ynp1 wrote:I don't think there is anything wrong with free soloing... If a climber wants to do it, then they should.
It's a free country - can't argue. But there are serious consequences some of these "climbers" don't seem to consider before assuming the risk. First, to the friends and family (including in this case a 5-year old) the victim leaves behind. And, second to the level of risk that rock climbing carries as perceived by private landowners, park managers, and the legal "profession". Nelson rocks was permanently closed because of one climber death - and she wasn't soloing. There are a few folks in the Forest Service who would just as soon see climbing closed on USFS land, and they use climbing accidents like Fletcher/Strohmeyer, Wilhoite, and others to back their cause.
I hope you never have to "look down" on the remains of someone who has fallen a high cliff as we have had to. Five falling deaths in the RRG area in a little over a year. Not including numerous horrific injuries.ynp1 wrote:I dont think as a community we should try to force free soloing onto somebody, but you should also not look down on a person that decides that they want to.
ynp1 wrote:It is the purest form of rock climbing.
Said the person who probably has never had to package fallen victims into body bags.
Just some thoughts from a landowner, geezer climber, and tech rescuer.
