Originally Posted by
Boreas
Not to be a stickler, but running it out 25 feet with a rope and gear is not free soloing. Nor is it in the same vein as what Potter, Davis, and Honnold do or have done.
As for risk, all climbing regardless of ability has some level of risk. Am I going to change my ways because someone took a chance and it didn't have a positive outcome, no. Am I going to up my risks because someone else did, no. I climb for myself and at the level appropriate to the day. I don't think the notion of dialing it back is correct, what it should be is the question of whether or not at that particular moment you are prepared to accept the consequences of what you are about to embark on. Of course this offers little to the family and friends for solace, but in my family and circle of friends they know this is something that brings great peace and joy to my life and while it would be tragic not doing so would be wholly unfulfilling.
I've been apart of a couple of traumatic rescues, a couple of deaths, a couple of near death accidents. They have all impacted my life in some form or other. On each occasion I questioned is it worth it to myself or family. In the end it has been, aside from watching my child's birth the greatest moments in my life have been standing on summits. You can call me selfish and I wouldn't disagree nor would my family, but isn't it equally as selfish for my family to try and stop me from doing something that gives me great joy.
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