Actually it's not to bad Mat. I wouldn't do the Hazard route. One day is a 4 mile snowfield to camp Muir, nothing technical, no ropes or crampons. Just a trudge with great views. Then it's a 3 A.M. start with rope and crampons for about 3 hours. Just have to get off before the sun hits the mountain and stuff starts loosening up and falling off. Lots and lots of people climb it. Even old guys like me.

Talking about knees I have an appointment with the Orthopedic surgeon June 7. It hasn't bothered me all winter but I wrenched her pretty well setting up on a fish offshore just recently wearing those stupid croc shoes. My little party is holding their breathe wondering if I'll make the "Q" this July 4th. Good thing the plan is base camping in North Bay, feel good about pulling that off.

Moving like an old lady is not a bad thing. I employ climbing tricks when going up inclines all the time. It seems painfully slow at first but your usually only a few minutes longer. Take a step....take a breathe.......take a step........take a breathe........repeat to the top. I'm never out of breathe on steep places, don't break into a sweat, my legs never quiver from lactic acid build up. In fact sometimes I have old lady's blow by me....."get out of the way sonny!!"  ;D