Here it is: the most difficult blow-down in my life that I actually managed to surmount. I've encountered blow-downs that completely frustrated me and turned me back, but never one that took so much physical exertion that actually resulted in success. The prospect of turning around and retracing my steps back to the car was so bleak that I just HAD to figure out a way. Fortunately, I did find a way, but only through an utterly exhausting effort that stretched on for 18 minutes.