Mountain Trip guide, James Gallant, called in to let us all know that the June 4 Team is continuing to thrive as they make their way along their West Buttress itinerary. They are safe, sound, and basking in the sunshine in a reprieve from the historically stormy weather this season. A stroke of good luck seems to be following this team as they move higher up the route and our fingers are crossed that it will continue!

From Camp 3 14,200 ft (4328 m) the team descended back down to Windy Corner 13,000 ft (3962 m) to pick up the supplies they stashed there a few days ago. The cache is marked with everything from bamboo poles, guide tags, and avalanche shovels to make its location super obvious on the return. Technology comes into play as a backup insurance policy when one of the guides marks the GPS location in case of snowfall or whiteout conditions.

After the team picked up their extra supplies they hiked home for a homemade pizza dinner and some fixed lines practice before they ascend the “Headwall” to the 16,000 ft (4877 m) ridge cache tomorrow. Get some sleep, friends! We look forward to hearing from you tomorrow.

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