Years ago I did an ISM course and it did include a fair bit of basic stuff - crag climbing, fun - before we got to the interesting (alpine climbing) part. I was very fortunate to have Steve Monks as the guide, and he was backed up by Alan Hinkes, who at that time was an aspirant guide and needed some work experience hours! Both great guys. The highlight was Monks doing an impromptu and fairly stiff new route to rescue a crag-bound goat for the local farmer, and abbing back down the route with the goat, not entirely happy, clipped to the gear loops on his harness. Very special! |