Lead guide Tom Huntley called in last night with the update! The team started out bright and early yesterday morning with a 3am wake up time. By 5:30am they were on the trail. But here in Alaska, no headlamps were needed for this alpine start (as we call it) because at this time of year the sun only dips just below the horizon for a brief moment. With all of that sunshine and some warmer temps at this elevation, an earlier start is not only more comfortable for everyone but also gives the team the opportunity to move over the snow when its nice and firm. From Camp 1 (7,800′ 2377m) the crew climbed up Ski Hill and then towards Kahiltna Pass. After rounding a corner of the glacier they had one more small hill before arriving at Camp 2 (11,200′ 3413m). They enjoyed some hot soup for lunch after their track, and for dinner the guide team whipped up some tasty Denali Pizzas!
Here’s Tom!
A team above Camp 1 on their way to Camp 2
