Reflections upon summiting

Here is a picture of what part of my journey has looked like.  This particular section of the journey I happened to drive in a vehicle.  I took this picture at the top.  Even though the depth perception is difficult to detect I was standing on top of a huge drop off and you can see the road way down there.  You can also see smoke from a forest fire in the area. 

 

 

Often times, despite all our efforts and the exhiliration of summiting, or overcoming a difficult challenge, there is smoke impeding the great view that we expect.  Sometimes the result or outcome is not what we had envisioned.  Does that then nullify or invalidate the efforts expended to get to the top?  Our perception of the top seems to be closely dependent on our attitude during the climb.