[Doug]

Originally Posted by garinda

Is it wise or brave to go up mountains when conditions are bad? Very often it's the mountain rescue people who sadly end up looking like the loosers.

In a lot of case’s you’d be right. I carry a survival kit that allows me to overnight and walk off a Mountain the next day if necessary, Everybody who need to know where I am going as a copy of my route in detail and what emergency profile I’ll take in the event of an incident. Other than accidents, I carry the means to do what’s needed for 48 hours most of the kit I carry is intended for people who might need assistance in an emergency rather than for me. The main issue of important is that I am fit for the purpose and properly equipped for the conditions. The fact that I go on when the conditions are bad is mainly because I know that I can get myself out of trouble if I get myself into it. Standing orders for me not returning after 12 hours is to inform Mountain Rescue where I’ve gone, what kit, Fluids and food supplies I have with me and after an emergency which route I’ll make my decent from. By prior arrangement people will only come looking for me if I have not made contact after 24 hours. In the event of injury I have the means to summon help if I need it. I have a great respect for the Mountain Rescue Teams particularly the Langdale, Patterdale and the Keswick Teams all of whom receive my support.