It is no small endeavor to race from sea-level to the mountains, throw on a heavy pack, and start climbing without a minute of real preparation or training–it’s probably stupid, in fact– but purpose is a powerful engine.  I had studied the topos, conferred with Don, an accomplished mountaineer, and set my sights on a peak in the 10,000 foot range above the valley.  The map is never the territory, of course, so I wasn’t under any illusions about the challenge.  I expected, and wanted, a brutal climb as the necessary price of admission.