Meanwhile, back at the lodge, I had the time to do extensive day hikes and explore the area in greater detail than I have ever had time to do before. A bit ragged around the edges, but none the worse for wear. There is a God. The hike had been an arduous affair. Long days, very fast pace, strenuous climbs, short meals, hard ground, hot days and generally a rugged ordeal.
Endurance hiking at it s best.
I m in reasonably good shape. I work out five days a week. Several weeks before the hike, I doubled my stairstep routine to help compensate for the altitude. I m experienced in wilderness travel. There is no substitute for actual altitude acclimation.