Mount Rainier

I've been a tobacco abuser for 18 years. Quit on new years day 2001. My bro in-law is a 10 time veteran of Rainier (10 time unsuccessful also). Troy asked if I would like to try and I agreed, telling him that if I did, that there would be no way that I was not going to make it, considering that 2 years ago we made plans that fell apart. The power of the mind is an amazing thing. 4 months of preparation and we summited on our first attempt, via the Kautz Glacier route. This an excellent choice. Challenging, beautiful, dangerous, uncrowded. Only made one mistake. Didn't use lip protection and paid the price for 10 days. Easily my greatest physical accomplishment. I've lived in Puget Sound area my whole life and swore one day, I will do it. I must go back though, to get summit stone. I forgot to get one. Our three man team was just right for this climb. Great chemistry.