"THE HIGH ONE"

Friday,  6/7/2013.  Today is the 100th anniversary of the first successful climb to the summit of Mt. McKinley.  Four Alaskan men left Fairbanks by dog sled.  Their approach to the summit was hampered by long spells of foul weather and steep, icy terrain.  At the 11,500 ft level, a fire wiped out critical supplies, including socks.  The altitude gave them pounding headaches, nausea and shortness of breath.  Two steps forward..pause for rest..a few paces more..stop again.  After about 3 months, exhausted and ill, temperatures well below zero, they reached the top on 6/7/1913.  Then the long and weary descent.  Such a triumph!

Many in Talkeenta today are celebrating the 100th anniversary.  In fact, Tim and Joan are celebrating by circling the summit by ski plane and landing on a glacier midway up the mountain.  This glacier area is where most of the base camps are located for the ascent up Mt. McKinley.  The first climbers returned safely 100 years ago.  We returned safely today.  Just a few photo shots...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you friendly Talkeetna Air Taxi and expert pilot for taking us on such a thrilling flight to the top and a glacier landing between the peaks.  The scenery was magnificent!  Later, we had fun biking through the alive and colorful town of Talkeetna.

 

 

No need to prepare dinner tonight.  It's been slow cooking all day in the crockpot.  Pork roast, potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, mushroom cream soup + seasonings = pork stew.  Great meal to end a great day.