Viesturs

... false ridge, I was ready to turn around. Kilimanjaro lessons rang in my ears and I remembered the words of mountaineer Ed Viesturs': "Getting to the top is optional; getting down is mandatory." I did turn and begin going down when Darrel blew his ...

Ed Viesturs, the 1st American to summit each of the world's 14 peaks above 8000 meters, said:  "Mountains are not conquered and should be treated with respect and humility. If we take what the mountain gives, have patience, desire, and are prepared - ...