Climber Attempts January McKinley Summit

Hoping his third try will find success

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By Heather Hintze
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Story Created: Dec 31, 2012 at 4:40 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Dec 31, 2012 at 7:19 PM AKDT

TALKEETNA - It was only a little more than a year ago that the extreme mountain climber and arctic explorer Lonnie Dupre was packing up the plane and heading to Mount McKinley.

“I'm feeling excited. There's always a little bit of butterflies before you go. That's a good thing because those butterflies keep you alive,” said Dupre, as he flew out for his second attempt to be the first person to solo summit Denali in January.

Like his first attempt, the weather hindered him from making it to the top.

Now he’s back in Talkeetna preparing for trip number three.

“I've got to be patient, and hopefully good weather is coming around the bend,” said Dupre.

He plans to haul nearly 200 pounds of gear up the mountain, including a month’s worth of food that can be stretched to 45 days if needed.

“There's a raw food energy bar in there, there's some really high energy chocolate, macaroni and cheese. I’ve got pemmican which is made with bacon, cranberries, lentils and rendered duck fat,” said Dupre.

No one has made it to Mt. McKinley’s summit on a solo trip in January before. With his 52nd birthday around the corner, Dupre says if he doesn’t reach the top, he’s not sure if he’ll be back next year.

“I don't know if I'll have the energy to build snow caves much longer and sleep in those. But I feel good about it this year.”

High winds delayed his departure Sunday and Monday. Whenever he’s able to make it out, McKinley will be waiting.

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Big Dan said on Monday, Dec 31 at 11:32 PM

Can you say "Darwin award"?

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Anonymous said on Tuesday, Jan 1 at 3:33 AM

What are you doing with your life, 'Big Dan'? Sitting on the couch? I'd rather die on an adventure than have a heart attack in the recliner.

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Ace said on Tuesday, Jan 1 at 11:05 PM

Yup, people like Big Dan most likely sit at home, watching reruns and drink beer. Good luck Lonnie Dupre, I am quite jealous!

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Anonymous said on Thursday, Jan 3 at 3:29 PM

well I am all for a good walk even hike...but being as I grew up here...climbing that is foolish...now especially with the winds...I would wait until they calm down at least...then go for it...take a pic!

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Anonymous said on Friday, Jan 4 at 4:49 PM

can you say the costs of search and rescue when this bozo falls down?

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