The sweet smell of cherry blossoms wafted in eddies as I was drawn past the Lincoln Memorial, towards the Wall on that Easter morning.

As preparation intensifies for the upcoming Operation Elevate expedition season, Matt and teammate Gary are pushing hard to build the strength and endurance required for

“Everest doesn’t care who you are.It only responds to preparation, teamwork, and resolve.” Mount EverestSummit: 29,032 feet — the highest point on EarthThe Death Zone: