Let me know when you write a book one day, and I have a feeling you will, because you have some fantastic (and scary!) life experiences to share with the world.

As an adventure junkie myself, I really loved reading this. It's been a dream of mine to climb Mt. Everest (though it would take many years of training + money), and your story gave me some much-needed perspective on what could happen when mountaineering.

I'm sorry to hear about Patrick, and it was sad to read that he was looking forward to going back to Seattle to catch a Mariners game.

I hope it's OK to ask this:

1. What kind of training did you do prior to this climb?

2. How much did it cost?

3. Do you have any tips or training advice for someone looking to climb an icy mountain in the future? I've "hiked" mountains in California a few times, but that doesn't compare to what you and the group went through.

4. Can you talk about what it's like to get lost in a white out? Maybe on here or in a future story piece? :D

5. You mentioned you did some scuba diving. I'd like to go cave diving one day. Am I just plain nuts or is that something you've dabbled into and would recommend?

(Also this is so well-written and I'm jealous of your talent).