 The High One or Not - Mt McKinley |
The High One or Not - Mt McKinley |
August 22, 2009Arcticulates ®Focusing on Alaska's BeautyAuthor: K. FieldsHigh One or Not - Mt McKinleyBreath-Taking View of Denali/Mt. McKinley
Alaska is home to one of the highest and largest mountains in the world. Denali’s height is 6194 meters or 20,320 feet, and is said to be the highest mountain in North America. This mountain is so impressive that it has two names; it is recognized by Alaska as Denali, an Athabaskan native word meaning “The High One”, but… was renamed by William Dickey around 1896 to “Mount McKinley” for the nominee president William McKinley. On top of One of The Summits of Denali
Ever since then…er…since the turn if the 19th century, there has been an ongoing battle for the “official” name of our magnificent mountain. Way back in “1914” Hudson Stuck one of the first climbers to reach the highest south summit in June 1913, wrote a preface in his book “The Ascent of Denali” about his heart’s desire to see the restoration of the native name “Denali” to the greatest mountain in North America. Pristine Beauty on a Summit Top of Denali
In 1980 the name Mount McKinley National Park was officially changed to Denali National Park and Preserve. In fact! The State of Alaska Board of Geographic Names has also changed the name back to Denali, and negotiations with the federal government are still going on today to have the name officially returned to the beautiful native name "Denali". Clouds hovering over Denali
Denali is perhaps one of the coldest mountains in the world outside of Antarctica. The summit is usually below zero degrees, and the hard, cold blowing winds seem to never stop.The coldest weather is usually during the months of November through April, it can range from 30’ F to -70’F. Most mountain climbers know that this is the worst time to try conquering this mountaineering challenge, because of the extreme weather and conditions. Some of the worlds best mountain climbers have disappeared in this mountain’s rough terrain and deep icy crevasses or died in what some climbers refer to as being “flash frozen” from the 60 to 100 mph (miles per hour) icy winds. Shadows And Clouds Atop Denali
The best time to climb is from May to July, it is too cold before May and after July the weather is too iffy, because the snow is unstable from the sun, also snowstorms, not enough daylight hours, high-winds etc. Usually about half the climbers that attempt to reach the summit make it, and every year we hear of stranded climbers being rescued or climbers that lost the battle to the top and died. Climbers hiking up on Mt. McKinley/Denali
To some of the most determined climbers reaching the top is a “must” despite the environmental extremes and dangers. More power to them I say. I sure don’t have the urge to conquer the mountains. I just love looking at them. Climbers Reaching One of The Many Denali Peaks
For the record…I think the official name of this mountain should be “Denali” it is most appropriate and original. So if anyone should ask little ole’ me to vote… you know where I stand. Which would you choose? Later... K Fields See Also: Mountainous Eruptivity!
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