I'm back
The good news: I've returned from my trip in generally good health, and having done most of what I set out to do. And yes, it was one of the most incredible, awe-inspiring weeks of my life.
At the same time, I may have lost a friend in the process, or at least severely strained our friendship. Only a very small part of this had anything to do with the fact I discovered that I could never tell him about me in my entirety (whereas he told me some deeply personal things that I now have serious doubts are true). I guess the take-home message is: don't bring people with mental illnesses out into the wilderness with you...
Would I have done the trip, had I known all that would happen? I saw things I will hopefully never forget, was overcome with emotion atop a fourteener, pushed myself physically (if not mentally) and remained strong throughout, and accomplished a goal I'd had for a decade. But given all the anguish this trip has caused, especially for the family of my friend, I'd think not.
*sigh*
Now, to get home (I'm a few days late) and meet my girlfriend in time...
P.S. Explaining what exactly happened would require a good hour, two maps of the area, and a detailed explanation of the rules and regulations shaping our trip, which would give you too much personal information about me. So don't bother asking...
At the same time, I may have lost a friend in the process, or at least severely strained our friendship. Only a very small part of this had anything to do with the fact I discovered that I could never tell him about me in my entirety (whereas he told me some deeply personal things that I now have serious doubts are true). I guess the take-home message is: don't bring people with mental illnesses out into the wilderness with you...
Would I have done the trip, had I known all that would happen? I saw things I will hopefully never forget, was overcome with emotion atop a fourteener, pushed myself physically (if not mentally) and remained strong throughout, and accomplished a goal I'd had for a decade. But given all the anguish this trip has caused, especially for the family of my friend, I'd think not.
*sigh*
Now, to get home (I'm a few days late) and meet my girlfriend in time...
P.S. Explaining what exactly happened would require a good hour, two maps of the area, and a detailed explanation of the rules and regulations shaping our trip, which would give you too much personal information about me. So don't bother asking...