Comments on: Turning Around: Thoughts

By: Frank

Frank — Fri, 11 May 2012 22:55:10 +0000

In reply to Bob. Thanks Bob!

By: Bob

Bob — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:57:29 +0000

I’ve turned around twice trying to ski the Grand, and went through the same thing – sure it was a good call, and kind of let down with myself. But given the stakes and the conditions and the fact that the mountain will be there and so will I…it was the right thing to do. Thanks for your write up, and remember – Next Time.

By: Frank

Frank — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 19:02:42 +0000

In reply to Colin M. I rarely give turning around much thought, either. Usually, it's not much of a choice and the snow or weather or something else makes turning around the obvious choice. It's those occasions that are right at the borderline that end up being interesting...

By: Colin M

Colin M — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:23:23 +0000

When I turn around on a goal I rarely ever go through much emotion. Lots of people think about their kids, family, health insurance, risk vs. reward, etc.

I just think about if I have enough time, food and water to carry on. If I don’t have enough I turn around. Simple as that 🙂

By: Frank

Frank — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:21:25 +0000

Great comments everyone! I’m not particularly nagged by turning around on the Grand, as it was the right call, but it did get me to thinking about turning around in general, hence this post.

By: Jay

Jay — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:50:21 +0000

“But does that mean we should have?” I think the way you worded the question helps immensely with the answer. In the event of a disaster, the collective grief among family and friends, not to mention risks absorbed by SAR members during a recovery/rescue, trumps the personal satisfaction of getting the summit. On the disaster side you have potential for additional tangible losses, such as additional lives, SAR resources, children growing up without a parent, loved ones suffering from severe depression. However, making the summit really only achieves a personal sense of success. I have a hard time identifying any tangible effects that would supersede those that might result from an accident.

By: Ben

Ben — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:50:41 +0000

We’ve all turned around on something for one reason or another, and no reasonable person can fault you for it. However, the same internal drive that sent you up there in the first place is going to nag you when you decide to turn around. We’ve all been there. I’m glad you’re all safe.