Apologies for the brevity, but free time has been increasingly short as we approach the first day as a group on the mountain. Yesterday we finally got to meet the rest of the members of our team. Ability wise, as well as geographically, it seems we span the spectrum. Some of the climbers are from areas like Boston and Washington, D.C.. Others are from Kansas, Denver, and even a relative local from right here in Washington. Oh yeah, Georgia is represented too. In terms of ability and experience, it appears we are equally diverse. A few guys have climbed several 14ers, including one member who has done work for NOLS and even served as a recreation specialist for the Army (civilian). We do have 2 climbers who are part of our military (Army and Navy). On the other end of that spectrum, we have a young couple from Kansas with little to no experience in climbing (Sound kinda familiar? See last year's SFS climb). The best part about all of this though is getting to meet new people who all want to do something big for a great cause.
The highlight of yesterday had to be finding out that
Dave Hahn will be our lead guide on the trip. If you don't know who he is (and I don't expect many of you in Georgia would), look him up. He's pretty much a rock star in the climbing world, and he's one of the top mountaineers in the world. Just returning from Mt. McKinley, he takes on the chore of leading us up Rainier in just a few days.
Today we head into the park to begin our one-day climbing school. Tomorrow we begin our attempt at the summit. More to come as soon as I can. Pray for our safety...and that we have fun! Off to breakfast now.
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