here-we-go wrote:It is in these circumstances that I could probably ask dozens of questions (I LOVE to learn about process), but the first one is: at what point does a face like this move from non-rope to rope? I mean, this looks like you should be using more than just careful footing (to me, the non-climber).
Truly amazing.
First, you should know that I'm no "mountaineer" and not qualified to answer that question other than to give you my opinion.
And I'll try to answer anything you ask if I can. People should ask questions. If you are serious about doing 'hikes" like this, I would encourage you to join GMS and/or a local club. Get someone who is qualified to help you the right way
Most everything I know I have learned was by the, "By Guess and By Golly" method.
Not the best way.
I don't believe a rope belay would be necessary on a section like that. It would be time consuming for one thing--at least I think it would.
The elevation gain as you traverse across that particular face is pretty gradual. The goat trail is reasonably good albeit narrow with a few spots where you want to be very careful about your foot placement.
The
entire mountain is covered in loose scree of varying size and shapes. You'll see and hear what I mean in the helmet cam video when that's posted.
Walking on that stuff can be challenging at times.
One of the worst surfaces to walk on is when you have a hard rock surface that is covered with a thin layer of small scree.
Really tricky when the surface slopes "down hill" when traversing a steep exposed slope.
The scree acts like "ball bearings". Your foot and slide and lead to a fall. Not good, and there were places like that.
I have some of that on helmet cam.
Some people with good balance and strong legs and get over spots like that with relative ease. Not me
Then there are sometimes rock formations that protrude out from the face. Gotta watch for those--another reason for a helmet.
The key is going slow and paying close attention to where your walking. Duh
Scan ahead a little for potential hand holds if needed when it gets real "skinny or thin".
Some recommend "not looking down".
Well, imo, there's looking down, and then t
here's looking down.
You have to look down to see where you're going.
That said, you don't want to find yourself "staring" down.
That may lead to being
mesmerized and lead to a fall.
I look down all the time because I love the view(s) as well as watching where I'm going.
Not good to
gawk at the scenery when "moving" though---that's dangerous. Stop moving, THEN look.
Hope all that helps.
Pics coming up
pete