On the approach to high camp 17,000 Jordan stopped me in my tracks and told me (dad) that if he succeeds on this climb, he will dedicate the climb to his late Uncle Tony Romero.
Two days later from the summit, he tells us on camera “I’d like to dedicate this climb-the highest peak in North America- to my late Uncle Tony Romero who recently passed away after a brutal battle with brain cancer. He was a great man who served our country as a Marine in Vietnam, I will always love him, and my Aunt Irene and cousins Nick, Josh and Ben.”
It’s in the books.
Jordan and the rest of the team has just returned from base camp and flown back to Talkeetna.
Many apologies for not much communication. We had no means to communicate.
Jordan has astounded everyone on the mountain with his strength, determination and skills.
Denali was out of this world.
We will write more later after a meal.
We are staying at the Tee Pee in Talkeetna. 907.733.2323
Feel free to call and ask for Jordan. I’m pretty sure we’ll be eating.
Jacques, please post here and let us know if you can come get us tomorrow.
I just sent a post from my phone, so pardon if it comes twice. Working out all the kinks. We will send posts from mobile phone as best we can. Be patient, we WILL do our best. Dark/gloomy again here in Anchorage. We now start the drive from Anchorage to Talkeetna. Then a bush plane of sorts to Kahiltna Glacier. We will be trekking tonight.
Again, sorry if this other message comes from my phone later…..
Ad Alta
Paul, Karen and King Jordan
(Last chance to call Jordan if you wish)
p.s. Kele, he just finished 6th, going into 7th;)
Travel from Big Bear to LAX to Anchorage was flawless.
Our good buddies (Christian, Melissa and Halle) and Los Angeles shuttle and accomodations team met us on the curb, and grabbed our truck and saw us off. The gal at Alaska Air tried to hassle us for our huge back packs and sleds thet were neatly plastic wrapped together (well under weight), but the superviser saw it our way and we skated with no baggage fees (just under the July 1 new regulations. whew).
We caught the Lakers game, at the sports Pub (GO LAKERS!), and boarded a packed plane for the 5.5 hour flight to Anchorage. It IS a bit strange to leave in darkness, then head into daylight in the late evening. Yes, it is light here around the clock. Not exactly sun shining, but ‘working light’ as we say in A.R.
With amazing fortune and luck, Alaska/Denali and Eco Challenge Legend Jacques Boutet and his family reside in Anchorge. He’s out of state, but wifey Donna picks us up at 2a.m., takes us to their beautiful home, we pull the shades WAY down low and get sleep. It’s raining here, cloudy and cold. Snowing and high winds on the glacier and mtns now.
We’re shopping and getting last supplies and enjoying civilization for the last bit. This season is 48% success rate on summiting Denali…..better than the 20% we had in Aconcogua last year.;)
Ad Alta
Paul, Karen and King Jordan
Jordan’s base camp in Big Bear was just contacted by the kind folks in Manhatten, ABC Nightline. They have a show called “Into the Wild” that airs when ever they have wild/adventure content. Who better than Jordan. Details will come about in the coming days……but it will be great fun. Stay TUNED!
…..June 10 I leave for Anchorage Alaska. I’m beginning to get a little nervous about this one. The weather is still quite bad there, but there are people summiting right now. My dad’s old friend and teammate from Eco Challenge is named Jacques. He is a legend in Alaska and has a big home that we will stay at, and pack our sleds and prepare everything.