Funding an expedition like this, as you might imagine, is a job unto itself. We haven't spent much time documenting our monetary struggles because - well - it's been a bit depressing. But two days ago we won our second victory in the fundraising war, as both Max and I were awarded Mountain Fellowship Grants of $600 from the American Alpine Club.
"Started in 1966, the Mountain Fellowship Fund grants encourage young American climbers age 25 years and under to go into remote areas and seek out climbs more difficult than they might ordinarily be able to do."
With $1,200 from the AAC, we expect to able to purchase about half of the gear we still need (see upcoming posts). We're still a long way from finding all the funding we need, especially considering we have yet to purchase our tickets, permits or food. But these grants certainly help.
Keep your fingers crossed, as our applications for the McNeill-Nott Award from the AAC and the Jim Wilcox Award from the Ragged Mountain Foundation are still being considered.