Mt. McKinley: Jones & Team Back from Summit
The team woke early to the most incredible weather, no wind, blue skies, and sun on the tents. Although the over night temps dipped to -15F, the sun quickly warmed our group and fired up our motivation for a long day of hard work. By 9:30 we were headed back into the shade of the Autobahn and climbing up to Denali Pass, kicking steps into the soft, steep snow. Our crew set the track for the day being the first out. Two hours of cold shady trail breaking led us back to the sun and our first windless break at 18,300ft where spirits were rejuvenated. We continued to press higher and higher, until we arrived onto the flat plateau of the Football Field where the solar radiation had it feeling more like a day at the beach than 19,500' on Denali. One final grind up Pig Hill and we were on the summit ridge, with only one stretch between our team and the top of the continent. The clear weather gave us hundreds of miles of views in every direction, with only a few scattered clouds way below us to add texture to the breathtaking scenery. A few tears were shed as we climbed the final few feet to the summit, and then it was all smiles, hugs, and mugging for the obligatory summit photos. We stood on top for a half hour or so, and then began the descent back to thicker air and our cozy camp. What an incredible day in the mountains for our team!
We're settled in now and planning for a fairly early launch back down the mountain. Our goal is 14k camp and the rest of our gear, then a quick trip downhill to 11k.
We're all tired, sore, hungry, thirsty...but ultimately incredibly happy and proud of today's accomplishment. Kudos to everyone on the team, and thanks to everyone out there pulling for us!
RMI Guide Tyler Jones
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Comments (9)
DEAREST BEN, CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR THE STORIES OF THIS
ONCE IN A LIFETIME TRIP. SO VERY HAPPY YOU ALL MADE IT
TO THE SUMMIT SAFELY, CAN ONLY IMAGINE THE FEELING YOU MUST HAVE HAD. CONGRATULATONS ONCE MORE. A VERY SAFE RETURN TO ALL OF YOU. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. TE QUIERO MUCHO Y MUY ORGULLOSA DE TI. MA
Posted by: carmen keegan on
Incredible experience you all are having! Congratulations on the safe summit! Reading the updates have been quite enjoyable.
Hope the rest of the trek goes well, Justin and Dad, us here in Columbia are cheering for you.
Posted by: Jacob Halls on
Just amazing Larry!
You did it.
Holly
Posted by: holly seaton on
WOW! Congrats Larry—a well earned great cigar and a great pinot awaits you. Congratulations. Carrie and Dick
Posted by: Carrie & Dick Fogg on
What a wonderful moment to share your experience. Your writing is exceptional and photo’s more than one can imagine. Safe return! Love you! Peg
Posted by: Aunt Peg on
I agree with Paul Halls family. There were a few tears of joy shed during the finale. And Tyler, where did you learn to write like that? You’re better than F. Scott Fitzgerald or Earnest Hemmingway with your multidimensional descriptions. We enjoyed it. Safe travels to all.
Nick Doinidis (and Linda)
Posted by: Nick Doinidis on
Jones TEAM—-WOW!!!!! Ya baby, Ya!!!!! all of us down here on the lower earth loved following the climb and summitted with you in spirit—-there were even some tears shed down here. Congratulations to the TEAM!! What an amazing accomplishment. Safe return.
Posted by: Paul Halls family on
Larry, that is so awesome. Debbie and I were talking last night about how “awesome” doesn’t even describe this. You’re on top of the world, or at least the North American continent. Congratulations!! All the hard work and effort was rewarded with a beautiful day on the summit!
Posted by: Mark on
Wow great pictures!! What great stories you will all be able tell
Can’t wait for you Ben to tell me in person. Miss and love you. Dot
Posted by: dottie on