I think this is it!

On Sunday, Feb 21, I felt energized and much better than the day before. I wanted to try to go for a walk, as I was too tired from the previous three days when in ICU. When I was visiting the docs, they told me my white cell counts were growing, in most cases a sign of an infection, but now a sign that the transplant was successful. The doctors said many times the patient will tell them how he is feeling, verifying data that is still pending.

There is a point on the Boston Marathon called Heart Break Hill. It is the last slight incline in elevation prior to the long runs in to the finish line. Once runners get over this hill they claim the rest of the race is relatively easy. I have never done Boston, but I have this spot on Mt. Rainier that I like to view like Heartbreak Hill. Rainier is a hard climb for the guy who just wants to get beat up once a year. It is doable with two days of climbing and being able to get back to the parking lot by late afternoon. My Heart Break Hill is a place called Gibraltar Ridge. After climbing through Disappointment Cleaver and Ingraham Flats, one needs to re-cross the ridge. The ridge is high (if you want to only head down) and is full of bare rock (difficult footing when wearing crampons). At the bottom of the ridge is Camp Muir where the path back home is a steady drop.

Today, while on the way home to restored health, there have been a few days when I have taken a set back. February 21 seemed to be that point when I reached Camp Muir on the way back home. IT IS GOOD TO GET TO THIS POINT.