Shortly after leaving civilization, we came to rugged terrain. The leader opted to try to negotiate this steep hillside. I saw that it looked dangerous, and he was a hard-headed guy, loath to call anything wrong about his judgement. I saw the situation, and turned back to drop down a short ways to safer ground. They had to proceed very slowly, due to hard snow under the thin layer of powder. He took a short slip, managing not to slid over a cliff! Despite the way being longer for me, I arrived ahead of them to a lake past this cliff, and did they have a rest! We get into arguments, the downfall of our relationship as outdoor companions, but we stayed safe enough. We are both rock climbers, so know the risks. April 7, 1979