It was the last weekend of the climbing season and the opportunity presented itself. From couch to 12,388ft. One of the most physically demanding things I have ever done. The most expensive bottle water I have ever purchased ($5) and they sold those cheesy styrofoam cups o' soup (just add hot water) for $6.
Carried my stick, got my stamps on it, and hopefully nobody else will want to visit and climb that thing next summer. My wife and a friend went and it took us 9 hours to get to the top and 3.5 to get down. The average is 6-8 up and 3 down so we took our time. At the beginning it was to enjoy it, at the end because our legs and lungs didn't give us a choice. Had about an even mixture of paths of loose gravel and large stones and paths solid rocks and boulders. The wind was so strong for a couple hours that if you weren't FIRMLY planted you could be blown off your feet. A few close calls and falling would have hindered my physical well being. Double damage type fall.
So, I have been recouperating the last couple of days and my calves are finally starting to forgive me.
Just thought I would share (or brag) that I finally did it.
