Today was a back carry day for Josh and the June 5th team — returning down to their previous cache site to retrieve the gear they left behind on their way up to Camp 2. The weather held steady, giving the crew a window to move smoothly across the steep slopes below Motorcycle Hill and back up the glaciated terrain to camp.
Dinner featured hot enchiladas and the signature chaos of the Sparkle dice game. Between laughs and sips of extra hot chocolate (served in a coveted insulated mug), the team began cutting weight for their next major move: heading up and around Windy Corner — one of the most exposed and notorious features on the West Buttress.
To lighten their loads and sharpen their alpine focus, here’s a look at the things they carried… and left behind:
🎲 Sparkle dice (only the essentials)
☕️ Extra hot chocolate packet
💻 3-lb laptop charger
🧦 Dirty socks
🧦 Sleeping socks (reconsidered after debate)
🪵 Coffee can — farewell, old friend
Next, the team will ascend Motorcycle Hill, traverse Squirrel Hill, and continue along a narrow ridge above the Polo Fields, before gaining Windy Corner at approximately 13,300 ft / 4,054 m — where the real alpine exposure begins.
Stay tuned as the June 5th crew prepares for heavier loads, lighter packs, and higher elevation. Tap the recording link below to hear the live update!
