I'm 40 Rod. I don't want to give the impression it was easy. Even being in very good condition it's a tough hike. I was well aware that altitude sickness could hit me at any time. I remember thinking all was going well and I felt great during the switchbacks but in the back of my head I was concerned that eventually altitude sickness was going to become a factor.
Years ago in college I hiked a 14'er in Colorado and got hammered by the fatigue, loss of appetite and splitting headache associated with altitude. Even Friday night I felt just a tinge of it but by morning i was fine.
Guess I should note that I live less than 2 miles from the beach so I really wanted that night at LPL to acclimate. Agree VFred it would have been better to have another night but work and family made that tough. I was happy to have the one night. Very possible I could have gotten sick had I tried to do it all in one day.
Yes Steve...this site and especially these forums were instrumental in my success. Can't thank everyone enough for the information necessary to have a special experience. That was the main reason for me posting...wanted to give back and help others who may be looking to do the same thing.
Hare, tortoise....no matter Tom
I had no idea what a fast or slow time up the mountain was until Rod commented. I spent quite a bit of time talking to others and just taking it all in. Everyone goes at their own pace and it's all good.
