The June 12th team took a rest day at 14 Camp today, using the time to recover and acclimatize while also putting in some valuable prep for the climbing ahead.

Rest days at 14 Camp are an important part of the upper mountain phase of any Denali expedition. Spending time at 14,200 feet gives the body a chance to adapt to the altitude before pushing higher, and going into the next move well-rested and properly acclimatized makes a real difference once the climbing gets more demanding. A day spent eating, hydrating, and sleeping pays real dividends when it comes time to put the work in higher on the route.

The team also spent part of the afternoon running through skills in preparation for the upper mountain. Practicing techniques for the fixed lines is some of the most valuable work a team can do in camp before stepping onto more demanding terrain. The drills typically include ascending on the lines using mechanical ascenders, descending in control with rappel devices, and the all-important transitions at anchor points where climbers have to unclip from one section and clip into the next while always staying attached to the rope. These motions need to feel automatic when the team is on the actual fixed lines higher up, where the consequences of a mistake are higher, so drilling them in a low-stakes setting at camp is one of the best ways to build confidence and efficiency.

For now, the June 12th team is settled in at 14 Camp, rested up and dialed in after a productive day. With the skills work in place and the upper mountain in view, the team is in a great spot heading into the next phase of the climb.

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