Never mind that extremely poor decision (I'll give him the benefit of the doubt that it was due to his not being sound mind after his fall, not incompetence ) - what the hell was he doing on the summit of Mt Feathertop in icy winter conditions without an iceaxe?
He might have been an experienced bush walker but he was not equipped nor experienced for adventure above the snow line. He did NOT have the right gear (and I am not talking about an epirb) despite what the police said.
I've been skiing and/or ice climbing in just about every gully on Feathertop in winter for 17 years - and used to run courses in winter ice climbing and snowcraft there. I've never taken an EPIRB to date but I will never leave Fed or MUMC hut without an iceaxe if I am heading towards the summit.
Still good on him for having a go and getting out there. As us pilots know, we all start somewhere and sometimes experience comes through mistakes brought on by ignorance.
Last edited by compressor stall; 3rd Sep 2009 at 01:05.