Arriving in beautiful Talkeetna, Alaska
The team talks strategy and enjoys a few pizzas in Talkeetna before the expedition begins
Loading up the plane that will transport us from Talkeetna (300+ feet) to the Kahiltna Glacier and base camp (7,200+ feet)
The view of Alaska and the many prominent ranges from the plane is absolutely breathtaking.
Say good bye to our plane! We won't see it again for over three weeks.
Home for three weeks
75 pounds on the back. 50 pounds on the sled. Nothing like a good work out to get you in shape for summit day!
With the solar oven in full effect low on the mountain, it was hard to stay cool and avoid sunburn. This was my system for avoiding the rays.
Everest guide and Climb for Cancer board member Dave Morton pays a visit to our team
Winslow and Alex do some yoga moves to help acclimatize
Everyone awaits the daily weather postings at 14,000 feet despite the fact that the forecasts are wrong as much as they are right
If weather gets too bad there is always an abandoned igloo or two in which to find comfort
Sarah ascends the fixed lines en route to high camp. It's not easy carrying 75+ pounds up this steep slope.
At the top of the fixed lines is one of the most spectacular views of the West Buttress route
Climbers navigating the narrow ridge on the West Buttress
The spectacular and ever-changing view from high camp
Beautiful snow formations created by the wild winds of Denali
Climbers dig up their caches at high camp
A friendly game of football to acclimatize and to pass the time at high camp
Guides partake in the daily ritual of walking to the "edge of the world" with radios in hand so they can listen to the weather forecast and, hopefully, get a good window for a summit bid. It took 8 days for my window to come and it only lasted a few hours before the storm hit.
The view of 14,000 foot camp from high camp at 17,000+ feet
One of many storms moves into high camp as climbers retreat to their tents and protective snow walls
My friend Steve Mills and I at the summit of Denali (20,320 ft. summit stake is in background)
Steve Mills and I hold the Climb for Cancer flag at the summit of Denali
We weren't sure the day would come but after a long wait, Steve Mills and I pay tribute to my dear friend Pat Brandt who lost his battle with brain cancer on March 2, 2008. Next to the summit marker, we fixed a special message from Pat's wife Jesse and his boys Wes and Charlie. We miss you PAT!
