Gary was one of the Resident Heads (read: adult supervision) at my dorm at the University of Chicago. We have stayed in touch since. He is a retired teacher, runs marathons like a maniac, and does things like hike the Appalachian Trail.
Today’s walk was 30 kilometers, from Van to the town of Erçek. The walk started at an elevation of about 5550 feet (1700 meters), but spent most of the time between 6100 and 6200 feet (1900 meters).