Brian called in from 14,200 feet, after the May 20th team moved up from 11,000 feet today. They have had eight days of favorable weather and have been able to stay on their planned schedule (knock on wood!). Tomorrow looks like it could be a bit stormy and that coincides with their first planned rest day of the expedition.
The team made good time today, climbing back up Motorcycle and Squirrel Hills, retracing the route the climbed when they put in their cache yesterday. This time, after turning Windy Corner, they continued up along side the towering West Buttress for another 700 vertical feet. Camp is in a broad basin, known as Genet Basin. Ray Genet was one of the more prolific guides on the mountain and was known for camping at Camp 3 for much of the season, while his assistant guides led teams up to meet him for the upper mountain.
Brian’s reference to Thanksgiving Dinner is to a fan favorite meal on the mountain. Turkey, stuffing and gravy makes for nice comfort food after a tough day of climbing.
Well done, team! Enjoy the rest day tomorrow.
Here’s Brian!
