View from 11,200 feet

We have had great weather. We made it to the 11,200 foot camp in just 3 days. It was a huge undertaking but we are all feeling well and surprisingly strong.

May 19, 2008

We moved from 9,800 feet to 11,200 feet today. It is the first time we have felt the altitude when setting up camp. You start to huff and puff at times. We have been hauling full loads (packs and sleds) every day so far, no caching yet. It has been difficult but we are feeling very good. Tomorrow will be a rest day; we will plan our next few moves then. The weather has been wonderful. You couldn’t ask for better. Last night, we had some snow and -5 degree temperatures again. During the day, it has been sunny and beautiful, with a high of around 60.

May 18, 2008

We flew onto the glacier and enjoyed spectacular views on the way Friday evening. On Saturday, the 17th, we hiked 5.5 miles to camp one. I feel really good, better than last year at this point. It was sunny and snowy most of the day. The high temperature was 80 degrees F with a low of -5 degrees F. They have had a lot of snow on Denali this year, about 10-12 feet at a time. So the crevasses are not as prevalant as they were last year.
Today, we climbed up to Ski Hill, which is another 2,500 feet of elevation. The team is getting along really well. There is definitely a feeling of unity. I have some great photos to share. Unfortunately, there is a weak satellite signal so I am having difficulty sending the photos at this time.

Pearlman’s Jewelers to Scale a Unique New Height

Official On Mountain Updates to Begin May 17th
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.



Elwell’s expedition, which will also follow the West Buttress route, begins on May 10, stretching until June 5, 2008. He is an experienced climber, having gone mountaineering extensively in the Cascades in Colorado and in the ranges of Alaska. His goal is to scale the seven summits — the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. Elwell will post real-time updates and photos on his own web site, PaulElwell.net, as well as on the Pearlman’s Jewelers web site.



About Pearlman’s Jewelers

For over 78 years, Pearlman’s Jewelers boasts the world’s largest luxury designer website. Pearlman’s Jewelers represents premier jewelry designers, offering stellar customer service and unique designs. A family-run business, Pearlman’s is leading a charge of homegrown businesses, both in the brick-and- mortar world and on the Internet. Started by Aaron Pearlman in 1930 and passed along to Bill Pearlman in the 1970s, the firm has continued to raise the bar in the fine jewelry market. For more information, please visit www.pearlmansjewelers.com.

Paul is returning to Denali in 2008. After a disappointing trip in 2007 in which bad luck ended my trip at Windy Corner 13,500 feet. You can read about last year’s trip in my trip report or read my article on success or failure in climbing which cam e form my Denali experience.

Paul’s climb of Mount Baker and Shuksan

Follow Live Audio Updates Direct from the Mountains of Paul's Climb

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