|
|
Denali/Mt.
McKinley Adventure
Following was written by James Wiesmueller, a lead
forecaster for the National Weather Service, Baltimore/Washington Forecast
Office.
"The view from the top of Mt. McKinley is
like looking out the windows of Heaven!" -1913 quote
from the first explorers to reach the summit.
Yes! On June 4th at 3:18 pm, on the 17th day of our climb, five climbing
partners (out of an the original nine) and I reached the summit of the Great
One, Denali/Mt. McKinley, 20,320 ft. For me, it was a moment of supreme
personal triumph, and one of the great thrills of my life. Big congrats
all around, handshakes, backslapping, damp eyes, prayers of thanks, photos,
and then…"let's get out of here now!"
It was unquestionably the most difficult climb I have ever done, an enormous
physical and emotional drain. Hauling heavy gear up to the next camp, then
back down to sleep (carry high, sleep low to acclimatize), then carry to
the next higher camp, set up camp and build protective snow walls around
the tents, and so on day after day. All the while thoughts ranging from
hopeful optimism to anguish and despair as defeat seemed to close in.
We had to battle fierce winds and white-out conditions from 11,000 to 13,500
feet and again at high camp at 17,200 feet, but, for the most part, Denali
was very kind to us with many spectacularly sunny mild days (20 max) and
light winds. Even summit conditions could hardly have been better. Coldest
temperatures ranged from -20F to -25F at night. The camps were like close
knit little tent villages with a friendly camaraderie among climbers from
many nations. I counted 20 countries in camp.
Author
After reaching
the summit we headed down and returned to base camp in only two days (whew,
I was dead tired!) Then a flight from the lower glacier by bush plane
through One Shot Pass (an ominous name), and back to Talkeetna for a huge
steak dinner and celebration. Mountain climbers are party animals.
High camp at 17,200 ft. on Denali.
It is difficult to find words that adequately describe the incredible
beauty of that place and the view which stretched for hundreds of miles
in all directions. Stunning comes to mind. I have many stories to tell
(especially about my talent for finding hidden creases…the hard way!).
Great to be back in Alaska!
Summit
conditions:
Temperature…-5F (balmy) Wind…west at 10 mph (a rarity at this
elevation) Sky condition…cloud layer below, clear above. Brilliant
sunshine
|
|