Weather at 14k Camp (Michael Bellamy)

July 9, 2012

Greg called this afternoon from 14000’.  Not terrible but not good enough to head up.  The crew continues to hang in there.

Fun fact – the NPS just flew the last of their loads out from 14K for the season.  May be time for the NPS to head home but not the handful of determined teams remaining on the mountain.

Phil Ershler

July 8, 2012

Looking up to the top of the fixed ropes (Colin Anglin)

…It’s also a necessity at times while on an expedition.  If you don’t have the ability to wait, it’s hard to be a good expedition climber.  So, Greg and team are hanging.  Lots of snow on Sunday with a good amount of wind.  Forecast is still not for bluebird weather so more waiting may be in order.  But that’s OK.  The crew has lots of food and lots of fuel and they’re well “dug in”.  We’ll let you know when they feel it’s time to take their shot.

Phil Ershler

July 7, 2012

Denali 14000ft camp

Greg and team have been making steady and careful progress.  They did the smart thing and took a rest day after their ‘back carry’.  No reason to rush.  And, an extra day/night at 14,000’ can only help with the acclimatization process.  On the 6^th, the crew did a carry up the fixed ropes which leads to the crest of the West Buttress and dumped the gear at 16,400’, at Washburn’s Thumb.  Then, they beat cheeks back to their camp at 14K.  The 7^th is another rest day at 14K.  Forecast isn’t ideal for the next few days, with a series of low pressure troughs approaching from the east.  The good news is that 14K is the absolute best place to wait out the weather.  The crew is right where they should be.  The carry up the West Buttress has been made and the cache is in.  Now, they wait, rest, hydrate and, when the mountain says go, they’ll head for high camp.  Two days of reasonable weather could get them to the summit.

All’s good and they’re where they should be.

Phil Ershler