Jenn called in from Camp 3 at 14,200 feet. She and Kaylee carried loads up to the ridge at about 16,400 feet today. The route was in good condition, but the ridge was icy, so it took a little hunting to find a place where they could dig sufficiently deeply to bury their cache of supplies. After burying their cache, they descended back down to camp for the afternoon.

It was cold when they started uphill and they climbed the first 1400 feet up moderate snow to the start of the Headwall. The steepest part of the route, this section is affixed with ropes for about 600 vertical feet. The ropes are anchored to the ice at semi-regular intervals, and climbers clip themselves into the ropes using mechanical “ascenders” that grip the rope and provide security against slips. Also known as the “Fixed Lines,” the slope is quite firm and icy right now, but they made quick work of the climb.

Back in camp, they had lunch and are opting to have a breakfast dinner – cereal(!) before they tuck in for the night. Tomorrow is a planned rest and acclimatization day in preparation of climbing 3000 feet up to High Camp in the coming days.

Here’s Jenn!

recording