Follow our Denali Capstone Expedition!
by V. Heisser |
Talkeetna, Alaska—With backpacks packed, over 135 lbs of food per group, sleds loaded,
and months of training behind them, our expedition team is officially beginning their Denali capstone adventure. The group included Jane Churchill, Lucas
Cooper, Cal Walter, Lydia Worrall-Edie, Christian Warren, Lisa Yoder, and instructors
August Franzen and Benjamin Rush, is gathering this week in the historic town of Talkeetna
to prepare for final logistical and safety briefings before flying—weather permitting—to
Denali Base Camp.
What makes this expedition unique is the altitude of their goal and the special educational
climbing permit they have obtained. Unlike most climbers on North America's highest
peak, this team is climbing under an educational special use permit issued by Denali
National Park. This type of Mountaineering Special Use Permit, required for any attempt
on Denali, acknowledges the educational purpose of the expedition, which serves as
the capstone experience of a rigorous academic and leadership development program.
“Everyone carries their gear, hauls a sled, cooks, and climbs together. We don’t have
guides or porters,” says Dr. Benjamin Rush, the instructor and one of the expedition
leaders. “This is real.”
While the necessary permits have been secured well in advance, the team still faces
a final check-in with the National Park Service before flying to Base Camp. This briefing
covers safety concerns, risk mitigation, and overall mountain awareness. —all requirements
for climbers on Denali.
In the coming weeks, the team will gradually climb the mountain, facing crevasses,
bitter cold, and thin air on their way to the summit. They will draw on their physical
endurance and the lessons of decision-making, teamwork, and resilience from their
program.
This is more than just a climb. It’s an expedition—challenging, formative, and unforgettable.
You can follow our Denali Capstone Expedition. Stay up to date with our progress,
photos, and stories from the mountain by following our expedition here: [https://share.garmin.com/PWSCDenali]