What an amazing memory! Last night I had the chance to meet one of mountaineering's greats, Lou Whittaker. He talked about his experiences on Everest and his more that 250 climbs up Mt. Rainier. He's a great story teller and fun to listen and talk too. After the meeting he stayed after to answer any questions so I had the chance to introduce myself. When I mentioned my name and where I was from he said he recognized me from somewhere. I looked at my wife and told her it was that kindred "mountaineering" spirit that he recognized. She laughed. The meeting lasted for about an hour and a half. The room was full of successful climbers who not only climbed Rainier but other great mountains. I felt at peace with these people. I felt a brotherhood. After it was all said and done Lou asked if I wanted a picture. Without hesitation I whipped out my camera. It took some time to fall asleep that night as you can imagine meeting one of your hero's. It inspired me to write in my blog today but even more, it inspired me to keep all my notes and journal entries and to create a book of my journey. I've thought of some titles but it's still in the works. I'm so looking forward to this opportunity to not only be a part of something so great as raising money for the American Lung Association of Washington, but being at 14,410 feet where some of the best mountaineers in the world have stood is - amazing! I can't compare it to anything else I've done to this point.
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