Update from guide Chris Dickson, after safely navigating the May 8 Team through a wild white-out between Camp 1 7800′ ft (2378 m) and Camp 2 11,200 ft (3414 m) on Mother’s Day! This elevation zone is a common “weather sink” that can be completely cloud-covered while Denali’s famed “14 camp” can be bathed in sunshine and clear skies. While moving through the weather the team spent the holiday reflecting on gratitude for the love and support of mothers that allows them to be in the mountains.
There’s nothing like a long day of climbing with your rope team to give you time to reflect on all of the people, places, and events that had to conspire just for you to be here on the mountain. With a special shout out to Chris’s mom and all the moms who help bring our mountain dreams to life – we literally wouldn’t be here without you!
Tomorrow our crew will aim to climb “Motorcycle Hill” for acclimatization and to “back-carry” their gear. Think of these as “active rest days”. This section gains 800 ft (244 m) in about a mile. This should take the team about 1.5 hours each way.
We can’t wait to hear how it goes! Tap below to hear this special Mother’s Day dispatch.
