Prologue...

So how did did this idea come about to scale a 14,000 foot mountain?

My friend Tyler Fluth (referred to as Fluth from here on out) scaled Capitol Peak last summer. When he came back and shared the experience I told him (5 beers deep) that I was in. This was all the way back in September but I was convinced that I would tag along next summer.

However as a began to look into what this trip would require I quickly realized that this was not going to be small endeavor.

Real backpacking gear was required. Peak physical shape was recommended. And nerves of steel were required to cross what was known as "the knifes edge".

After finding out all of this I asked Fluth "do you really think that an first time climber can do this?". He replied in his normal calm demeanor "oh yeah you can do this".

So I was in.