Two men reached the edge of the trees. The wind was a hurricane and mountain pines shook and thundered. The beards of the men were covered in frost as they went in and out of mist, kicking steps up the long long slope, muttering, “Only 1600 km to Mexico…only 1600 km..”
They paused and looked up at the lofty summit.
Gasp wheeze cough sputter. ..
…step step step…
Pause.
“Only 1599.9 km to Mexico…”
Last week we managed to slog up Mount Elbert – the Roof of the Rockies and the 2nd highest mountain in the Lower 48. The view was magical. Even though it’s huge, it’s not difficult. Just a matter of placing one foot in front of the other and carrying on.
The trailhead and the beginning of the never-ending-stairwell.
Stairway to heaven?
The top! Yay! Since people are always interested in ascent time, here’s ours: 201 days. And that doesn’t even include the return journey.
Jake and Liam,
Wow! I am thoroughly awed by the life altering experience the two of you have challenged and succeeded at. We have followed the posts and every time I leave the page I have a smile for a long time thinking about how the entire journey has transpired. We wish you both the best of luck and a safe return home. John and Carol Ward