Chris and I have been talking about getting up into the Alaska Range for a long time now, and the time is finally here. It's been a crazy month for me, with 3 Splitboard Festivals (Mt. Baker, Silverton, and Mt. Hood), as well as an unexpected 30 day notice in my apartment. But, I finished tying off my life in the city and now I'm sitting at the Roadhouse in Talkeetna, AK. Our climbing gear and month supply of food is all weighed (340 pounds!) and we're ready to fly out in the morning.
CHRIS BENELLI WITH HOT FEET AND A WARM WALLET:
DIRTBAGGERS GUIDE TO AVOIDING BAGGAGE FEES AT PDX AIRPORT
We plan to spend 1 month on the glacier, climbing and splitboarding on moderate objectives in the shadow of Denali. The rangers from the National Park say that we will be the only people out on the glacier, at least for a few days until some scheduled expeditions come in. It will be very calm out on the glacier until all of the Denali Expeditions fly in. We hope to bring back photos and stories for all to enjoy.
I want to give a huge shout out to everyone who has helped us along the way: Next Adventure, Mountain Hardwear, Phantom Splitboard Bindings, Venture Snowboards, Pocket Fuel, and Voke Tabs. As well as the Goodwill Bins, Mastercard, and Grandma.
CHRIS BENELLI WITH DENALI NATIONAL PARK IN THE DISTANCE