Crater

Even in summer there are usually snow drifts around the summit. This summer they exist only in the crater. In the background you can see the surf on the beach where I spent the night licking my wounds. One grazed leg where I slipped on the snow. Two burnt armpits, where I omitted to apply sunscreen. The summer sun here is unremitting. Two aching legs. There is a middle section to the climb that is loose shale. For every two steps forward, you slide one back. Lung busting. I remember once looking for pumice with which to make a lightweight concrete coffee table. Now I know where to look.