Sometimes you must sacrifice yourself on the altar of effort to be reminded of what and who you could become if you applied yourself.

I scavenged for sensation, sought myself in the rewards of being out there, across the Border.

Frostbite? I consider that a failure.

Effort and pain may not be avoided. Physical and psychological breakdowns occur. The support of a like-minded group, dedicated to The Art of Suffering, provides a safety net. An individual will push harder and risk more in the company of trustworthy peers.

Everything costs something everyone pays

Crested Butte is for spectators; Chamonix is for participants.

Ultimately, I wanted to own a big truck, exercise my second Amendment rights, listen to hardcore music, and let my congressman know how poorly he represents me. None of this could occur in France.