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Monique Richard has her sights set high. This spring, she plans to become the first woman to solo Canada's highest—and North America's second highest peak—Mount Logan.
Standing 5,959 metres (19,550 feet) tall, Mount Logan rules the Saint Elias range in the Yukon's Kluane National Park.
In early May, Richard will begin her journey, encountering crevasses, heavy winds and biting cold temperatures, ranging between -27 C and -45 C.
At 43, the Montrealer has summited more than 30 peaks—including the seven summits—but never alone.
With her portfolio of past summits, heightened level of fitness and a previous attempt at summiting Logan, Richard says she's ready for the challenge.
Last year, she and a partner were within 12 hours of Mount Logan's peak when they had to turn back.
"My friend was not in good shape and very afraid, so we came back because safety is more important," said Richard. "This year I want to try again but alone because I want to be free—no people with me," she said.
Over the last two years, she's become fearful of climbing with others. In 2016, Richard lost her best friend and climbing partner, Arvid Lathi, in a climbing accident. They were trying to get down from Washington's highest peak, Mount Rainer. They were trying to get down the 4,392-metre peak (14,410 feet) when they got caught in a violent storm.
Stranded in the storm on the side of the mountain, Richard and Lathi were dangerously hypothermic. Looking back on that tragic day, Richard believed she was the one who wasn't going to wake up.
But, instead, it was Lathi who died in her arms.
Richard used her last bit of strength to make her way down where search and rescue crews helped her get to safety.
"His loss is one of the most powerful pain I've felt so far," said Richard (translated from French).
"It's strange, but since two years after the tragedy, my life has been very hard because we were best friends—we climbed many mountains together," she said.
It's been a challenging season to say the least, but in the last two months, Richard says she's starting to feel more energized, vibrant and alive again.
While it's going to be incredibly challenging physically, as well as navigating the final 12 hours, Richard, says she feels Lathi with her when she climbs and he'll be with her, guiding her steps.
"I have a feeling Arvid is there with me. It's strange but it's a good thing for me. I think he's very proud."
If there's anything that stands out when talking to Richard, it's that she's ready.
She's been training for more than a year and can't wait to start.
Monique Richard's Route:
In early May, Richard will take a one-hour flight to Base Camp 1, located at 2,750 metres.
From there, she'll ski (carrying a 100-lb pack and pulling a sled) to the five base camps—staying at different heights to acclimatize—before reaching the summit.
She's also going to be on her own for the final 12 hours (from Camp 5) of her terrain that she didn't see last year.
"The last year I came close to Camp 5 and on this road between Camp 2 and 3 is a dangerous part for me because there is a mini crevasse," explained Richard. "After the plateau, I don't know the road because I haven't seen it. It's difficult for me because I don't know this part."
Much of the weight in her pack is comprised of stove fuel, ice axes, food, and ropes.
She owes a great deal of her training to her job, where she delivers the mail for Canada Post.
If you've been to Montreal, you know -30 C is a typical winter. To prepare for the climb, Richard worked through the winter, sans gloves.
For safety, Richard's bringing a satellite phone and a GPS to communicate with her support crew, check the weather, map her route and allow others to track her location.
Instead of snowshoes, the skis should help her save energy and make it easier crossing crevasses, she says.
Her ice axes and ropes will help her safely navigate the unpredictable terrain.
By June 9, Richard plans to be off the mountain and heading back to work.
Because she doesn't use oxygen on climbs less than 6,000 metres, Richard will bring Acetazolamide, (or Diamox) to help with any altitude sickness.
Upon reaching the summit, the first call she'll make will be to her friend, Francois.
"He has helped me a lot," she says.
Then, she'll post her success on Facebook as her position will be traceable.
"I think many people who are following me are very enthusiastic. Many people followed me and helped me."
While it's likely going to be an emotional climb, filled with memories of her best friend, it also a to keep moving forward and continuing to live out her passions.
"When I climb, I feel calm, peace and feel alive," she said. "It's a very simple life, but its very intense and I like that."
Richard plans to climb for as long as she's able.
To follow her journey, go to her Facebook page.
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