Mountain Trip guide Nick Aiello, and climber Wolfgang Pfaeffel, called in via satellite phone on behalf of the June (not May) 15 Denali West Buttress expedition, who were able to push to up to 7,800′ feet on the Kahiltna Glacier.

Wolfgang gave us part of the update in German, as well. While I can’t exactly understand what he’s saying, I can make out that he’s saying hello to loved ones back home. And possibly, that his backpack is heavy? German speakers, correct me if I’m wrong.

They kept a good pace to Camp 1, paralleling another Mountain Trip team who also spent a few bonus days in Base Camp due to weather. Both teams made it to camp in about 4.5 hours, on a route that typically takes 6. Looks like we have some fast, strong trekkers on the June 15 team!

Today, the team will likely spend their time caching supplies up above Ski Hill at around 10,000′, to ease their climb to Camp 2 at 11,200′ within the next few days.

Here’s Nick and Wolfgang with the update: