(May 20, 2011 Summit County, Colorado) Summit of Everest Group Founder David Fedler climbs 14,265’ Quandary Peak with Soldiers to the Summit team. The trip was organized by Erik Weihenmayer to celebrate a couple of barriers that have been broken. His Mt. Everest Summit team from 2001 was there to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their historic feat. Jordan Romero and his family were there to celebrate the first anniversary of Jordan’s youngest ever ascent of Everest. Several of the soldiers (Chad Butrick, Katherine Ragazzino, Dan Sidles, Steve Baskis, and Justin Moore) were able to join up for another climb after summiting Mt. Lobuche last fall. In total, over 60 people including supporters and other challenged athletes met in Frisco to celebrate, learn more about challenges faced by returning soldiers, and to spend time in the mountains! It was truly an honor to be included in this group.
Late May in Colorado typically has excellent spring time conditions for hiking and climbing. With over 200% snowpack still in the mountains, I guess we shouldn’t have been surprised to be greeted with snow and winter storm advisories upon our arrival. As Michael Brown and his exceptional team at Serac Adventure Films showed us clips of the Soldiers to the Summit movie currently in production, we watched the snowfall outside the window and wondered what tomorrow was going to bring.
Up early the next morning at 4am for the alpine start, we were pleasantly surprised to see the moon through the clouds. Indeed, at the trailhead, the clouds were mixed with sun and we were going to get a glorious start to the day at the very least.
As I hiked along, I was able to talk with a number of people along the trail. It was truly inspiring to listen to people discuss their motivation for being there that day. Erik, Michael, Matt, Nicole and so many others have put together an amazing community and you can sense the importance placed on contributing to the mission of No Barriers USA and Soldiers to the Summit in these people.
Upon reaching the summit, the clouds were rolling in and we realized we weren’t going to spend a great deal of time hanging out there. There were rumors that Clyde Soles and Matt Murray had some “five alarm” chili waiting for us back at the trailhead so we were soon working our way back down. It was really cool to watch Erik’s Everest team (Brad, Charley, PV, Eric, Michael, Chris, Sherm, etc.) working their way up and down the mountain checking in, helping out, and making sure everything went well. These guys make it look easy, but more importantly, they make you feel comfortable, safe, and welcome.
At the end of the day, a celebration of accomplishments and rising of awareness for Soldiers to the Summit and No Barriers were the goals. This Denver Post article tells the story. I would say mission accomplished and the adventure continues.