vice/virtue

Tanya Weaver from the American Foundation for Children with AIDS sent me this news today:

Justin Wood (Bellingham, Washington), Jeremy Ellison (Lake Tahoe, California), Johnny Davison (Lake Wanaka, New Zealand), and Aidan Loehr (Bellingham, Washington) summited 20,320-foot summit on July 1, carrying the flag of the “Climb Up So Kids Can Grow Up” drive for fund raising and public awareness of infant and childhood AIDS in Africa.

The alpinists flew onto the Kahiltna Glacier in the Denali National Park on June 15th.  They gradually worked their way up glaciers on the mountain’s western flank until reaching Camp 3 at 14,000 feet where they were pinned down by heavy snows and high winds for a week.  On July 30th they made it to a high camp at 17,200 where they spent two nights before making their summit bid on July 2nd.

According to Justin Wood, “There was great joy and pride in our group when after a very long summit day, we moved to the top and set foot on the 20,320’ summit of North America.  We were personally psyched, and we were all very excited to be using the moment to be drawing attention to the AIDS epidemic and to the fact that by working together and by staying committed, we will find a solution to this immense problem.”

Congrats to this dedicated bunch!

Tomorrow, I’ll be heading to Mt. Rainier in uncertain weather to train and do altitude acclimation. All in the hopes of summitting next weekend for the very same cause. I’m fudging on the dates by a week, but this climb is part of the Summer Summit Challenge. Justin Woods, Tyler and Clare Cook, George Watkins, and I are taking on the highest peaks in our areas to raise funds for pediatric HIV/AIDS supplies and advocacy. Haven’t heard how George, Tyler, and Clare are doing, but I hope they’re well on their way or home safe!

If you’d like to sponsor me, click here for the online donation form and mention “Summer Robinson - Summer Summit Challenge” in the comment box.