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March 2016
PHOTOGRAMMETRIC ENGINEERING & REMOTE SENSING
A N I N T E R V I E W
It’s also great to get on the glacier and know the tools
available. During the days leading up to the climb there
are endless debates and decisions about everything from
how many spare batteries to bring, to which type of rice to
pack, what length of ropes to bring, type of tents, and on
and on. Then you land on the glacier, take a look at what
you have, and know exactly what you have to work with.
Undoubtedly something was forgotten, but there is always
a work around. It’s a feeling of complete self-sufficiency
and independence.
Looking at the piles of gear as the plane flies away, and
knowing that’s everything you have for 3 weeks, is one of
my favorite parts of the trip.
Any advice for children or students who might aspire to
do such great things?
It’s such a fine line between listening to good advice and
letting people determine your goals. Always take advice,
because that is the key to success and safety. But at the
same time, if there is something you want to make happen,
keep looking for ways and don’t let someone tell you it
cannot happen. Since my first trip in 2009, I wanted to do
survey work on Denali. I slowly kept building my resume
and listening for an opportunity, and when it presented
itself, I went after it and held on. I got great advice from
people regarding equipment, found the right people to help
with permits and funding, and then just kept pushing it.
Just remember that it’s your world make what you
want. People like working with passionate people, so be
passionate and others will be receptive.
What’s next? Can you stop with just one such project, or
do you have a hunger for more?
We have a few irons in the fire for similar work but I
don’t want to tip my hand too much. I think it would be a
great endeavor and life project to start installing survey
monuments throughout the range to provide geophysical
scientist information about the Alaska Range. I’ve always
enjoyed combining different types of equipment; using
mountain bikes to access rock climbing, or rafts to access
skiing. This was a fun combination of climbing, skiing and
surveying. I definitely want to do more of it.
IGTF 2016
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