McKinley - West Buttress

Got my reservation in for an expedition along the West Buttress route of McKinley, starting May 6. They said that it typically takes twenty-two days (and that's how much food we're carrying), but that it might end up taking longer. So, I'm to purchase a return ticket for June 6, and then just get the date changed if we return on-time. Fun, fun, fun.

They encouraged me to get Travel and Medical insurance for this trip. If the trip gets cancelled or if I'm unable to go (certain restrictions apply), they'll refund all of my expenses. Additionally, if I go and get myself injured, they'll cover the medical bills.

The guide company gave me a 10-page packet of information and forms to fill out. One of the forms requires me to go see a doctor so that he can endorse the form thereby indicating that I am fit for such a trip. What a hassle.

I think I'm going to smell bad upon my return. In fact, I'm pretty sure of that. I wonder, if one plotted a Smell Factor by Time on the Mountain, where would the diminishing returns really start setting in. Would I really smell much worse after thirty days on the mountain than I would after a mere twenty days? It seems unlikely. Hmm.