We started at around 5:15AM under the cover of darkness and finished around 5:30PM.  I slowed my group down a little because I had stomach pains throughout and then, later, had some trouble breathing at the higher elevations.  (My first time experiencing any sort of elevation issues!)

I think I compounded my stomach issues by not eating or drinking much.  After eating a little near the top, I felt better but the stomach pains persisted.  Never quite figured out what it was but it went away a day and a half later…  The “high” (pun intended!) from making it to the top invigorated and recharged me, enabling me to practically jog on the way down.

There was a teeny bit of snow under the shade of some rocks near the top.  Gorgeous 360 degree views!  And the satisfaction of making it.

Biggest takeaway for me was just to take it 1 step at a time.  By doing that, plus putting in a little sweat,  anything is possible.