May 07, 2008 (USA)
Paul Elwell, CFO of Pearlman's Jewelers, will take the Pearlman's flag to new heights as he attempts to climb Mount McKinley, the highest mountain in North America.
"Mount McKinley is a severe challenge even to the most experienced and able climbers," says Elwell, aged 26. "I look forward to conquering that challenge, and I'm thrilled that Pearlman's Jewelers is supporting my expedition."
Mount McKinley's native Alaskan name is Denali, or "The High One," and it is well-given; the mountain is all of 20,320 feet tall.
Around 1,000 people try to scale the peak every year, and less than half succeed. Temperatures range from -20 F to 80 F, and climbers can encounter falling rock, icefalls, avalanches, and perhaps even sunburn and frostbite on the same day.
Further, the low pressure near the Arctic Circle makes 14,000 feet on Denali feel like 17,000 feet in southern mountains, so climbers have a difficult time processing oxygen. The first ascent was made in 1913, while the first through the normal West Buttress route was made in 1951.
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