Latest Update (2010-02-24): Daniel's plans to head up to the Midwest were slightly derailed due to scheduling problems (meaning being able to take off work for long enough for the drive). There is a slight chance that he will make an attempt at Mt. Elbert, CO in the remaining weeks of winter, however, more than likely the next Winter 50 climb will take place in 2010-11. Stay tuned!

"I've always enjoyed the outdoors, however, climbing the highest point in all 50 states didn't become a goal of mine until mid-2002. I had been looking at starting the Colorado 14ers, and through my research, found out about that state's highest peak, Mt. Elbert. Then I started to wonder what the highest point in Texas was. Researching this led me to quite a bit of information about the 50 'Highpoints' of the United States. I had always known that each state had a highest point, obviously, but it had never before occurred to me that one might try to climb them."

"In October 2002, I successfully climbed Mt. Bierstadt, 14,067', despite the snow and cold temperatures. When I returned home to Texas, I started researching people that were trying to climb the Highpoints in winter. At first I found very little, but eventually learned that Dave Johnston, a member of the 'Minus 148' party that made the first successful winter ascent of Denali, was very close to becoming the first person to climb all 50 highpoints in winter. I had read 'Minus 148,' and in fact, it was one of the factors that helped to inspire my passion for climbing. All of these details came together to give me the idea for my current goal. The rest, as they say, is history!"