Carol, I carry a Spot locator device with me that has an emergency function and also had a good cell phone signal most of the way. Neither would be any use for a stroke or heart attack but I made sure I took plenty of breaks and kept my heart rate at a normal pace. I'm a firm believer that a man has to know his limitations, it took me 6 1/2 hours for the hike, the guide book says 4 1/2 is typical.

Drink all day at home, your friends worry about you; do it on vacation and they say "what a good time you're having". Save your friends needless worry, travel more!