Foreword & Forward

Franconia Ridge 7-31-10

"A wizard is never late, Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to."

Summer 2009 I found myself...... in the hospital for 6 days with what the medical peoples call "Atrial Fibrilation". Google that shit. Or ask your grandfather. I spent almost a week in the cardiac wing at Elliot Hospital. I was 27, my roomy was 87. Wake up call? Everyday above ground is a gift and Erick is on borrowed days.

Just like when an old Nintendo game shuts down on you in the last level, sometimes the only way to keep going is the reset button. That's exactly what happened with me. They stopped my heart with gas, then shocked me with electricity to kickstart my heart on a normal rhythm. You beat the boss but move on to the next level. The next level will be wicked hard. Up your game and bring the jedi, pump them buttons like a madman and ride your crazy. Unleash the Champion.

The Mountains are my allies. Every hike adds a few more days to my life and keeps me off the couch.