What would it feel like to reach the summit of a 14,000 foot peak at my age (pushing 60)? Having tried the to reach the summit the previous week (and having failed because I didn't have the right equipment), I knew I was in shape. Yet there were other challenges ahead, beyond the need for endurance and the ability to use an ice axe and crampons. I hadn't used my soft hands to climb hard granite in many years, and I'd have to deal with some serious exposure near the top of the mountain.