
Mid- September, 2021. I woke up an hour before sunrise on my 25th birthday. I was staying in a cabin in Alaska with friends, one of whom shared my birthday with me. I saw my breath as I stepped out of the car. The air was brisk. The leaves on the trees were dancing in the wind. We set out on our hike. I knew the chances were slim, but I pressed forward with hope. I was told time and time again that only 30% of visitors actually get to see Denali. After what felt like forever, we emerged from the trees and I couldn’t believe my eyes. There it was. I could see the stark outline of the tallest mountain in North America. I froze in awe with my chin held high and eyes wide. Time stood still. The sun began to illuminate the magnificent ridgelines and snow-capped peaks of the surrounding mountains. I readied my camera and watched as the ever-changing sky put on a show. I may not have been able to feel my hands, but in that moment, it was the most alive I had ever felt.