It sounds like it was a wintery day on the mountain, but the team was able to put in a cache of equipment and supplies at the top of the fixed lines, at approximately 16,400′. Team member Chris Hill called in a post after the team climbed up the steepest portion of the West Buttress route this morning.
Looking down into the Genet Basin from the ridge line above 14 Camp.
The team left camp well before the sun came around to warm them and they enjoyed clear, cold weather as they climbed up moderate snow slopes to the base of the Headwall. The Headwall ranges from 35-45 degrees in steepness and the route through this section is protected by ropes that are attached to the icy surface at semi regular intervals. The climbers have ascenders (rope clamps) attached to their harnesses and they clip these into the fixed lines for additional protection against a slip. This is a challenging and tough stretch of route, but the rewards of gaining the rocky ridge that leads to high camp are well worth it.
Above the top of the fixed line, they climbed another 200′ in order to reach a less utilized, flat bit of terrain where they buried their cache of supplies, before returning back to the 14,200′ camp for the evening.
Here’s Chris:
Hello from Loretto, Tennessee to Michael and team members,
So impressed with the strength and skill it takes to get to the top for a sight so few will ever see! Good weather to the summit!
Family and friends
Hello from Loretto, Tennessee to Michael and May 22 Team,
So impressed with the strength and skill it takes to get to the top for a sight so few will ever see! Good weather to the summit!
Hallo, großer, strongly Hope that you still have some Körners left . I doubt that crossing Fingers Could be a Substitute. .Question: the photos we recently received – is that what you really saw ore rather what you would have liked to see? One way ore the other – they are just awesome we are surr Herr that you and the Team will make it! Horst and vera.
Hallo, grosser, Hope you are still in good shape for the summit. The photos we received, have they benn made by ohne of your group – they are just awesome! All the best toyour. Group – get going.horst and vera