Woodie Hopper wrote:Not really, but probably best to keep those thoughts to yourself at the moment since there are likely distraught family members and friends looking around for information on their whereabouts & well-being.
Regardless of how they got there and why, it's clear they need help now.
100% correct. Now that they're safe, it should be critiqued and analyzed. NO "experienced" backcountry traveler would go to the top of Long's with a full on monsoon in full swing.....ESPECIALLY without axe or crampons. I'm VERY glad they're safe, and human life ALWAYS comes first, but where is personal accountability and responsibility anymore?! What, just because we have cell and satellite signal and can call for help, this gives us the right to put people's physical and emotional health at risk? People like this need a slap on the wrist, a wake up call, that their actions affect others! Rescuers risked life and limb to go up their and pull their irresponsible butts off that peak, and family/friends prob worried/cried for their well-being.....all so they could climb some peak during a VERY WELL PUBLICIZED storm? I just don't get it. I can't imagine what their motivation could have been, and I highly doubt that they had no idea what they were walking into. If they didn't know, they definitely are NOT "experienced". Of course, that was described by family/friends......other people's definition of experienced may not be very accurate. I'm not trying to be insensitive, but do people EVER think of the OTHER lives they're putting in jeopardy when they do these things? Are rescue workers lives not valuable too? Do what you will with your OWN life......but you need to head out prepared for the consequences. Imagine doing something this stupid, and rescue worker dies because of it....and you have to live knowing a wife/husband and children have to live the rest of their lives without that loved one.....just not worth it.