The June 12th team got a cache in up on the ridge today! Caching on the ridge is one of the more demanding objectives on the West Buttress, and getting it done is a real step toward the upper mountain.
The day’s work took the team up the fixed lines on the Headwall and out onto the ridge above 14 Camp. The fixed lines run up steep, exposed terrain where climbers clip into pre-set ropes and ascend using mechanical ascenders, all while wearing crampons and managing the cold at altitude. The ridge above is a long, committing stretch of climbing with significant exposure on both sides. Successfully stashing supplies up there means the team has put in serious work and now has gear staged in a key position for the move to high camp.
As is the case at this stage of any expedition, climbers are continuing to refine their technique on the more demanding terrain, and the team’s guides are doing a great job providing coaching and support where it’s needed. The fixed lines in particular are a place where good crampon technique and efficient movement really matter, and dialing those skills in now sets the team up well for the upper mountain. That kind of attentive guiding and willingness to keep learning is exactly what makes a strong expedition.
For now, the June 12th team is back at 14 Camp with another big day behind them. With supplies now staged on the ridge and the team continuing to sharpen their skills, they’re in a great position to keep building toward the upper mountain.
June 6th team at the top of the fixed lines
—
Family and friends are encouraged to leave comments for their loved ones on this expedition. Please keep in mind that climbers will not be able to see posts or comments until they return to Talkeetna at the end of the expedition.
Don’t forget that you can subscribe to this expedition’s Field Reports by entering your email address in the form to the right or below if viewing via mobile. That way, you never miss an update!
Interested in more information about conditions and happenings on Denali? Be sure to also check out the Denali National Park’s Denali Dispatches Blog where they post weekly Field Reports.
