Knowing when to Go, and when to say No...

Hal and I were all set for a quick mini-vacation down to Nathrop, CO, to stay at the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort next week. We were planning on summitting Mt. Princeton, and possibly a few other 14ers.
However, given the massive amounts of recent snowfall in the high country and all the tragic avalanche deaths associated with such unstable snow-pack, we decided to cancel our trip.
Fortunately there is a fantastic website in Colorado that highlights current avalanche danger and rates each area: Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
We checked this site daily, and finally made the call to bail on the trip this evening.
Are we bummed? Yes. Sad to not get in a fun trip, plus a summit and hot springs? Of course.
But is it better to be safe than sorry? In this instance, absolutely.

It is important to know when to "go" and when to say "no" to an adventure or outing. Especially when dealing with avalanches, the backcountry, and mountains in particular.
Sometimes we get so caught up with our 'goals' and our epic adventure ideas that we can become blind to the all-too-real and present dangers associated with each trip.
We know we are facing potentially hazardous conditions each time we venture out into the wilderness, but knowing how to mitigate that risk makes the difference between someone who goes all-out all the time, and someone who is wise enough to know when to bag it and stay home.
I think it is also selfish to go out in a high risk area, placing not only yourself but your potential rescuers in danger.

Fortunately Hal and I have each other to keep ourselves checked and in line. And of course there's always that sound of relief in Mom's voice when I call home and tell her we've decided not to attempt a winter 14er summit in highly dangerous avalanche conditions!

Each time you go out, know the conditions you are likely to encounter and make sure you are prepared for any scenario.  And always always always let at least one person know where you are going and when you should be expected back.

Just because we love to seek new thrills and adventures doesn't mean we throw all caution to the wind. Staying behind this weekend may save our lives, and it will definitely allow us to do something else equally as fun!
Thanks for reading my soapbox backcountry safety post!