Share your thoughts with Keegan!
It took me five attempts to reach the summit of Gray’s Peak for the first time. Standing atop Mount Bierstadt for the first time I peered down the Sawtooth Ridge and thought, “Hell no!” On Pumori a few years ago my partner had to give up his summit attempt because I simply could not justify going higher that day. On Denali the same year I went to the summit in absurd conditions and out of water which resulted in frostbite - and a partner that had to help get me down the next few days. Including helping with my zippers… all of them. He summitted too, but we’ve not climbed together since.
Like many climbers, I am fairly adept at the mental gymnastics of justification whilst walking back down to the trailhead. With the precision of a brain surgeon, I turn what was fear or exhaustion into an even more acceptable reason and/or excuse.
Partnership has been on my mind a lot. As have the dynamics of fear, risk aversion, courage, and the mountaineering psyche in general. Much has been written on most of these subjects, but I still can’t get it off my mind and especially as it relates to partnership in the mountains.
When is moving forward or turning around unfair to our partner(s)?
When does prudent perseverance become irresponsible summit fever?
When is risk aversion based on real danger and risk versus apocalyptic thinking?
Partnership is a chemistry based on so many things including experience, common interests, attitudes, etc.
As we gain and lose partners, what is good advice for those aspiring disciples of mountain craft when it comes to choosing partners, being a good partner, and nurturing relationships?
What are the red flags to look out for when selecting partners?
I’d love to hear from you. What are your thoughts on these questions or simply your thoughts on fear, courage, responsibility, partnership in wild places?