Aconcagua--Final thoughts

An expedition climb is entirely different from a 2- to 3-day climb. The mental fortitude necessary to handle all the logistics can at times be overwhelming. Much energy is spent packing, unpacking, and repacking; dividing up group gear; stuffing sleeping bags; inflating and deflating pads; keeping track of where all your clothing and gear is; dealing with changing weather conditions; getting twisted up in your sleeping bag because there are so many items sharing the space with you; using a funnel and pee bottle in the middle of the night; and praying that you don't get the runs (the Sherpa Shuffle) until the sun comes up. It comes down to basics: food, water, and shelter. Eat, hydrate, try to stay warm, and hope that you can fend off any respiratory and GI problems, or other AMS symptoms.

Become resigned to filthy fingernails, matted and knotted hair, hairy legs and armpits, tender feet, a crusty nose and lips, and a constant pervasive body odor. Just part of the game. On the flip side, you can enjoy the ultimate challenge of living in beautiful surroundings, pushing your body to new limits day after day, working closely with a group of fellow climbers and guides, and escaping from tedious chores of life at home.

It's taken me some time to process that we didn't make it to the summit because it's the first time that I've been turned back; it's disappointing. While not faced with the steepest terrain I've ever climbed, I was confronted with the test of reaching a higher altitude than I had ever reached before and more difficult weather conditions than I had ever endured. I feel I performed well, and Dan and Stuart confided that they thought Liz, Ritesh, and I were the ones they predicted would have made it to the summit. I relish the thought that I met so many interesting, diverse, wonderful people. Liz was an exceptional tentmate and dear friend. We shared the same ups and downs, humor, and goals. We couldn't have had better guides than Dan, Stuart, and Lhakpa Gelu. The camaraderie was unforgettable.

Total vertical feet climbed: 18,100'

Next climb? Not sure yet, but perhaps Rainier via the Emmons route in late July. Someday: Mont Blanc, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Island Peak, Kala Pattar, Volcanoes of Ecuador

Best non-essential items that I took along: cotton pillowcase, down booties, iPod, goggles

I should have added: salty snacks, deck of cards, a book, humongous down jacket