June 22 team w/ Denali in the background
The June 22nd team is off and climbing! After their flight onto the glacier, the team made their way up the lower mountain and arrived at Camp 1 early this morning, putting the first big move of their Denali ski expedition behind them.
The move from Basecamp to Camp 1 covers about 5.5 miles, beginning with the descent down Heartbreak Hill before stretching across the relatively flat lower Kahiltna Glacier. Traveling through the cold overnight and early morning hours is the smartest approach on the lower glacier, since the firm, refrozen snow makes for safer travel across the crevasses below. Rolling into Camp 1 in the morning means the team timed their travel well and got the work done while conditions were at their best.
This expedition carries an especially ambitious objective, as the team is attempting to ski from the summit of Denali. Along with the standard expedition kit, the team is hauling skis and ski-specific gear, which adds weight to every carry and camp move. Days like today, getting the lower mountain moves done efficiently, help build the foundation for that summit ski attempt down the line.
Looking ahead, the team is planning to make a cache tomorrow, either on Kahiltna Pass or all the way up to Camp 2, depending on how the day shapes up. Either way, it’s the next step in steadily moving the team and their gear up the mountain.
For now, the June 22nd team is settled in at Camp 1, resting up after a strong start. With the first move behind them and an exciting objective ahead, the team is off to a great start on their expedition.
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