Mt Cook. One Time Too Many.

An experienced Mountain Guide (Anton Woperies) died in a fall on Mt Cook in New Zealand on New Year’s Day. Anton was not new at his job. He had climbed the 3754 Metre Mountain some 28 times successfully before. Just not this time. The paper did not say how or why he fell only that he did and paid the ultimate price for it.

I am attracted to incidences where experienced and expert people have accidents doing things that they have previously done successfully many times before.

This shows me that when ever we do something even slightly risky, no matter how many times we have done it before, we should never become complacent or take short cuts where not necessary. This blog is no reflection on Anton who may well have done every thing right and still had an unseen accident.

However I think it is a good reminder for all of us as we face the New Year not to be complacent about what we are doing, no matter how many times we have done it before. It doesn’t even matter if it is not even seen as normally dangerous, we should always be on the alert for unforseen accidents or situations.

What about you this New Year? No matter how many times you have carried out your occupation before, will you give it it’s due concern, care and concentration required, and not take anything recklessly lightly.

Again this one is truly up to you and you alone. Have a great and safe year: Walter