Back to Hell

It's the day before we leave for Hell.  24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell that is.  The gear is sorted and packed.  Food rationed out and plans made.  But even on this eve of my 7th 24HHH, I am filled with apprehension.  This is the first year it looks like rain is definitely going to be a major factor.  Not the small chance of a passing shower, but major thunderstorms in the forecast.  What might that do to the most grueling climbing competition around?  Nobody knows.  Of course many of us are well beyond reason and will continue to climb as it long as it seems remotely safe.  Obviously the personal records and high number of climbs will not be an issue if we are climbing in torrential downpours.  But will the weather dampen the spirits of the competitors?  Will it be a downer on the party?  Or will it serve to bring us even closer together as a climbing   community?  Will the climbers at this years 24 become a band of brothers and sisters that has withstood a trail by fire, or water?  I can only hope so, but time will tell.