Expedition Denali

Adventure Activism, Breaking News, Charitable Giving, Diversity, Environmental Protection, Expedition Denali / 02.01.2015

At the turn of the New Year my publisher let me know that the Mountaineers Books had sold more than 1,000 copies of The Adventure Gap. As we head into 2015 I am committed to keep the momentum moving forward and I want to encourage those of you who have purchased and enjoyed this book to share your interest and enthusiasm with others. That’s why I’m going to donate $5 of every book sold through this website toward a scholarship fund dedicated to sending at least one inspired young...

Adventure Activism, Destinations, Diversity, Environmental Protection, Expedition Denali, Fly Fishing, Life Out Loud, Outdoor Recreation, Slideshow, The Adventure Gap / 21.10.2014

Often the guidance we need to create a brighter future can be seen through the fading images of the not-so-distant past. And by coming to a better understanding of where we have been we can set a path toward where we most want to go. Less than an hour’s drive from Downtown Denver, Colorado I discovered a carefully preserved memory of yesterday that has now become a dream of tomorrow. Founded in 1922 Lincoln Hills is an outdoor recreation facility under the care and administration of African-American entrepreneurs. Originally...

Adventure Media Review, Diversity, Expedition Denali, The Adventure Gap / 19.10.2014

[caption id="attachment_2062688" align="aligncenter" width="488"] photo by Carolyne Richardson Sutton[/caption] Under the weight of my backpack I resisted the urge to break into a full sprint as I walked with purpose down Pearl Street. Prone to sweat profusely with even the least physical exertion I moved through the crowd on the mall, dodging other pedestrians at a moderate pace but as quickly as possible. Though I was prepared to give my presentation at the Boulder Bookstore without the benefit of slides, at least one member of the audience who arrived early...

Adventure Activism, Adventure Media Review, Climbing, Expedition Denali, Fiction, Life Out Loud / 15.09.2014

Jamal's senses snapped into focus with a sudden burst of light. The darkness that enveloped him had lasted only an instant as his mind recovered from the shock of having fallen. In those first few moments he wasn't entirely sure where he was. His mama's kitchen was the safest place he could imagine. But as the smell of cooking filled his nostrils, in his mouth there was the distinct taste of his own blood. "Why is it so cold?" he thought to himself. Then suddenly all at once he...

Adventure Media Review, Diversity, Environmental Justice, Expedition Denali, National Parks / 01.09.2014

Fifty years ago this summer in 1964 Charles Madison Crenchaw became the first African-American to climb to the summit of Mount McKinley, the tallest peak in North America. Also known as Denali this peak represents the highest physical point that anyone can achieve in this country. And as metaphor of freedom, this seminal moment in history beautifully illustrates the references to mountains alluded to in Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech. "This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to...

Adventure Activism, Commentary, Diversity, Environmental Journalism, Expedition Denali / 16.07.2014

Several weeks ago I made the middling drive from Madison to Chicago. On a round Joy Trip of about 300 miles I journeyed south to meet up with two old friends to hear their story of adventure. Robby ReChord and Scott Briscoe were in town to present a slide show at the downtown Patagonia store on their ascent of the highest peak in North America, Mount McKinley also called Denali. As part of a team of African-American climbers Robby and Scott aimed to share their experiences in the...