George, You are right about HAPE. As soon as I walked into Vail Hospital and Doctor said, "Hello Flatlander". Just like you said, I went up too fast and it didn't mater what my physical condition was. We drove straight through from MI to Colorado, parked the truck at 10,000 feet. Slept for the night and in the morning hiked up to 12,000 or so. I am very lucky my brother and buddies got me out of there.
