the second part: as good as the adage sounds, some mountains (in this case, mountain ranges) wont always be there the next time.  st helens comes to mind...  
Hmmm, last time I cheched, St. Helens was still there.  Maybe a slightly modified version, but still there none the less.  Chances are pretty good that MOST mountains are gonna be around for another shot.  I guess on my next summit bid that will be one more thing I will have to weigh if it's a tough decision to continue or not.  Let's see, weather coming in fast, zero visibility, but she might blow her top before next trip so lets go for it.   ..