June 10 - 30, 2012
I've been fortunate to travel to Alaska several times, and each time I would twist my head sideways in the airplane hoping to catch a glimpse of "The High One". Usually it eluded me, but I clearly remember standing outside of Talkeetna and quietly deciding that I would attempt to climb Denali one day. I also remember, about a year later casually mentioning my plans to a sourdough while watching the Iditarod. He squinted at me beneath bushy eyebrows and said "Do you know what we call cheechakos who try to climb that mountain?" I could feel myself shrinking backward, like I'd just stepped too far into a frozen lake. I blinked hard and told him that I didn't. "News!" he said.
Photo: Steve Tambosso |
This site outlines my training plans, time on the mountain climbing the west buttress route, and what I learned while on the mountain.
Enjoy!