Mt. Whitney

Every year, climbers arrive at Mount Whitney with permits, trekking poles, trail mix, and the dangerous confidence of people who have read several encouraging internet posts. Whitney notices. Whitney is amused. At 14,505 feet, it has been humbling optimistic hikers for a very long time. First it steals the oxygen. Then the backpacks get heavier, the knees start complaining, and the summit somehow moves farther away. Eventually, some climbers turn around while Whitney sits above them looking smug. “Leaving already?” it seems to ask. “But you brought all those protein bars.” Everyone promises to return better trained next time. Whitney has heard that before. It will be waiting.