Denali 2019

Packing last items: our sleeping bags. You want to keep them without pressure, in storage, as long as possible. These are brand new -29°C Marmot Col 800+ fill goose down, thanks to 2018' Alaska car-braking when our older bulky bags were stolen. The new sleeping bags are THE heat-machines - so thick (yet super soft) that require 20L compressions bags, or they won't fit in backpack.

Final inspection of climbing gear. We are going to lose ~15lb of "fat" - average statistic weight loss on Denali. Better eat a bit of good food. Top Shanghai restaurant (上海一只鼎) is the place to go.

10 days to Departure. Feels great! We love Denali because: It's never dark there in summer (no "night") - no worry getting caught in the dark.  We can drive there own car - no worry about packing for airplane. Pack fuel and food, heavy large items (sled, gear). And again, because it's never dark in Alaska this time of year, it's rather safe to drive long distances. Just switch drivers. No guides required - rare!  Caches: always can leave items you don't want anymore, can pick them up on the way back.  PHOTO: our packing list contains 246 items, all have to go through integration test and inspected prior to the expedition.

Although we attempted Denali in 2018, we never consciously marked "Two weeks before departure" day. None of us knew we will be on our way, the trip 2018 was officially cancelled on April 4th 2018. Before that we had a serious training accident, rescue, hospital and recovery. We made decision to go only two days prior. Today is different. We are in the middle point: "After" prepping is complete and "Before" going is commenced. Feels great! Photos Things are getting ready. Current weather at the Denali summit.

21 days to Day 1 We are now tapering off. No more major training. No more new equipment. Only frequent Registered Massage Therapy (sports type) sessions. Behind us are five years of climbing together, 250 peaks in Canada, US, China, Japan, Taiwan. 150,000 kms on the road. Are we ready!?