Front:
Joe Racington
Sr,
Back:
Mushing to the Summit
Mt. McKinley
On May 28, 1979 Joe Redington, Sr., Susan Butcher, Rob Stapleton, Ray Genet
and a team of Alaskan Huskies reached the summit of Mt. McKinley, the highest
mountain in North America, 20,320 ft. above sea level. The mushers and huskies
had just completed the 1,049 mile Iditarod Trail race and were in excellent condi-
tion for the long climb to the summit. Winds of 100 miles per hour and
temperatures of 50° below zero were encountered. Both mushers and sled dogs
suffered no ill effects and the 40 days to the summit were enjoyed by all. The dogs
were in harness attached to the sled all the way, even on the fixed ropes. This
photo was taken by Ray Genet, Alaska's greatest guide and climber. With his
knowledge of Mt. McKinley they had a very safe and enjoyable climb, spending
nearly four hours on the summit, enjoying a perfect day, a cloudless sky,
temperatures of 8° below zero and no wind.
Photo: Joe Redington, Sr., Susan Butcher and
a team of Alaskan Huskies at the Summit
