The Perils of Denali

Morning on Denali

I was aware of both my toes and finger tips as I stood in line, connected to the rope like one of the dog sled pack. 1:00 AM Friday morning, healing July 1. The clouds covered the morning sky just like the previous mornings. An occasional break revealed the view we were missing. High mountains surrounded us but seemed shy.

Our expedition team of 13 were tied into three rope teams. All for our safety in this land of deadly crevasses. The trip from Base Camp to the first camp was an exercise in focus. The flat light against the white snow created a dangerous scenario where the crevasses remained hidden until you are right on top of them. But traveling at night was required as it was the only time the glacier was frozen enough for safe travel this time of year.

Our lead guide, Jared, took point traveling on skis. When he came to a full stop, so did everyone else. A quick bark of instructions to the rope teams consisted of making a big step and don’t fall in. Words of wisdom! But necessary to keep the dogs on their toes.

Cooking/Dining Tent at Camp 1
Cooking/Dining Tent at Camp 1

In spite of the heightened awareness, a few of us would trip over our snowshoes, see our sled fall into a crevasse, or even punch through a soft snowbridge feeling a leg dangling perilously. But the ropes served their purpose keeping sled and puller safe.

As we pulled out of our 7,300′ camp today, packs full and sleds loaded, we made the move up Ski Hill. A series of three hills, totally obscured this summer morning by the low fog. Today’s loads feel light after yesterday’s carry to 10,300′ when my pack was over 70 pounds. Today we moved the remaining gear plus tents. All split between a sled and a pack.

We arrived at the 11,000′ camp, feeling the altitude combined with the loads. McKinley is a physical climb, no doubt. We passed four people from another team returning to Base Camp – 11,000 or C2 was their high point. You could see the strain on their faces even going downhill.

Soon after leaving camp, my core body temperature increased as my body began to work. Soon I felt new blood flowing to my fingers and toes. The body working as it should – protect the vital organs even at the risk of the minor parts. Of course this could be debated!

Returning to Camp 1
Returning to Camp 1

We are climbing Denali, Mt. McKinley aka The Great One. Fog, crevasses, sleds, heavy packs, midnight travel – this is what it is about.

And for me the purpose is beyond the climb. Endless hours shuffling my snowshoes gives me time to reflect on my purpose: Alzheimer’s research and awareness. Today, I thought how if one day I could not remember how my fingers felt in the cold. Of course, I wouldn’t know, but those around me would.

Climb On!
Alan
Memories are Everything

 

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3 thoughts on “The Perils of Denali

  1. Climb On, my friend! Robert and I are headed to the San Juans this weekend. We’ll tip a post-climb 90 Schilling or two back for you!

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