2011 Denali Quest Expedition via West Buttress

Denali is one of the last great wilderness expedition challenges left in this ever decreasing world. At 6,194 metres it certainly isn't the highest mountain in the world, being dwarfed by many Himalayan and South American peaks. However it's Arctic environment, extremes of diurnal temperatures, hard storms, and it's great height above the Alaskan plain, make it a severe testing ground. Not only for personal strength and will, but for teamwork and friendships. There is a huge burden on logistics and equipment, nothing can afford to go wrong.

The 2011 Denali Quest Expedition team have been self selected for their experience on expeditions, especially in extreme environments. The team members are: David Cole (Australia), Lee Farmer (England), Mike Alexander (England), Jimmy Herbaugh (USA), Ryan O'Neill (USA), James Ludka (USA).

Denali is one of the coveted Seven Summits. The quest to reach the highest points on every continent. First achieved in 1985 by American Dick Bass, and in 1986 by Canadian Pat Morrow, and also in 1986 Austrian Reinhold Messner. To date around 275 climbers have completed the challenge (January 2010). Two variations are accepted incorporating either Puncak Jaya or Kosciuszko.

The Seven Summits are:

Africa Kilimanjaro 5,895m / 19,340'
Asia Everest 8,848m / 29,029'
S America Aconcagua 6,962m / 22,841'
N America Denali 6,198m / 20,335'
Europe Elbrus 5,642m / 18,510'
Antarctica Vinson 4,892m / 16,050'
Oceania Puncak Jaya (Carstenz Pyramid) 4,884m/16,024'
or Kosciuszko 2,228m / 7,310'

If successful, David Cole will gain his fourth mountain peak of the sought after seven summits, and for Lee Farmer; it will be his seventh and final peak. Lee will achieve membership into one of the most exclusive and sought after clubs in mountaineering circles and David will be well on his way.

For members of the 2011 Denali Quest Expedition attempting Denali is a chance of a lifetime. Jimmy Herbaugh, Ryan O'Neill, James Ludka, are looking forward to scaling their country's highest mountain and fulfilling lifelong ambitions.

The 2011 Denali Quest Expedition is an unguided and independent expedition, who are attempting Denali by the West Buttress Route arguably one of the more straight forward routes on the mountain. However it will require great physical effort, sound judgement and skill in mountaineering practices, patience, acclimatisation, and a bit of luck.

You can contact us via the satellite phone whilst on expedition (8th June – 30th June). To send an SMS Message go: http://messaging.iridium.com type in the satellite phone number 8816 325 30073 and text up to 160 characters.

In the next blog we'll be telling you about some of the history of the mountain, the West Buttress route, and the preparation in putting this expedition together.

Be safe in whatever you do.

Lee Farmer
2011 Denali Quest Expedition