Talkeetna Air Taxi

After waiting for over ten days in Talkeetna for the weather to open up, Lonnie Dupre flew with us onto the Kahiltna Glacier on January 8th.  Lonnie is attempting to be the first climber to summit Mt. McKinley in January.  We wish him the best of luck!  If you're interested in following the expedition, or in the Cold Love documentary that this climb will be part of, check out One World Endeavors online.  They also have a Facebook page with regular updates.

 Here are a few shots Paul Roderick took on the trip to Denali.

 

Lonnie and "Big Mac," in-flight.  It was the first time we had seen the mountain in a couple of weeks.

 

Lonnie unloading after landing on the Kahiltna.  His gear weighs more than he does!

 

Every journey begins with the first steps.

 

Lonnie is off the mountain! The wind and weather just did not cooperate during his 2nd winter McKinley summit attempt. He says that he will spend time accumulating a Greenlandic dog team and enjoy many long dog mushing trips in the future. Only time will tell if he comes back to try McKinley again. Photo was taken January 9th courtesy of Talkeetna Air Taxi.

Come one, come all! Just come dressed up as a TV character. Think Jersey Shore, Gilligan's Island, Fat Albert, The Office, The Lone Ranger, MASH, Charlies Angels, Fantasy Island, Starsky and Hutch... the list can go on and on.

Lonnie Dupre departing the Kahiltna glacier for an attempt of a winter solo of Denali.  He is trying to make the first successfull ascent in January in the heart of winter. Photo by Talkeetna Air Taxi.

Polar explorer Lonnie Dupre tooling up for a solo winter ascent of Denali at the Talkeetna Air Taxi office.
In the photo Lonnie is admiring his custom razor sharp snow saw.