East Bay Dinner

"You say McKinley, and I say Denali; let's just go climb it"

Thursday, November 29, no-host cocktails/social hour - 6 pm, dinner - 7:00, program - 8:00. Berkeley Yacht Club on the Berkeley Marina, one block north of the west end of University Avenue; (ample free parking is available in the Marina parking lots).

In 2004 Rich McDrew and Dennis Swanson sat down over coffee in Walnut Creek to plan a modest fishing trip. By the time they finished their coffee, the two men had decided to climb Mount McKinley in Alaska, a peak also known simply as Denali, which means "the high one" in Athabaskan.

Join Rich and Dennis as they recount their climb of the highest peak in North America. Towering 20,320 feet above sea level, Denali presents extreme challenges to even the most experienced climbers. The trip was even more challenging since the two men decided to climb the mountain alone without a professional guide.

Rich and Dennis will describe their methodical planning process, demonstrate expedition equipment, and show slides of their climb up and over the treacherous, unforgiving terrain, through swirling snow and howling winds.

Rich McDrew is president of the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association. Under Rich's leadership, MDIA supports Mount Diablo State Park with a variety of projects, including preparing trail signage, operation of the Mitchell Canyon visitor center, preparing park publications, and assisting in habitat restoration.

Dennis Swanson has been a Sierra Club member since 1970. After climbing one of Nepal's "Trekkers' Peaks" (Ramdung) on a guided trip, he wanted to climb Denali unguided. He retired nine years ago from practicing law to have more time to pursue his varied personal interests, including the four months he spent planning and preparing for the Denali climb.

Cost of dinner and program is $23, including tax and tip. For a reservation, send your check, payable to "Sierra Club", with your name, your telephone number, and the names of your guests, to:

Jane Barrett
170 Vicente Road
Berkeley, CA 94705
(510)845-8055.

Attendance is limited to the first 115 reservations received. Reserve early, as these programs do fill up. Reservation deadline is November 19. There is no admittance for program only.