I cursed myself as I hauled my trembling body up the chains toward Angels Landing. The climb is infamous for its heart-pumping switchbacks and vertiginous jaunt along a narrow sliver of crag. Those who fear heights, like me, typically avoid it. Instead, I entered the Angels Landing lottery. I did so because I had a plan: I'd enter the day-before permit lottery to prove my bravery, knowing full well that, given the climb's popularity, I wouldn't get a spot.