Eric Larson from 11,200′

Eric called from the beautiful basin camp at 11,200′.  They had a leisurely day yesterday and did a backcarry, meaning that they dropped back down to the cache that they left two days ago at about 10,300′. This involved dropping down out of camp for about a 20 minute hike and digging up the food…

Call From 14,200′

Eric Gullickson called in to report that the team had a great day carrying loads up to the ridge at roughly 16,400′.  They moved well and are hoping for good weather to move up to high camp on the 18th. Here’s Eric! [audio:http://mountaintripdenali2011.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/audio-post-2011-05-18-04-46-12.mp3|titles=Audio Post]

Call from Hafidz?

We got a somewhat garbled call from what must be either Hafidz or Syafirul.  The team reported to have “conquered the control tower”, which is a small peak very near base camp on the Kahiltna Glacier, where all Denali climbers begin their journey. Have a listen! [audio:http://mountaintripdenali2011.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/audio-post-2011-05-18-03-35-17.mp3|titles=Audio Post]

At 14,200′ Camp!

The team moved up and around Windy Corner today, establishing themselves in the broad basin of the 14,200′ camp.  This is an important step in a West Buttress expedition, as climbers are at an elevation where they can spend a number of days acclimatizing and preparing themselves for the upper mountain. They had a big…