Foreigners regularly get into trouble in the Sierra Nevada, especially in the spring and autumn when snow and ice still lurk, preparing traps for the unwary.
Last week we went up the west flank of Mulhacen. The snow was hard and icy in places so we were suitably equipped with crampons and ice axes. The west flank is not strictly “mountaineering” terrain but is reasonably steep and a fall could well result in a fall and resulting slide.
Indeed a few weeks ago a spaniard fell here breaking his leg. See http://www.sierra-nevada-news.comjavascript:;/2009/02/mountaineer-rescued-falling-400-metres-slope-sierra-nevada/ for details.
Anyway, as we were walking steadily uphill, about half way up the 500m face we met 3 people. None had ice axes or crampons. Only one had a small rucksack with spare clothing in (or maybe his iPod and gadgets?). Safety equipment consisted of a plastic bags which they intended sliding back to the hut on!
They tried to kick steps into the hard snow so going was slow and precarious. Gingerly they edged and tiptoed their way uphill. Was this fun? It wouldn’t have been for us should they have slipped!
Ignorance, Arrogance or just plain Stupid? Maybe a combination of all three.
Another instance yesterday. I received a phone call from a person wanting information on ascending Mulhacen. They didn’t believe me when I said that it would be a 2 day trip, staying at the Poqueira Refugio, or at best a long day trip.
They wanted to know the bus times to the Mirador de Trevelez. I told them that transport couldn’t get to 2000m altitude never mind 2700m! The bus only ran July to Sept in a normal snow year. They just had no idea what they were getting into. This is worrying to say the least.
I guess education is the best way forward, but until then we shall have to accept that people will continue to disrespect and underestimate these wonderful mountains. Some may even get away with it!
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