Its no wonder there are accidents in the Sierras

[El Perro Negro]

This 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 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.com/2009/0...ra-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 uphill. Was this fun? It wouldnt have been for us should they have slipped!

Ignorance, Arrogance or just plain Stupid?