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So by the time we got to the foot of Mount Olive, our first ascent of the day, I felt that I had completed a full day. We stopped for lunch but I could only take on water. Then we started to climb. We would alternate between snow ridges and rock ridges. A third of the way up I knew I wasn't going to make it but I refused to say anything at this point. By the halfway mark my breathing was very heavy and found it difficult even to take on water; and then it really got steep. Like only one time in my life before I experienced the thrill and wonder of a 'second wind'. Now if this 'second wind' could be placed in a pill or vial there would be money to be made here. It masked the pain in my feet and knees and provided the energy, the motivation, and thrill of being here required to continue. So after twice being at a state where continuing up the mountain was an impossibility, we drove for the top and made it. Once again we were spoken to by some spiritual being by the shear beauty of what we found at the top. The feeling of accomplishment by reaching the peak was seconded only by the instant the sun came out and presented a vista of unparalleled magnificence. This moment was why I had come. This is what I had been looking for this past week. What had occurred within and glory of what we were witness to was everything! While the descent was anticlimactic and phenomenally painful, it would be this moment that would remain. The ascent of Nicholas would be made without me. It would be a short but technical climb where I could endanger others if my knee should go. But I had already found what I had come looking for.