SO. Funny story. I get altitude sickness. I don't kind of get altitude sickness. I get incapacitated by altitude sickness. While I was out in grad school in Denver I made it a point to conquer my illness and hiked as many 14ers as my ridiculous schedule allowed, often starting around 2am to be able to summit and get back down with time enough to get back to all the work that was piling up as I was hiking. Without fail I fell gravely ill on each one. I would not allow myself to be beaten, so I always summited, but it was not pleasant. Splitting headaches like I could never have fathomed, blurred vision, complete disorientation... I got so dizzy on Long's Peak that I actually almost fell off [thanks to some guy named Dave who caught me before I tumbled to a rather dramatic death].  My poor skin becomes so sensitive that I have to try and walk holding my clothes outstretched so nothing rubs against it. This illness has my number. My childhood dreams of becoming a mountaintop explorer are slowly fading away... CUT TO: 

Jenn and Zach got married in Vail. Well, not really in Vail. More like on Vail. It's a beautiful area of the state and a delightful mountain to boot. We had some wonderfully dramatic weather and a gaggle of Texans got to sample the crisp and beautiful Colorado air, cowboy boots and all. The couple both come from very strong families and there was no shortage of love and charm at the celebration. Zach's best man was his dad. If that's not awesome, I don't know what is.

Did I get sick? Yup. Violently. Did it beat me? Nope. I won. Jennifer and Zach have lovely imagery. So take that, altitude sickness. Up yours. You can kiss it, you pansy. I now, very humbly present to you, in conjunction with the Altitude Sickness Society...

the most beautiful story of Jenn and Zach

seek the joy. You can do anything you set your mind to, regardless of physical hardship.

eric