Denali was my first big climbing trip
Successfully summitted in July 2006.
After surviving the early climbing courses in New Zealand, the first big step towards the Everest dream was to test myself at altitude. My crampons were still shiny and new, barely used but I was ready to hit the ‘big time’.
Denali or Mount McKinley is the highest peak in North America at 6194 meters. Joining that expedition was like the first day at high school all over again. The nerves and the fear of the unknown.
It was a grueling first trip in terms of heavy packs and cold, harsh winds and a long time away from home. It was an eye opener for me in terms of what this whole Everest dream entailed and something of a reality check.
I struggled most with the altitude and was lucky to summit before feeling unwell. A quick ascent helped me recover quickly and a lot of support from the guides and fellow climbers helped me keep believing in myself and what I could achieve.
