I have read it. What I think about the people who climb Chatamunga and why they do it cannot be put on this forum. It's not exactly printable.

Ok, Having said that: The only thing that most of them care about is "bagging" the mountain. They don't care about their own self preservation, anyone else, their husbands, wives, kids or bit on the side. If they did, they would not be there. The summit is in the 8000m death zone. That is the outside edge of a survivable enviroment for humans. Even with supplimental oxygen. You really need a lightweight pressure suit.

There was a program aired recently here in the U.K. An ex-Royal Marine, which is another word for Hard Man in the best sense of the word was challenged to attempt the climb. He got quite a long way up then stopped. His body would not let him go any further. What had happened was that his sense of self preservation and his desire to return to his loved ones had kicked in. So he about turned and decended.

Most interesting thing was the interview with one of the people with him. The gentleman concerned (and I use that word very loosely) did everything short of outright calling him a coward. Used terms like "not properly motivating himself" etc.

I sat there watching the program thinking ..... you jack. The Royal Marine showed far more courage and good judgement in aborting the climb. than any of the other people on the program.

One of the most difficult things to teach is: Know when it is Time To Get Out Of Dodge and having the moral courage to do it. Even when some loud mouthed ....... is sneering, jeering, calling you a coward, threatening you with violence etc and who is, if the truth be told, probably very scared.