D E F E A T

For a few moments the sun broke from the arms of the gods, bursting through the violent skies and turning the hail around us into soft, shimmering snowflakes. Failure is never easy, but there is solace to be found in the pursuit of beauty that reminds us to seek out the most wondrous things in the harshest conditions. This photo, taken just after our decision was made to abandon our quest for the summit, embodies what I love about both photography and mountaineering: The glory of the journey.