Vinson Massif: Dave Hahn Recounts Summit Day
It was still cloudy at high camp this morning, despite predictions for clearing. But looking up at the summit of Mt Shinn or the higher ridges of Vinson (the summit is not visible from high camp) it was obvious that no wind was in the mix. We decided to go for the top. We were out of camp by 9:15 AM. The cloud cover actually kept us from overheating in the first few hours. The team made steady progress- everybody was strong and using their best energy saving techniques. We all found the summit ridge to be a magical place. We had no big views, since by that point we were in the cloud tops, but that meant we concentrated our attention on the close in views of rock and snow formations. We hit the top at 4:30 PM and were quite surprised at how comfortable it was to sit up there, with zero wind and strong sun shining on the clouds around us.
We enjoyed a half hour on top and then began our careful descent, reaching high camp at 7:25 PM. This allowed us to eat dinner and get to bed at a respectable hour (which has been rare). Good sleep is what we need now to make tomorrow's descent to Basecamp manageable and safe.
Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
On The Map
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Comments (6)
Congratulations on yet another successful summit!!! We have enjoyed following the blog and thinking of all of you!!! Best wishes! Love, Amy and Harry
Posted by: Amy Eubanks on
Larry and team
Very neat!
Congratulations ... and thank you for reminding us that setting, pursuing and achieving loft goals is possible and very worthwhile!
Fred K
Posted by: Fred Klingbeil on
Congratulations to all on reaching the summit! A wonderful accomplishment! Bill and Sara, isn’t this 7 of 7? Safe down and home.
Posted by: Mom/Grandma on
Larry and team .... What a great accomplishment! You made it to the top of the bottom of the world. WOW! Congratulations and here’s to great weather on your trip back down.
Posted by: Mark on
Larry - Another A for your mtn report card. Congratulation to you and the team. Waltero.
I expect your gear included your badge and you
got your g-daughter pic. You re a blessed man.
Posted by: waltero glover on
Yesterday sounds like a long, cold and very hard day for the team but your summit achievement makes us all proud! Thanks to Dave for guiding the team safely to the top. Congratulation team and have a safe return and please tell Fatima I will see her in P. Arenas Friday at the Best Western.
Peter
Posted by: Peter Williamson on