Surviving an expedition -tolerating others (and them tolerating you)

**My observations**

I was thinking the other day about my past experiences in group guided expeditions with strangers.  There are always a significant amount of variation between the group members from background, motivation, age, experience, skills, fitness and gender (though mostly male).  So much of this fills a melting pot for potential aggravation.  So how do people get along?

There is only one common goal and that is to safely summit and return.

How the cooperation works:

1) Meet and greet and journey to base camp (BC) -This is where everyone finds out about everyone else.  The 'common language' is generally English.  I'm lucky for this as I cannot speak any other languages beyond a basic guide book approach to foreign languages.  As humans we generally have preconceived ideas of people from other nationalities and we may modify our own behaviour (through prejudice) to accommodate, and some of these prejudices can be totally incorrect.  It is here in this initial meet and greet that either closer relationships are made or not.  Some of these relationships will develop to strong friendships, maybe short term friendships and others are just passing acquaintances.  We have to understand that just because a person is added into your 'Facebook' account does not necessarily mean you are best friends for life.  You are in an 'intense' short term environment after all.

Some members are perceived as 'experienced' and know-it-alls, whilst others are happy to go with the flow, and then we have those that observe everything and chime in when required (I fall into this category).  My belief has always been to observe the dynamics, and try to adjust my own interactions as required.

2) Looking out for each other -There is safety in numbers and I find that people do make an effort to check up on each other.  This is the camaraderie that you hear so much about surrounding mountaineers.  But it is also important to remember that many people are on the mountain are there to follow their lifelong dreams and are not there to babysit you to the summit.  Others will lend a hand in an emergency but they will be pissed-off if you put yourself in a dangerous position where they have to save your butt, and risk giving up their lifelong goal.  Other climbers are not your free Search and Rescue (SAR) backup team.  At high altitude it is difficult enough to cart your own body weight let alone try to save someone in your group.

Make peace with death, finish your will and testament and predefine your climbing boundaries before you leave your country.

3) Climbing to high camps -Where you have developed stronger friendships you tend to help each other more so than with those that you do not have such a strong relationship.  That's not to say you don't help others in need, you definitely help everybody out within reason, but the 'group dynamics' changes as everyone struggles to breath and become more tired.  From around 7000m up those that have been super strong (acclimated well at lower altitude) tend to equalise with everyone else in the group.  The group dynamics become more individually focussed as you become more aware of how close you are to getting to your goal.

4) Summit night -Very individually focussed.  This is the business end of all that work.  No messing around and it is everyone for themselves.  All that money, training, focus and stress comes down to this moment.  It is 'break or make' time.  Here your climbing partner/sherpa has to work closely with you.  It is always nicer to climb with a friend or a group of friends but sometimes some are stronger than others and splits may occur.

5) Back in town -Depending how everything went it can either be a great way to celebrate or immediately part ways, as everyone is keen to get home.  It is good to cement some friendships with people that you get along with.

When things go wrong (conflicting personalities) I find it funny how it is sometimes dealt with.  Much like little school children fighting parties separate and then try to build alliances for their cause/case/position.  It is funny to see how they try to illicit your support.  You can see it a mile away.  I'm neither here nor there as I am only on the mountain for one reason, to try to summit.  I don't need unnecessary distractions.

There are many on the mountain with egos the size of the mountain.  I am surprised!  Many think they are 'all that', which can rub others the wrong way.  I say...do your own thing without driving others crazy.  Remember your ultimate goal and try to have some fun along the journey.  Let those 'egos' do their own thing -as long as you meet your own goals then you are set.


What I think works (for me anyway):
i) Be tolerant of others;
ii) Find some personal time away from the group;
iii) Arguments and tensions will occur when so many different cultures and backgrounds are in close proximity.  Learn how to diffuse.
iv) Expect someone to take-the-piss-out-of-you and likewise, you should except what you dish out :-) I fall into this one all the time!  :-)  >;)  If you are from the UK then you are automatically fair game!

Intense situations require a unique attitude to survive with each other.  Humour goes a long way to managing situations.

If all else fails, then bring out the expedition gloves!

My rant for the day.