Mt Whitney - The Journey

Applying to Join Backpacker Magazine

It's hard to believe it's been just over 9 months already since I applied to join Backpacker Magazine and their editor Jonathan Dorn to climb Mt Whitney, the highest point in the "lower" 48 states.  Knowing it would be an incredible journey if I was picked not only because would it provide me a chance to combine skills I've gained from various other climbing and hiking I've done into an actual mountaineering experience, but also because it was in conjunction with Summit For Someone (SFS).  I've seen the ads in Backpacker Magazine for years, checked out their website for climbs and have contemplated going on a journey with them because of what SFS stands for and how it supports and benefits Big City Mountaineers.

And with the help of a lot of friends who showed their support by posting comments on my "I Want to Climb Mt Whitney" blog post about why I should be selected, I found out in October 2012 I was selected.

Getting Selected to Climb Mt Whitney

I think the day I found out I was selected to go along on this journey I went through a lot of emotions.

• Excitement - wow, I was going to get to do this.
• Worry - do I have a pet sitter?  My parents will be in Hawaii in April.
• Distress - What did I get myself into?  
• I now have to raise $4,000 
• I have to train for another climb (having just done Mt Kilimanjaro earlier in 2012)

But again - all of the things I was worried about fell in place.  My parents arrive back the day before I leave - pets will be taken care of.  Training started immediately in October and I'm feeling pretty good and strong. And again, incredible friends reached out to me when I put out the call that I was going to climb Mt Whitney and helped me to raise the money for this great cause.

And Now It's Time to Climb Mt Whitney

• The training is done.  
• The gear not already owned is purchased.  
• Test packing all this gear in the pack is done.
• Travel from Las Vegas to Lone Pine is coordinated.
• Mentally, I am prepared!

And most importantly - team Whitney Four-Teeners is psyched about what we're doing, the reason we're doing it and having the opportunity to meet and make some new lifelong friends.

And as John Muir said  -  "The Mountains are Calling and I Must Go."  

The time has come, the journey begins and a summit is within our near future.  Mt Whitney - here I come!

Inspirations... Friends, Training and the Unknown

It's hard to believe tomorrow is already March 1st.  Less than two months away from my big adventure to climb Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous 48 states.

The journey so far has been very inspiring for me.  What's inspired me?

• My absolutely amazing friends and network of support.  Because this adventure is also a benefit climb to support Big City Mountaineers through Summit for Someone, I'm really finding out how absolutely amazing my friends are.  When initially selected by Backpacker Magazine to join them in this journey, my biggest fear was not the actual climb itself, but rather the thought that I was going to have to go out and raise $4,000 for the benefit.  My friends have supported me through this by donating both their hard earned money and talents through having their bands play a benefit.  I'm just humbled by all of this.

• Training - Getting ready for an adventure requires a lot of dedication and training to prepare for the trip.  Inspiration for training comes from a number of sources, including
• My fellow climbers and I've never even met them yet. 
• Again, my absolutely amazing friends.  Joining me on snowshoeing trips.  Asking me how training is going.  Training yourselves (that always makes me want to push harder.)   

• The Unknown - 
• Having done ice climbing, hiking, snowshoeing, rock climbing, backpacking, etc - but never having to do all of it on the same trip, inspiring.  
• Getting ready to meet a group of people I've never met before who all love to do the same things I do, inspiring.
• Knowing I'll help at-risk youth I'll never meet to succeed in life, inspiring.  

There are so many unknowns with this trip, as with most trips, but that's part of the adventure.  And what is life without any adventures.  Adventures are what inspires me.  

Fundraising, a Humbling Experience

Asking people for anything is not something I've had a lot of experience with.  As I'm preparing for my climb up Mt Whitney with Summit For Someone / Big City Mountaineers, I'm learning a whole new appreciation for anyone who works with, volunteers for or is involved with non-profit organizations.  You all do a very hard job and should be applauded for what you do.

I'm very appreciative of the people who've already donated on my behalf to Summit For Someone, you're all wonderful friends and you're making it easier to reach my goal of raising $4,000 by February.

Next up I'm going to try my hand at creating some fun events to also support the cause.  First I'm working to pull together some great local Milwaukee bands to play a fundraiser at a local bar (that's also a co-op, pretty cool).  Then... still planning.

But for anyone reading this blog - Thank You.  And save the date:

When:  January 11th, 2013
Where:  Riverwest Public House
What:  Live Bands

• Floor Model
• More to come...

Thank You All!!  

Training for Mt Whitney - the Fun Training Day

Mt Whitney Training Schedule

As I'm getting ready for my climb up Mt Whitney next April, I have a weekly workout schedule that Summit For Someone suggests we follow.  The schedule has us working out 5 days a week with Monday's and Friday's off.

The weekday schedule comprises of cross training, cardio and weight training.  Not bad, but now with it being dark in the morning and night, it means training indoors which isn't quite as much fun.  I've been trying to figure out what can I do to make it more exciting.  So I've decided to dig out my Pimsleur's Spanish CD and refresh my Spanish.  So if anyone sees me walking around speaking Spanish, don't be surprised.  Just answer me.  (habla Espanol?)

The weekend training is the best part.  Cross training and hiking.  I specifically like the hiking day.  It's not only good training for the trip, but I have some great friends who are coming along on the hikes and making the day all that more enjoyable.  You almost forget you're out there for a reason.  (Not that I really need a reason to hike.)

So a big thank you to my friends - I'm glad I have you all to make hiking all that much more fun!

Gracias!

Climbing Mt Whitney

Backpacker Magazine Makes It Selections

And yes, I was one of the lucky ones selected to join them for the summit attempt on Mt. Whitney.

First off, a big special thanks to everyone who made a comment on my blog post "I Want to Climb Mt Whitney" when I was pleading for them to select me.  All your comments helped.

And for those of you who don't know - Mt Whitney is the highest peak in the continental 48 states (find out more).  And it is in the Sierra Nevada Mountains which is on my bucket list of places to get to.

Big City Mountaineers

Why climb Mt Whitney?  Well - in response there two reasons.

1. Because as mentioned earlier - this area is on my bucket list and climbing Mt Whitney would be the best part of experiencing it.
2. Because it's going to help raise funds for a great cause - Big City Mountaineers

One of the greatest reasons I wanted to do this was because it's part of Summit For Someone.  They provide great opportunities for individuals to summit incredible mountains around the world all while raising funds for Big City Mountaineers.  This is something I've been wanting to do for years.  

Big City Mountaineers is a great cause and helps under resourced and at risk teens to gain valuable life skills through wilderness mentoring expeditions.  Some facts about the youth involved in the programs:

• 100% are eligible for free or reduced lunch programs
• 83% are from families that report an average household income of $15,000 or less
• 71% are from single parent or guardian-led households

After participating with Big City Mountaineers, 100% of the youth report significant improvements in:

• Commitment to Learning
• Positive Values
• Social Competencies
• Positive Identity

 (source: BigCityMountaineers.org)

So twofold for me.  We are able to help out youth who may never get to experience what the wilderness is like and provide positive influences through mentoring.  And (personal hope) that these youth gain an appreciation for our natural places and share that with their community of influence.

How Can You Help?

My climb is part of the fund raising program for Big City Mountaineers, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.  As part of  my climb, I'm required to raise a minimum of $4,000 that will be used to help teens overcome a lifetime of challenges.

My Challenge To You

Help Me get there and help these youth get the opportunity to participate in this wonderful mentoring opportunity.

Donating is both easy and tax deductible.  

• Go to my Summit For Someone Climber Page
• Donate $100 or any amount you can give 
• Get a big thank you from me!!

Really - if you do donate, I want to thank you in advance.  Your donation and generosity will be greatly appreciated by those who are able to experience the Big City Mountaineers program.

Donate Now