Lead Guide Mike Burmeister called in last night. He had the stoves running and was making food and water for the gang while they built camp at 17,200 feet, what we commonly call “High Camp” on the West Buttress Route. This move is always a very challenging day–it involves a long day of climbing, including navigating the fixed lines up a steep headwall, the precipitous ridge, and the highest altitudes the climbers have faced yet. At the end of it all, building camp can be pretty exhausting. Mike reported, however, that the gang was shoveling and sawing away, building tent platforms and walls against the wind. It sounds like the group is strong!

The guides expect to rest today. If good weather arrives up high in the mountain in the next few days, the team might have a chance to climb…