Originally Posted by
tdoughty
Tom,
Basically agree with what you said.
When we pulled up on the slab above Mystery Springs, said sling was in place, appeared fresh, and in good condition. Surprising? (or not) since supposedly we were in the canyon the first day it was open this season. We had just caught up with the one party that was ahead of us, with their last teammate posed at the rap anchor. So the question of whether the far end was adequately attached is somewhat of a moot point since he (Rob with ZAC) assured us it was. We had planned on belaying out to the rap anchor if required (had never been there before). And we did not remove the sling, just left it in place.
Guess that's where our differences lie? I could have pulled it, but I typically only remove/replace slings when they are in bad shape, and attempt to leave the environment the way I encounter it. If we start down the road of removing slings or anchors that we individually feel are excessive, we can quickly get to a point where people are adding and removing bolts, etc. Ugly, ugly situation. It was my personal decision to use the fixed sling and to leave it in place and I accept responsiblity for my action/inaction. My appologes if I've offended anyone's sensibilites, but even in hindsight, and with the jaundiced eye of an experienced wilderness explorer, I do not think I'd change my behavior.
Dumb is as Dumb does.