Denali From Above

Flying from Anchorage to Fairbanks, my Alaska Airlines plane makes a breathtaking approach to Mount McKinley. Most Alaskans respectfully call the mountain by its Native Alaskan name - Denali. The mountain is snow covered and surrounded by snow, ice, and glaciers. More than I could have imagined. We fly at 25,000 feet, and the peak is less than 5,000 feet  below us. Yesterday I learned that my guides Charlie and Kim had made the summit once in two tries, in conditions that were sometimes severe, even in summer. I think they were on the mountain ten days in their successful attempt and only about a thousand climbers make the summit each year. I am super impressed after seeing the mountain.

In Fairbanks now,  and I am repacking one more time to undo my airline security configuration.  Leaving for Manley Hot Springs tomorrow for the start of  nine days without phone or Internet.