> 
> That, and being led by an experienced Guide.
> 
> After all, his clients were about to test their metal with little or no 
> time for training. And yes attitude and boldness can get you through 
> sometimes, especially when alloyed with an experienced leader. Other times 
> it just gets you into serious trouble.
> 
> That being said, the primary use of this forum is preparation and planning, 
> and most thru-hikers are not paying guides to go with them. There is still 
> time for training at this point in time, and if scaring people into buying 
> an Ice Axe and getting training (or at least reading about self-arrest) 
> works, then it might just save some lives.
> 
> And planning what to do before it happens (like facing a steep snow slope 
> or a raging river) usually leads to better decisions in the field, even if 
> the pre conceived plans themselves change. As General Dwight D. Eisenhower 
> said: "Plans are worthless. Planning is essential."
> 
> Hiker
> "Walk softly and carry a belt-fed weapon."
> 
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