Within two hours we were back in the parking lot, physically exhausted, emotionally a bit broken. The mountain had denied us our prize. We agreed the decision was a good one, but it still left a bad taste in everyone's mouth. The decision we made on the mountain possibly saved us from a very uncomfortable, if not life threatening, situation. The backcountry is a wild, wild place.
Mother nature makes the rules and plays an unforgiving game.
The stories linger on and serve only to teach others a valuable lesson. The mountain is strong and belongs to no one. Decisions made in the backcountry must be sound, no matter how badly our ego's are bruised. Destination fixation is a phenomena that needs to be considered on every backcountry adventure. Have fun, be safe.