“An 11-year old boy once scaled the peak of 20,320-foot (6,194 m)-high Denali (Mt. McKinley) – the youngest ever climber to do so.”

National Geographic kids 5,000 Awesome Facts

Galen Johnston was 11 years old in 2001 and has the accomplishment of being the youngest person to ever scale the mountain.

He was born and raised in Talkeetha AK, and learned how to ski as a mode of transportation to the nearest road at the age of 2. His parents were very skilled at climbing, skiing, and other outdoorsy things in which he seemed to follow in their footsteps.

Later on he ended up skiing for Susitna Valley High and and raced for the APUNSC (Alaska Pacific University Nordic Ski Center), and for the Sea Wolves while studying at the UAA., University of Alaska, Anchorage.

Now he works for the APUNSC coaching jr Nordic age kids as young as 5, to APUNSC masters 90 years old. Since 2014 he has been coaching full time for ASPUNSC and living a free spirited life.

What an experience! For some reason I am wondering how well Charley Waffle would be able to live that life. I think she would have loved it!

Congratulations Galen Johnston for all of your many accomplishments!

After writing all this stuff on Alaska I am beginning to think Alaska is quite the interesting place. It may make its way to my bucket list…