And the Final Climber #5

As we round another bend in our preparation for our climb on Denali It is to my great delight to introduce our fifth and final climber. I came into contact with Samuel in the same way I did with the others, through Summit Post where we have now set up our entire team. Samuel welcome to The Snowmelt.

Name: Samuel Novey
Birth date: 5/19/1987
Specs: 5’ 9” , 155lbs.

Hometown: Oakland, CA

Background: I love exerting myself in the outdoors, feeling animalistic and focusing on the small things necessary to stay alive. I started backpacking and mountaineering with my friends and dad (a seasoned alpinist/Denali + Himalayan vet.) when I was a teenager. Took up rock climbing and bouldering to help train for bigger mountains. I study wilderness medicine. I love animals, especially dogs and reptiles. In my free time I read about everything I can: from philosophy, politics, science, art, history, adventure, wilderness, to cultural criticism, feminism, and science fiction.
Music: I try to keep things eclectic - heavy metal, punk rock, folk, classical. Bands I’ ve been listening to lately: Neurosis, Bjork, Neil Young, Asunder, Sleep, Tom Waits, Rolling Stones, AFI, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, 2Pac.
Training: As I’ m also training for this years’ Big Sur Marathon May 1st, I run between
20 and 50 miles a week, usually on trails with steep hills. Lift weights 2-4 times a week. I intersperse that with weighted hiking, climbing, road cycling, backpacking, and snowshoeing.
Future Goals: Winter ascent Mt. Shasta, winter ascent Mt. Whitney Mountaineers Route. Several years ago I set myself upon standing on top of Denali before my 25th birthday, hopefully we’ ll summit this June. Denali should be a good test piece to expand my skill set, prepare for Himalayan climbing, and strengthen my ability and desire to guide in the future. I want to continue doing the things I love and pushing myself materially
and spiritually to the limits of human experience. I also hope to keep an open mind and constantly continue my education both academically and in all other aspects of life.

Climbing Resume:

Rwenzori Mountain Range, Ugandan side:
Margherita Peak, Mt. Stanley, 16,764 / 5109
Mt. Speke, 16, 043. / 4890
Mt. Baker, 15, 892 / 4844
Sierra Nevada, CA:
Mt. Whitney, 14, 495 / 4421 JMT
Mt. Williamson 14, 089 / 4386 Class V. Backed off about 200m from summit plateau. Off Route, Dangerous Conditions.
Mt. Russell 14, 094 / 4296 Class III.
Mt. Muir 14, 018 / 4273 Class III.
Middle Palisade 14, 018 / 4273 Class IV. Turned around ~ 150m from summit. No Helmets, Inadequate Equipment, Lack of Experience.
Cascades,CA,OR: Mount Shasta 14,179/4322 Avalanche Gulch, Left of Heart Variation Class III.One Day.
Mount Shasta – Avalanche Gulch, Far left of Heart. Class III. South Sister 10, 363 / 3159 Class I.
Certifications: B.A. Philosophy, B.A. Environmental Studies/Economics. Wilderness
First Responder. EMT – B in progress.