Today the June 17th Team made a strong and successful move from Camp 2 at 11,000 ft (3,353 m) up to 14 Camp at 14,000 ft (4,267 m) on Denali’s West Buttress route — a major milestone on their expedition. With calm winds, sunny skies, and incredible visibility, conditions were near perfect for the ascent.
The team climbed steadily throughout the day, gaining over 3,000 feet in elevation. The route took them up the steep switchbacks of Motorcycle Hill, across the traverse of Squirrel Hill, and around the exposed but calm Windy Corner — a notorious section known for funneling intense weather, but thankfully tame today.
Upon arrival at 14 Camp, the group immediately got to work setting up tents, reinforcing camp infrastructure, and checking in on each other’s energy and acclimatization. Spirits remain high and everyone is adjusting well to the thinner air and colder temps.
Dinner tonight was a well-deserved helping of creamy chicken Alfredo pasta, served up in the cook tent with panoramic views of the Alaska Range. Mount Foraker stood tall in the distance, lit by the evening sun — a beautiful backdrop to end a physically demanding but rewarding day.
