kevin trieu wrote:So guiding in the bigger ranges is NOT acceptable but guiding in smaller ranges like the Sierra (where you guide) is ok?
Have you attacked your boss when he's guiding on the bigger ranges and/or Everest? So taking one or two clients is ok on bigger ranges?
Where do you stand on this issue exactly? I'm very confused.
I posted the answers to your questions above but I will reiterate Kevin.
- In the Sierra, my clients share all the loads equally on the carry up. They take in all their gear, no one carries it for em.
- The group stays together and we work together as a TEAM, throughout the trip. No one gets separated and left behind on their own, NEVER. They either make it as a Team or we turn around as a group if there isn't a second guide to stay with or assist the straggler to descend if necessary. Never is a client ever left alone, period.
- When my Boss goes to the Big Mtns throughout the world, with a client/s, he remains with them the entire journey, 24/7, from start to finish. NEVER does he leave them alone, ever. He does not farm out any responsibility to any Sherpa or Porter. He will only do 2 to 1 ratio and if there are 3 or 4 max, he brings another guide along whose sole purpose/responsibility is to stay and bring up the rear with any potential straggler and to assist if there is any needs or rescue required. NEVER is/are any clients left alone on any trip.
Each service has their protocols. The one I work with has some of the most stringent ones out there. Client Safety is the #1 concern and anything that violates that rule is not nor ever tolerated. The Client's Safety is the only thing that we guarantee. All else is comes after.
As far as the Big Mtn Express goes, my Boss knows how I feel about it and respects my opinion. That is why I hired on and remain with him. I signed up to work with him on the count that I remain locally here in the Eastern Sierra and get as many of the Technical Rock & Ice gigs as possible. Sometimes I go on as a Second Guide when the group size requires it, as was the case with Jack last year. And that is pretty much what I do.
Questions?