Hi,
Friday, my 54th birthday morning my girlfriend drove me up to the visitor center to try my luck with the lottery to get a day pass for Saturday.
This was part of my birthday treat as we had attempted to summit last month but had to turn around as her altitude sickness was too serious tro hang around with.
So, we do the lottery ticket thing but there were no day passes available.
After speaking with one of the Rangers, guy named Walter, he suggested I hang around and see if any groups don't have a ful compliment. Sure enough, 30 mins later a pass became available and Walter sorted this birthday boy out.
If you read this Walter, thanks for all of your help.
So the plan is, girlfriend drops me at the portal at 1:00am and she goes back to the hotel to enjoy a restful nights sleep. Having been to the summit before I had a time plan marked out in my head. This, more than anything, was supposed to ensure I didn't go too fast. When out on your own judging pace becomes many times more difficult than when with a group.
The plan, 2hrs to Outpost Camp, hit Base camp at 4hrs, summit at around 6.5hrs, then allow 5.25hrs to get back for a time of just under 12 hrs.
So with a quick kiss off I go into the night. I can see a lot of cars coming up to the Portal so know it is going to be busy.
After about 30 mins I pass the group who had the space that I took, they wished me a happy birthday again and I was on my way.
Hit the Outpost camp at 1hr 35 mins and thought, OK slow it down.
Tried to slow it down, thought i'd slowed it down but before I knew it hit Base camp at 3hrs 5 mins.
Took a short break and off up the switchbacks. Up until now had felt great, no signs of any altitude issues. As an ex marathon/ultra runner of years gone by I know how to regulate my breathing to conserve energy. Was always taught to keep the breathing steady and constant regardless of terrain.
Well half way up the switchbacks I start to have a few breathing issues, could not keep the breathing controlled regardless of pace. Found that I could take maybe 20 steps then had to pause for 5 seconds, then carry on. Seemed my legs had no energy and yet on the flatter sections I was going great.
Kept this routine going, 20 yrds, break, 20 yrds break. Also found myself coughing somewhat when I stopped.
Anyway, sumitted at 7am, so was 6hrs 15mins inside my target.
The top at that time of the morning was as bitter cold as it could probably get. I couldn't feel my hands despite gloves.
Came down OK, struggled on the few uphill sections and the traffic was hectic on the switchbacks as I descended.
Sprinted, least it felt fast, on the last section from the lake sign/junction. I was driven by the thought of the burger and beer.
In the end finished in 11hrs 24 mins so within my target despite the breathing issues.
Now, today, well I walk down stairs like a wounded crab, it isn't pretty or, as a friend said yesterday, "looks like you are walking with something stuck up your ass".
Next time, well maybe something more of a stroll rather than a mad dash.
