Cairn

Climbing past the Mazamas group as well that day (the solo climber) I thought I would add my 2 cents. I apologize for the late response, I have been a reader of this site for several years but do not usually like to get involved in debates or posting my opinions. First of I thought your (The Cascade Kid) initial assessment was accurate, in my opinion. While I agree that Mazamas does serve a great gateway to give people access to climbing that might not otherwise undertake the endeavor. I hope that the experience gives them the necessary knowledge, confidence, and safety techniques to go forth and enjoy the mountains again. I do not mean to slander the guide. But I was a bit disappointed that most of the people I passed did not look like they were enjoying their climb. As I walked by on the way down a few grumbled or outright expressed displeasure at the current pace/situation. Now I do hope that a bad experience would not ruin an outing or deter a possible future outing. I know that Mazamas has a responsibility to the safety of their clients as a top priority. As safety should be when climbing; after all, the top is only halfway there. But I would hope that it would be made clear why what they were doing was important while un-roped people walk by them. Yelling at someone to step on the picket and threatening to turn the whole group around if any more mistakes are made didn’t seem to instill much confidence in the group. I don’t know the whole story and my snap judgment was made while passing on the way down. I could see it being a problem climbing below a large group like this, especially trying to pass them. But on the way down, climbing below the chute it was simple enough to drop down a bit and climb over to the hogs back. Looking back I did see the group turn around where they were and start to down climb. I don’t want to start a forum argument, but reading the second post by The Cascade Kid I thought I would add my 2 cents as well. By the way I appreciate your trip report as well as everyone who posts pics and reports. Again I apologize for being late to the forum and hopefully to end on something good I posted some pics on Flickr. http://www.flickr.com/photos/38729701@N04/sets/72157618998656569/