But this is the lonely way. This is the slippery trail on the cold side of the mountain. I am alone, except for the few footprints in the kneedeep snow. No one to guide me but unknown strangers who have trekked this way before. Climbing higher, the trail is scarce.
Thorny bushes slow the pace.
But I sense I'm closer to my goal. I reach the peak before my friends, but see them coming not far below. And up ahead, another ridge, a higher peak, a mountain glowing in the sun. One point of consciousness. One star in the night.