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Old 02-13-2008, 08:10 AM   #3
Bear Islander
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jrc View Post
Well we can't just let people decide on there own what's safe or not. We have to have fixed numbers otherwise it willl never stand up in court. I think you should have to pay for your own rescue if you venture out when it below 45 degrees or when it's below 25 at night. After all 45 degrees is cold enough, why should we have to risk people to rescue daredevils hiking in the cold.
A person can hike or mountain climb at temperatures below 45 degrees but not be a suicidal daredevil. With the proper equipment, training and experience it is possible to travel in extremely low temperatures in relative safety.

People ski, downhill and cross-country, at temperatures well below 45 degrees. The risks are comparable with hiking.

And I think you might be overstating the danger the rescuers are in. People called on to rescue climbers are climbers themselves, they understand the risks, and have volunteered for the duty.

If the rescue teams themselves start complaining about the risks, then it would be appropriate to listen to them. The opinion of the inexperienced that were not there is doubly suspect.
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