They have reached the summit (6194 m)

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"The summit, we have reached the summit, we are emaciated but we have arrived at the highest point, above there is already nothing …. Thanks to everybody for your support, we have felt the encouragement of the people who love us…. Many thanks to Dynatech-elevation as our main sponsor, thanks also to the Montisonense Institutions, to the Cinca Medio Area and Monzon City Council…. Regards too to the Aragonese Mountaineering Federation…"

 

Words full of emotion and panting, articulated by Raúl Martínez, extremely weary because of the great effort done by Adrián Uclés and him, to reach the Denali summit, 6194 m.

Managing to arrive there has not been an easy task, trainings, seeking for sponsors who believe in the project, in a moment so bad as this, charges, purchases… To fly to Anchorage, travel by bus to Talkeetna, another flight to Kahiltna (2.225 m), carrying 50 kgs. by mountain sled until Ski Hill (2.408 m.), besides, to drag the sleds towards Kahiltna Pass (3.048 m), then, Motorcycle Hill (3.353 m), and above Basin Camp o Medical Camp (4.328 m), carryings to Ridge Camp (4.938 m). And finally… the crucial days.

The Raúles and Adrián, went decisively towards the CV, convinced that it was one of the best moments, the weather predicted for middle of this week and they had to be there, ready, to devote themselves entirely. But ….the team began to suffer, they were debilitated. When they arrived at the ridge, Raúl Ruiz, decided to give it up, he was very tired and he could not bear anymore, he was aware that still the descent left and his condition was not good to be able to continue. Raúl R., arrived at the point where he had to decide if going up or going down. He thought that going up could result in being a burden for the team. This thought was decisive and he went down to the CIV without delay. Mountain history is full of gestures like that. Men who, without selfishness nor laureles, decide to return. A wise decision which praises the person who takes  the decision. His work has been really important for this adventure.

Adrián Uclés and Raúl Martínez, after giving him a sympathetic wink, left him behind, with the intent to inforce their effort and to arrive above. They slept in the CV and began their way towards the summit, their steps were slow and awkward, but firm. One after another, walking slowly, without talking, a silence interrupted by the crampons noise wrecking the ice. And after eight hours of sorrows, at 18:30 h, they arrived at the highest point in North America, the coveted Denali summit. They melt into his embrace, they were overwhelmed with emotion and their faces lit with a unequal smile, a great part of their thoughts was focused in the CV, which they completed in three hours. In this fateful place, they have got in touch with us to share their happiness and their achievement with us.

 

Now the climbing with the fixed ropes left and at the end of the ropes is waiting Raúl in the CIV. Another unique moment, moment in which they will enjoy the authentic summit, the return. A well known climber said, -a triply successful expedition, they all are back, healthy and more friends …..

 

We will inform you as soon they arrive at CIV.