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The elation one is supposed to feel at having reached the summit, the simplistic view of the goal of this exercise, is always tempered by the circumstances of the moment--succinctly stated: hypoxic, hypothermic, hypoglycemic, exhausted, sunburned and dehydrated--with the less exciting more dangerous half of equal distance still to go! The "Summit at any Cost" is a price that has been paid too many times, and the judgment as to risk is made easier in the comfort and safety of a sea level atmosphere in warm and encouraging surroundings. I have heard an unusual phrase at several summits, quite apart from the exhilaration one might expect and some exaltation about having achieved something that was not easy and that no one else could do in one's place: "I am glad that is over--now, never again!"
I might have felt this way as well, at about every peak, or marathon finish line, or final comprehensive examination, and then remember what I have said to myself when extended beyond my limits: "Well, now, I recognize this! I have been here before, and it is time to 'suck it up a bit' and keep on going past this point toward the next impossible goal!" Here we are, around 20,000 feet; now, do I hear 25,000 feet anyone? Stay tuned!