The May 11th team had hoped today would be their move day to 14 Camp, but high winds on the route kept them grounded at Camp 2 instead. The next attempt at moving up will come whenever the weather finally cooperates.

The good news is that all the time spent at Camp 2 isn’t going to waste. At 11,200 feet, every additional day is more time for the body to adapt to the altitude — a real advantage when it comes time to push toward 14 Camp and the upper mountain. The move from Camp 2 to 14 Camp gains roughly 3,000 feet of elevation through some of the more technical terrain on the West Buttress, so being well-acclimatized and rested heading into that day pays off in a big way.

That move also runs straight through Windy Corner, which sits at around 13,500 feet and earns its name by funneling wind off the upper mountain. When the gusts pick up, even moderate winds at Camp 2 can translate to dangerous conditions up at the Corner. Pushing a fully loaded team through that section in bad weather isn’t a risk worth taking, and holding off until things settle down is always the right call.

For now, the May 11th team is staying patient and staying ready. Tomorrow brings another chance, and with any luck the wind will ease enough to give them the window they need.

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