Climb Denali (Mt McKinley)

“After 30 minutes of climbing, I notice my fingers and feet are getting cold. I start aggressively shaking my arms, in order to force warm blood into my fingers. Meanwhile, I try to move my toes as much as possible in my heavy expedition climbing boots. [...] At this point the climb eases a little, making it easier to just walk and recover a little. I start to feel better. Apparently, the extra energy bar did well and I feel my strength returning. But, meanwhile we are pretty close to 6000m altitude, and the air is once again noticeably thinner. I breathe heavily and still feel I need more oxygen in order to keep climbing. [...] Every breath I take must use 100% of my lung capacity. This means slow and deep breathing. I find a rhythm where I breathe in and out once every two steps. My breaths are heavy and everybody can hear that, but I don’t care. I like this rhythm and feel it will bring me to the summit!”

“It was a thrilling end to a punishing climb, one that tested me more than I ever imagined possible. The summit was just wide enough for the six clients to stand on while the guides stepped aside and watched on as six grown men burst into tears and hugged each other. The gravity of what I had achieved finally began to sink in. [...] It was around -20°C so any exposed skin – such as those working smartphones – is extremely vulnerable. Soon enough, it was time to dry our tears, put our cameras away and begin the descent.”

“As we ascended the ridge, a relatively minor snow storm(?) kicked up above us, shrouding the summit. Wind picked up ever so slightly and snow began to fall gently on us. With the beautiful weather we’ve had so far, cresting the ridge with rocky terrain all around us and the menacing clouds above and nearly coming down to encircle us, I was struck with a sense of sam and Frodo approaching the gates of Mordor. Something akin to knowing our objective was close, and yet still would not be easily achieved. Like the mountain wanted us to know she could change the weather and our fate at a moment’s notice.”