One of the things that made climbing Mount Elbert most meaningful to me was the fact that it meant so much to Randy to have me there to share it with him. I'm happy to be the one he's always dreamed of -- physically and emotionally strong, active and fit, and not afraid of heights! :-) I'm equally happy to be with him -- a man that takes care of his health, who is tender-hearted, gentle, and honest, and encourages me to be independent and achieve goals for myself. I also like that he is his own person, yet still a devoted family man.
Mount Elbert Experience
(Ladies, GO FOR THE "NICE GUY." Trust me on this one!) Okay, I'm getting very mushy now, so I'll move on.
Another thing that made it momentous was sharing it with my sister Christina and her husband, who live 1,000 miles away from me in California. I was blessed to share that awesome experience with my sister, who is so much a part of everything in me that is strong and feminine. We've seen each other through a lot of struggles in life, and Mt. Elbert was another one of those bonding events. Thanks so much for coming to Colorado and climbing with us, Sis and Doug. :-)
The last thing that made the experience so valuable to me was that it was difficult, but I made it to the summit anyhow. After the first two miles I was already beginning to wonder if I was going to make it, but I was determined! I knew that nothing would stop me except a thunderstorm (I kept a watchful and worried eye on the sky throughout). I would keep climbing until every last bit of strength was gone from my body. (Sis and I were both in the military years back and learned how to keep pluggin' past pain and fatigue.) Halfway up the mountain I was dizzy and trembling, but still feeling like I could make it. Three-quarters of the way up, I got a cramp in my right hip that made raising my leg for each step excruciating. But I was determined to make it! And I did. Climbing the tallest mountain in Colorado is one of the accomplishments I am most proud of in my life, believe it or not. I am looking forward to climbing more 14'ers next summer! I think I want to climb Mt. Elbert again too. I love that mountain. :-)
Christina and Doug, almost there!
Randy, Mary, Christina, and Doug -- our proud moment.
A boastful pose in front of Mount Elbert the next day.
Sis and I doing some more boasting... Mount Massive can be seen to the far right of the photo, Elbert on the left.
Doug and Sis's turn...