Reaching Beyond the Clouds

Prior to deciding to climb Mt. Everest:

• Mt. Kilimanjaro(19,341 ft), summited, July 2006. Arranged by Reef & Rainforest Dive and Adventure Travel.

Training Climbs:

• Mt. Aconcagua (to about 20,000 ft), January 2008. Aborted summit due to high winds. Guide: Scott Woolums, Asst. Guide Laurie Bagley. Adventures International Inc. I broke my leg at about 19,000 ft, hiked down to base camp, and helivaced out the next day. Had surgery to install plate and screws. No more training for a while!
• Mt. Washington(6,266 ft), summited, June 2008, 4100 ft vertical ascent four months after having surgery.
• Mt Whitney(14,504 ft), Summited, September 2008, seven weeks after having second surgery removing plate and screws.
• Ice climbing private course, Lee Vining and June Lake Area, December 2008 (three days), guide Doug Nidever, Yosemite Mountaineering School.   
• Mt. Rainier (14,411 ft), Summit,  June 18, 2009, RMI Guides.
• Mt. Elbrus, (18, 513 ft), Summit, July 14, 2009, Guide: Scott Woolums, Adventure International Inc.
• Peak Lenin (to 22, 500 ft), August 7, 2009, Guide: Scott Woolums, Asst. Guide Laurie Bagley. Adventure International Inc. Aborted summit due to team member experiencing frost bite.
• Alabama Hills (below Mt. Whitney), January 7, 2010, Guide: Jed, Sierra Mountain Guides. Practicing rope, rappel, and climbing skills for the Hillary Step.

Visit Photo Galleries to view pictures.

Local Training Mountain:

• Mt. Baldy (10,064 ft), summit several times a month (weather & fires permitting). 

I use Mt. Baldy as my local training mountain.