July 8, 2013
Denali (photo: Heli Suokko)
Had a good call from Greg yesterday at 17K. Their move to high camp was nice. Good weather and conditions as they made their way up the fixed ropes and along the Buttress. The terrain from the top of the fixed ropes to high camp is the most spectacular of the climb. The Buttress has impressive exposure while still be relatively easy to protect. Great granite dots the entire route into 17 and high camp. They’re playing a waiting game now. While it’s smart to move in marginal weather lower on the mountain, it’s also smart to wait for reasonably good weather for that summit push. Patience is key. Sometimes that break never comes but more often it does.
Hoping to hear from Greg later today. Maybe the news will be that winds were OK and that they’re on their way.
Phil Ershler