Climb for a Cure

With only 40 days to go, the excitement builds and preparations intensify! Another trip was made to REI yesterday for the purchase of more gear.. I think one of these days I will have everything organized and ready to go! The emails between climbers continue as everyone debates which vaccinations to get as well as how to pack, etc. It is nice to know I am not the only one with all these questions.

On a more serious note, one of our guides from Alpine Ascents by the name of Suzanne lost her life while guiding an expedition at Denali last week. From the little I know about her, she "lived life" and was doing what she loved when the group she was connected to fell during the climb. Denali is a VERY technical climb, the most difficult that Lori made of the seven summits and is not at all like the terrain we will be hiking on (so no panicking please). Please keep Suzanne and her family in your prayers. We will no doubt remember her during our climb and know she is with us in spirit cheering us on every step of the way.

Lori stated that there are moments in the climb that will be very challenging due to altitude and fatigue. Therefore, she recommended bringing things that will help us during those difficult times. My flag with everyone's name on it will be one of my items and I would like to take some letters or short notes along as well. If any of you would be interested in sending a note along that would be opened by me during the climb, please feel free to send them my way!