Mountain Trip lead guide Ian Nicholson called in with an update on the June 11 Denali West Buttress expedition.
The team took a weather window and pushed up the fixed lines from 14,200′ to 17,200′, the High Camp on the West Buttress Route, one of the steepest and most strenuous sections on the route. The team felt strong and ascended efficiently after practicing fixed line technique at 14-Camp. The ascent from 14,200′ to High Camp at 17,200′ is a long, tough day of climbing, and the team is taking a rest day at High Camp to wait for a window of low wind, high visibility and good conditions to head for the summit!
Ian also gave a shout out to his wife, Rebecca, and little one Henry back home. All of the climbers are undoubtedly missing their loved ones back home.
Climbing on Denali around the summer solstice is a unique and otherworldly beautiful experience; there are nearly 20 hours of full daylight, with the other four hours of the day in deep purple dusk, with the sun rotating rather than setting, just below the mountainous horizon. You can see the sun and the moon simultaneously in the sky, and the strange orange-golden light reflects off of the lakes and rivers across the lowlands of Denali National Park.
The team will make their summit bid within the next few days, weather permitting.
Here’s Ian with the update:
Good luck with the weather. We’re down here in the warm rooting for you. Go Dave!
Yftu, Aba and all the team.
We love you so much, praying for nice and clean weather on the way up to the summit. We are thinking about every steep step that you are walking.
Take care of yourself, shemeru ehad al ha sheni.
Ella and Ima
Great! Congratulation for this heavy strenuous section. You did it. We hope with you and pray for you for nice weather!
If you have sometimes some doubts look at the beautiful sky and enjoy the colours. It must be great the summer light at Denali.
Good luck and much power for the next days.
yours Judith and Bella
Well done Sheffers, We are following and Hoping with you for a nice weather for the final ascent.
Pass here foe melting after the peak !
Aviv and Gal, Lefkada.
Nimer and Yfti, looks outstanding and amazing view. the pictures can vaguely express this unique experience but it really looks as if you are in a dream. hope you have nice skies, no wind and high temperature going forward. thinking of you a lot every day.
most important, take care and climb safely!
Avi, Saleet, Elool, Mor, Yotam and Tamar