Local Ranger dies on Rainier in Rescue Operation

[P-HUG]

http://news.yahoo.com/mount-rainier-...055941910.html

Just saw this article and that Nick Hall, 34, who comes from Patten Maine was the victim. Very sad to hear, vibes to friends and fam.

[RCL1]

That sucks. I have a lot of respect for climbing rangers.

I've seen too many people on Rainer and other mountains who are merely roped together, ice axe in hand, prussic in their pack and no idea how to self arrest or self-rescue.

The rope gives them a false sense of security, they place no gear, unknowingly playing double or nothing.

[RR]

Originally Posted by RCL1

...unknowingly playing double or nothing.

Truth!

Let's focus on our game skills, going as safely as we can because the lives we save may be more than our own!

[skiyak777]

Originally Posted by RCL1

That sucks. I have a lot of respect for climbing rangers.

I've seen too many people on Rainer and other mountains who are merely roped together, ice axe in hand, prussic in their pack and no idea how to self arrest or self-rescue.

The rope gives them a false sense of security, they place no gear, unknowingly playing double or nothing.

I try not to make assumptions about people's competence, because there have been too many cases of experts having accidents. Here's another perspective:

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2012/j...not-roped-for/

I walked past the accident site last Wednesday while descending the Emmons after coming up Liberty Ridge. Very sobering to see the rescue rigging still in place at the lip of the crevasse and see the helicopters attempting to recover the body. It could happen to any of us.

[RCL1]

Interesting article. Raises as many questions as it answers.

I can recall those conditions well. Last time we were on DC I called a turnaround due to icy conditions on the last 1000 ft. Bummed my partner out, who had never been up it, but oh well.

Congrats on Liberty Ridge! What an unforgettable route..