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.

Serious spring snow removal operations have begun at TAT. Bob Young and Ted conspire on where to make mountains.

 

                Another climbing season is coming to a close in the Alaska Range. Those of us at Talkeetna Air Taxi are already missing the energy and excitement that circulates through the teams coming and going from the mountains. It’s been a great year. Teams from all over the world have made courageous attempts for the summit of Denali. Many succeeded; others were thwarted by weather and circumstance. New assents were claimed and records were set. While we congratulate everyone we also remember those who didn’t make it home. Climbing amongst the indomitable peaks of Alaska will always be full of challenge and adventure… Not to mention unpredictability. 

                No more climbers coming through the office also means no more Ted. Our resident Guru of all things “climber” went back to Seattle before returning to his real home in Nepal. Genuine and thoughtful, Ted Gannon is quick with a smile and long with a Socratic conversation. He carefully organizes and settles in new teams before they head to the mountain and greets all the planes when they come home, making sure everyone has a place to stay and a ride to get there.
                 Ask Ted how long he’s been hanging out at TAT during climbing season and he’ll quietly and happily muddle through 18 to 25 years worth of fantastic memories. Even Paul Roderick isn’t entirely sure how long Ted’s been in charge. But one thing is certain; we all adore Ted and look forward to the spring time flurry of tent resurrection and the familiar shuffle of a pair of pink sweat pants and a straw hat.

                 As described by one of our pilots:
                “As long as there are climbers, there should be Ted!”

                 Safe travels Ted!
                 We’ll see you next year, if not sooner!