Tell Me More

FAQ’s

Have you been to a highpoint yet? 

Yes, I have been to 13 so far.  If you look at the top left corner of the site, you can see which ones, and watch videos from the summits.

What one did you like the best?

So far, Georgia has been my favorite.  Ironically, there was no view at all the day l climbed.  What made it fun, in a weird sort of way, is that it was rainy with wind gusts up to 50 mph.  The weather was so bad, that is made it fun.  Hope that makes sense to someone.

What is the highest summit you will have to climb?

In the United States, this title goes to Denali, or Mt. McKinley if you prefer, in Alaska.  It measures 20,320 feet and is subject to some of the most inclement weather in the world.  An interesting fact about Denali is that although it is shorter than Mount Everest by about 9,000 feet, due to the elevation where the climbs start, I will end up having to climb about 6,000 feet more than I would if I were going after Everest.  Obviously, due to the elevation and oxygen levels, this does not make Denali more difficult, but it does make me feel a little tougher. 

What is the lowest summit you will have to climb?

This honor goes to Britton Hill in Florida, with an elevation of 345 feet above sea level.  This is one of about 10 states that I will be able to just drive up to, but it does have the lowest elevation.

Where does the money you raise go?

The Alzheimer’s Association

Why the Alzheimer’s Association?

The quick answer is that this disease runs in my family, and I have seen first hand how hard it can be for the victim and the victim’s family.  More on this in "About."

If you could climb with anyone, who would you pick and why?

I would have to say Jesus Christ, since everything seems to go smoother when He is around.

Okay, let me rephrase that.  If you could climb with any living human, who would you pick and why?

This is an easy one, all you have to do is close your eyes, open any Victoria’s Secret catalog, slam done your finger, and there you go.  Okay, okay, just kidding (or maybe not?)

If I had to pick any living human, I would go with Richard Branson of Virgin brands.  I say this because from what I have read about him, he seems to be a brilliant business man who didn’t succumb to a life in the office to be successful.  He appears to be passionate about what he does, and didn’t let the “fact” that some of the ideas he had were “impossible” hold him back.  Every time I see him in the news, he looks to be having a great time.  So, Richard, Mr. Branson, Sir, or whatever you prefer; if you are up to it, make sure to get in contact with me and we will make it happen! 

How long is this going to take you?

I plan to average one summit a month, so the whole trip will take just over 4 years.

Will you actually climb one summit a month?

Nope, this is just an average.  Since I live in Michigan, it only makes sense that when I drive to California to climb Mount Whitney, I should swing on up to Oregon and climb Mount Hood.

When will you send out pictures then?

I plan to send out one summit picture a month to the winners.  I will work to always have a few highpoints backlogged, so I can go a few months without climbing while still sending out pictures.

Are you single?

Actually, I would say it’s a safe bet to make this the most un-frequently asked question ever, but since we all need goals, I thought that I would throw it in here.

Do the flags stay at the peak when you climb down?

No.  I will fly each flag, take a picture, and then carry the flag on to the next peak.  Although the thought of having one's flag proudly flying at each high point for all eternity may sound quite appealing, the reality is that it would probably blow away sooner than later, and would very likely upset other climbers.  This way, everyone stays happy, and each company will get their flag back after it has been flown on each of the 50 high points to display along with its pictures. 

How many trips will this adventure take then?

I have the climbs broken into seven trips.  There will be five road trips for the continental 48, and a separate trip for each Alaska and Hawaii. 

Are you a professional climber?

Not really, and by not really I mean not at all.  I am pretty much your average 24 year old guy.  I try to stay healthy, active and in shape, but there is nothing real unique about me in terms of physical condition or climbing experience.

What makes you sure you can do it then?

Although highpointing the United States is something that very few people ever do, it is not because it is nearly impossible.  The main reason is it requires a great deal of time and determination.  To sum it up (no pun intended, ha ha) I can do this because I have the combination of persistance and passion, and few things ever stand in the way when these two attributes work together.  I also have the backing and support of numerous people. 

How are you paying for all of this?

As I said, all money raised from the 50 donators and any one time donations goes to the Alzheimer’s Association, which is a registered non-profit.  It is a common practice for all non-profits to use a percentage of the money they raise to cover administrative and overhead costs.  In this situation with the Alzheimer’s Association, their policy is that 75% of money brought in must go towards actual programs and research, while 25% can go to cover these administrative expenses. 

With that said, I am working really hard to not use any of the donations to cover the trip costs.  As of October 2009, I have climbed 13 peaks and all costs have been out of pocket. 

I also plan to help offset the trip costs through the sales made in our store.