well, we had a somewhat successful trip peppered with some doubt. my hiking partner fought AMS from about 10,000'+. he was dizzy and lightheaded for much of the 5 mile trip from the trailhead to chicken spring lake. even during camp in the afternoon, he had trouble setting up his tent because he was so lightheaded. told me he was whipped after 5 miles
this does not give me much hope for our high sierra trail adventure next month. typically, he's a very in-shape guy for being 55, but he's had some surgeries and treatments this year that have weakened him. i know he's frustrated with his body. and the old addage applies 'hiking is 80% mental, 20% physical', but he has the mental reigned in perfectly. we're going to make a decision this week, but my gut feeling is that he won't be able to do the mileage required, and i'd hate to have something happen to him in the middle of the backcountry.
but the mountain will always be there, right?
