Thanks Bealzebub. I agree with your "simple rulebook".
Inecperience and forgetfulness put us in a cramped position. We solved it all on the safe and legal side but I'm trying to adjust the situation into something where a hard decision needs to be taken. We were unable to check with the WX radar because of all the ground returns (high terrain). It was up to pilot judgement and we decided to go. Anyhow, it was a humbeling experience and I think I've learnt a lot from it.
Right Way Up, you are ofcourse correct in that you do not have to depart if you don't want to. However, it's a big decision to decide not to depart. Not in that it's complicated, but it tends to be quite far from what you were thinking from the start. That said, it is not allways the most obvious solution at the time (although it may well be the best solution). It is often a case of beginning at the bottom and working quickly downwards... What I'm looking for is how to handle such a situation once airborne.
Thanks for your input
/LnS