Trip Reports

At 9,500′ camp on the Kahiltna

This expedition moved from 7,800′ to 9,500′ yesterday, which is their last camp before attempting to summit Kahiltna Dome.  If the weather is cooperating they will travel up to Kahiltna pass and under the summit of Mt. Capps before climbing the northeast ridge.  It is a long and strenuous day but Dave Ahrens feels confident…

Move to 14,200′

The West Rib team made a quick move from 11 to 14 camp, moving very strongly despite a stiff wind coming around Windy Corner.  Everyone reports feeling strong and motivated.  The plan is to backcarry their gear today and prepare to head up the fixed lines to 16,000′ tomorrow.

Carry to 14,500′

The crew put in another great day yesterday, carrying a load of food and gear to 14,500′.  Conditions sounded a little icy but Jared still reported fun climbing and a team that continues to step up and work hard.  The weather was trying to cooperate; the winds were up a little in the a.m. but…

Isaac Calling From 11,200′

Rough weather kept the crew in camp today, after making a carry around Windy Corner yesterday.  They had planned to move up and around the Corner again today, passing the cache of supplies they left at 13,500′ and progressing to the large 14,200′ (4328m) camp. Here’s Isaac: [audio:http://mountaintripdenali2011.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/audio-post-2011-05-23-03-52-43.mp3|titles=Audio Post]

Just hanging out

Mike called in and he had nothing new to report, they are still hanging out at 14k in camp waiting for the winds to die down up high.  Mountaineering is often a waiting game, so everyone is listening to their iPods or reading books and waiting for the next meal to be cooked.  As soon…

A little garbled

I spoke with Jared last night, and what sounded like high winds in the background was just the stoves melting snow for water.  Jared reported that all was well, but the connection was poor and I couldn’t understand enough to give an accurate report as to what had happened for the day.  I’ll get a…

Adam Smith Checks In From 14,200′

Adam called in a podcast from camp at 14,200′ (4328m).  They spent the day fortifying their camp with snow walls, as high winds buffeted the team.  It sounds like what we would call “full-on” conditions, requiring multiple layers of clothing and facemasks to protect their noses and cheeks from the bite of the wind. Building…