July 23, 2018

Charlotte checked in a few times overnight.  The first call was from the summit of Mount Khuiten!  “It is a perfect day with a light breeze and great climbing conditions”, said Charlotte during a quick sat phone call from the summit.  Charlotte then checked in from High Camp to let us know that the team was going to get some food and water on board before heading down to Base Camp.  Back at Base Camp, it is time to celebrate.

The team has had great weather for climbing and was rewarded with 2 summits!  Congratulations to everyone!

Tomorrow, the team will head down valley towards the White River Park entrance.

All is well in Mongolia.

Greg Vernovage

July 22, 2018

13,900ft. Nairandal Peak (Greg Vernovage)

Charlotte checked in after a great day climbing to the summit of Peak Nairandal.  100% on top with a perfect weather day.  The climb of Peak Nairandal (13,900 ft) starts off quite mellow with glacier travel before taking a right hand turn and heading up steeper slopes.  Once on the steep slopes, the team navigates around, and over the crevasses before hugging the rocks to the summit.  It is a great climb, and the team’s first opportunity to see Russia, China and Mongolia, all at the same time!

The team is doing well and Charlotte said they are excited to head up Mount Khuiten in the morning.  Charlotte also reported that it was a bit drier this year and the navigation of crevasses was a bit more challenging, but all within reason.  From High Camp, they can see the route on Khuiten and it looks good.

The weather is continuing to hold for the team in Mongolia. We will be looking forward to hearing good news shortly from the summit of Mount Khuiten.

Greg Vernovage

July 21, 2018

Charlotte checked in overnight to let us know the team had a great day climbing to high camp.  The climb to high camp starts up a pretty mellow trail for about an hour.  From there they take a left and work their way down the rocky moraine to the Potaniin Glacier.  The Potaniin is not a steep glacier, but requires roping up, crampons and some route finding.  The team bounces back and forth over beautiful blue glacier runoff before hitting the snow slopes.  Once on the snow slopes, the team bends around the large rock island and finishes the climb on a bench that is well protected, and has perfect views of both Mt. Khuiten and Nairandal Peak.

The team has settled in for the night and Charlotte has made the call to head up Nairandal Peak in the morning to continue with the slow and steady theme the group has adopted.  This is a great call!  The climb up Nairandal is a lot of fun.  The snow travel with a few crevasses keeps you on your toes before the last push up onto the rocks of the large summit.

The weather is in their favor for the next three days and the team is having a great climb!

Greg Vernovage

July 20, 2018

All is well on Mount Khuiten.  Charlotte and the team had a great training day a couple days ago, and used a contingency day today. Contingency days are used for many purposes, weather being on of the biggest.  I sent Charlotte the weather forecast and noticed a little rain yesterday afternoon and made the decision to allow the team to acclimatize a little more and avoid the climb to High Camp in the rain.

Tomorrow’s forecast is more favorable, and the Team is feeling great after a rest day at Base Camp.  A few climbers took a trek to the Mongolia/Russian border to stretch their legs.  The team is doing great and now everyone is looking forward to head up hill to High Camp in the morning!

Greg Vernovage