RP climbers scale North America’s highest peak

Mt. McKinley, Alaska–Members of the First Philippine Mt. Everest Expedition team gave the country another reason to celebrate when they reached the peak of the 20,320-ft Mt. McKinley in Denali National Park in Alaska last June 23.

Team leader Regie Pablo, with Noelle Wenceslao, Carina Dayondon and Larry Honoridez, who left for Alaska last May 19, climbed with no porters or guides to assist their trek.

Pablo, in a phone call with expedition leader Art Valdez said, "It was a tough climb and we had bad weather all the way, even on the way down. We stayed in Camp 4 for 16 days and 12 days in Camp 5. We’ve heard stories where other climbers only stay three days at most per camp site then give up their summit attempt because of the weather."

"All the expeditions we met supported us by supplying us with food and fuel as our supply was only good for 18 days. We stayed in the mountain for 34 days, which many say is very remarkable," Pablo added. And, as with the experience of their fellow team members on Mt. Everest, Pablo said that they made a good impression on all the other expeditions, with everyone rooting for them to reach the summit.

With its temperature ranging from -15 to -65 F, Mt. McKinley is considered as one of the coldest mountains in the world, even colder than Mt. Everest. It is the highest peak in North America, and one of the seven highest summits in the world. In previous reports, it was said that since 1913, 92 have already died in their attempts to climb Mt. McKinley.

"This accomplishment is shared by the rest of the team. We laud their determination, perseverance and strong sense of teamwork. This recent feat inspires all of the team members to continue to train for the full Mt. Everest expedition in 2007," said Valdez.

The First Philippine Mt. Everest Expedition team is sponsored by Philippine Airlines, Summit Mineral Water, Stratworks, ABS CBN, Coleman, Kodak, PAMI, MedCentral, Fitness First, Power Up, Rudy Project, Mozcom and the National Sports Grill.