Day 1

It’s hard to say it’s Day 1. The group meet at Baggage carousel #1 in Anchorage airport at 1 pm, to get a mini van to Talkeetna. At the airport we met our team for the first time, and of course created, and formed our first impressions. Who looks strong, is there anyone weaker than me, who would I want to share a tent with, and more importantly who would I want not to. I know 2 of the guides from previous trips, Dominic – my hero -, and Ben. The 3rd guide, Mike, has just returned from a successful Everest summit. Impressive!! I also know 2 of the team, Andrew and Mikayla, from previous RMI trips. The group includes a French Canadian oncologist – young-, a father and daughter, a husband and wife, and a young woman. A fit looking group.

A 3 hour roller-coaster van ride to Talkeetna, with a stop in Wasilla to buy any last minute provisions. The bus trip allows for early introductions, small talk, introductions, a little bit of everybody’s mountaineering resume, and of course, engaging first impressions.

We dropped off all the gear at the hangar. Sorting, packing and checking gear, is for tomorrow.

Checked into the ‘luxurious’ Swiss Alaska – I’m sharing a room with Andrew-, and then dinner at the Denali brew pub. This of course raises the question, will I have a beer? It was relaxing, and everyone had a beer. Cool! A good sign for group dynamics

Bed at 9pm.

So is it really Day 1? Who knows, but it is surely the easiest day.