It has been a month since I've been back reflecting on my experience in Bolivia. These are the main things I've learned. 1) Hard work isn't everything. My dad and I have always had a mindset of "if you think it, you can do it", but this isn't always the case. Our guide explained that in the mountains, 40 percent depends on physical readiness and the other 60 percent is acclimatization and weather. Hard work is of course really important, but so is practice, which leads me to 2) I need more experience at altitude. We were originally supposed to climb Aconcagua this December, but we've decided to change plans and climb Kilimanjaro instead. I don't want to go to Aconcagua and not be able to summit, so we are going to get more practice before we go. 3) The summit isn't everything. I learned so much during this trip, but we didn't make it to the summit of any of the three peaks for a number of reasons (weather and altitude sickness). Just because we didn't make it to the summits doesn't mean we didn't accomplish a lot. My dad and I both went the highest we had ever been, 19,600ft. We also learned a lot of mountaineering techniques and made lifelong friends. Overall, it was a great trip, and I had a lot of fun despite the challenges. The plan going forward is to climb the Seven Summits starting with Mount Kosciusko in Australia over Thanksgiving break. Then we will do Kilimanjaro in Africa over winter break. While my quest is more about the journey then the summit, I have a chance at breaking the record for the youngest women to climb the Seven Summits. This will depend a lot on how I do on the next two mountains but I am going to try.
You continue to amaze me with the wise young lady you are becoming. Your insight into how much you already accomplished and learning to be patient as you continue to prepare for your goals in climbing are inspiring. Good for you, Emma. I look forward to reading about more of your exploits around the world.