EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska — Senior Master Sgt. Paul Gregory, a member of the Alaska Air National Guard‟s 168th Air Refueling Wing, successfully summited Mount McKinley along with lifetime climbing partner Richard Morse, retired UPS engineer, in November 2012.
Gregory has been climbing all over the world since 1993, attempting Mt. McKinley twice before in 1999 and 2009. When asked why go for a third attempt Gregory said, “in the words of Norman Vahn, Arctic Explorer, "dream big and dare to fail."
“I guess the third time is truly a charm,” said Gregory of his successful climb. “The weather was unusually nice which enabled me to make the climb in just 11 days, therefore keeping challenges during the climb at bay.”
Gregory stated that he only had to slow down to acclimatize his body as he and his partner were moving rather quickly passing other climbers en route.
Known as, “The High One,” or “Denali,” Mt. McKinley is the highest mountain peak in North America, with a summit elevation of 20,237 feet above sea level. At 18,000 feet, the base to peak is considered the largest of any mountain situated entirely above sea level.
“The Crest and Summit Ridge located at 19,500 feet, better known as the “Football Field,” is where you will see the best views of Alaska,” said Gregory.
Over 1200 climbers attempt the climb each year with an average of 51 percent of annual climbers reaching the summit according to sports climbing.
| Date Taken: | 04.28.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 04.28.2014 12:37 |
| Story ID: | 127855 |
| Location: | FAIRBANKS, ALASKA, US |
| Hometown: | TRUCKSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 76 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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