Imagine strapping a propane tank and a 40 pound duffle bag to your head by way of a burlap strap and hauling the weight up a hill at 8,000 feet above sea level. Could you do it? Now imagine you have an infant strapped to the front of your chest.

The reality here is this: People die on 8,000-meter mountains and it is irresponsible not to have a plan in place in the event that something goes wrong. I found myself packing all of my gear as though I was never going to return.

Imagine being in total darkness, knowing if you fall you die, and being so completely out of breath and energy that you can only move forward an inch at a time. I'm wasted. Finished. Out of energy. My only savior at this point is the sun.