Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team Carry Above 11 Camp
Posted by: Brent Okita, Leon Davis, Lindsay Mann
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 11,200'
Awakening early this morning we were surprised at just how warm and windless it was. At first our views were obscured by thick clouds, but moments later we could recognize the faint outlines of the ridges above us and realized that in fact we were at the top edge of a thick cloud bank enveloping the Kahiltna below us.
Everyone was excited, and perhaps just a bit anxious about the climbing ahead. After all, we were to face our steepest terrain yet.
Now, in our tent after a wonderful meal of pasta followed by blueberry cheese cake, all I can say is how proud I am of how this team climbed today! Everyone handled the loads and the climbing really well. About as well as I've seen. This sure bodes well for later.
We really appreciated the early start being over an hour ahead of any other team. It felt like we had the mountain to ourselves, and we did. That is, until we descended and saw the throngs of humanity ascending the slopes we had passed long before. At dinner many in the group reflected on what they saw and asked, "Did we look like that?" referring to the hunched over postures of people battling altitude, steep terrain and a notable lack of technique and training. We were delighted to say, "no, you guys are climbers!"
RMI Guides Brent Okita, Leon Davis & Lindsay Mann
On The Map
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Comments (5)
Sounds like you are doing great Gary! Enjoy!
Posted by: Matt Rhoads on
Hey ” AA “, I wonder how the tap in your bedroom it is been abused by extrangers, but been so nice (ME), I am still very proud of all of you ...keep going strong and Good Luck…...I hope you have your car key too ......
Posted by: Paco on
I expect a picture, little brother. Stay warm.
Posted by: Stephanie on
Hang in there AA we’re following the string and really digging the pictures. From the sounds of it all the climbing of Cowles Mtn., are paying off. Billy bought burgers the other night and they were GREAT…
Posted by: Mark & crew on
Brent, Kristen and all others, good luck and know that you’ve got *followers* and cheerleaders back here in the continental US!
Posted by: Bob on