July 11, 2011 Awaiting their flight to Talkeetna a few hours ago. Vernovage called in this afternoon from Talkeetna – a welcome sight after 3 weeks on Denali! All is well – they’ll dry, sort and repair gear, inhale a burger or 3 and eventually make their way to Anchorage and on home. Mission accomplished. […]
July 8, 2011 The descent has begun. I spoke with Greg around 3 pm (Alaska time) today, July 8. Gang was all back together and ready to head down from 14,000 ft. Goal is to camp either at 11,000 ft. or even keep going and make it to the Northeast Fork of the Kahiltna tonight […]
July 7, 2011 Summit Ridge on Denali. (Photo by Michael Bellamy) About 6 pm Alaska time on July 7, Greg Vernovage and team stood on top of North America. It was a fine day for a climb. Congratulations to all! Three members chose to stay at 14,000 ft. Everyone will reunite tomorrow for […]
July 7, 2011 Greg and team left for the summit from their 17,200 ft. high camp this morning. No news yet but rumor has it that weather was good. That’s what we want to hear.Likely to take about 12 hours to round trip the thing. You’ll know when we know. Phil Ershler
July 5, 2011 Greg Vernovage called in this morning from 14K on Denali. Weather has improved and the team is on their way to high camp. It’ll be a long day. This is maybe as important as the actual summit day. They need to get to high camp in good shape and ready for one […]
July 3, 2011 Weather day at 14,000 ft. for Greg and his team. Not terrible but not the right time to move up. I remember a saying that famous Alaskan bush pilot, Doug Geeting, had in his plane – “when in doubt, don’tâ€. Works with mountaineering as well as flying, I do believe. Food, fuel […]
July 2, 2011 Spoke with Greg Vernovage this afternoon, the 2nd, by sat phone. The group had a serious carry yesterday to Washburn’s Thumb, well up on the West Buttress. Another big milestone. They cached gear for their summit attempt there, at around 16,500 ft. Then, it was back down to 14,000 ft. Today was […]
June 30, 2011 Greg Vernovage and crew made a ‘back carry’ today, picking up their cache at 13,500’. That means that all members and all their group supplies are now at 14,000 ft., aka Genet Basin. Nice. Tomorrow is a big day. They will take their first shot at the fixed ropes heading up to […]
June 29, 2011 Spoke with Greg Vernovage this evening. The team moved into camp today at 14,000 ft. It’s often called Genet Basin. Nice part was that there were minimal winds around Windy Corner the day they carried and also today during the move. Tomorrow’s an easy day. The crew walks down for less than […]
June 27, 2011 Greg Vernovage called in from 11,000ft on Denali where he and his team continue to wait on improving weather. High winds and heavy snowfall were reported on the upper mountain. IMG Guides Mike Hamill, Ty Gimenez & Aaron Mainer are up at 14K Camp hanging tight as well. Everybody is doing fine; […]
