Mt. Baker- Day 86 (in Las Vegas)

Yesterday, my fellow adventurers and I reached 22,000 feet. With endless horizons,deep blue skies,and only clouds below us, its hard to believe that we were not to meant to live at this height . What's also amazing is that had I been in the Himalayas and reached this level, I might have spotted an amazing climber at the top of a majestic peak nearly a mile and one-half above us. For me, the good news was that I did not develop high altitude sickness; no pulmonary edema, no rapidly developing cerebral swelling leading to mental confusion and coma. A pressurized cabin in a 747 jumbo, needless to say, was the major factor. Our descent also did not leave us at a scenic mountain base camp breathing only the freshest air beside some gentle mountain stream but, rather, at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas for a head and neck surgical meeting. Avalanche watch was not our concern. Holding onto our wallets was.

Need to consider that summit of Mt Baker is nearly 11,000 ft. Spoke with several knowledgeable climbers who suggested that I should spend sometime adapting to the altitude before summit day. Some have said it should be a few days at Mt Baker before the expedition. I have considered four days in the Colorado Rockies exercising at 10,000 to 14,000 feet. I have been at 14,000 feet previously with no ill effects other than slight headache. Guides have previously stressed that more intense exertion at high altitudes can make one more susceptible. Maintanance of adequate hydration and minimizing negative caloric balance seems to be preventative. We shall see. I also run a chronically low hemoglobin count. Do not know how significant that will be on my effort