The descent was a simple reversal of the ascent. Three hours off the top, I was back at the trailhead, gleefully pulling off boots and guzzling Pepsi. My thirteenth fourteener was a beautiful climb, and made me anxious to get back into the San Juans for more. Unfortunately, however, Donna would later be told she had broken some bones in her foot, and would be wearing a cast. She would be out of commission, essentially for the remainder of the season.
Mountain climbing entails certain risks and can be a dangerous activity.
Many Colorado peaks have seen climbing fatalities. The most common factors in mountaineering accidents are poor judgement, inadequate physical conditioning and improper equipment. When faced with bad weather, fatigue or terrain that may be beyond your abilities, turn back. The mountain will still be there when you're stronger, more experienced or better-equipped for another attempt. Many accidents occur while a party is descending from the summit.