Mt. McKinley: Jones and Team Acclimating in the Arctic
Tuesday, June 10, 2014 - 4:10 PT
The first real weather day for us this trip. The overnight temps dropped to -7F not including the wind chill. Our early morning plans to move a few items for caching up to our high camp were foiled by the high winds -- 35mph winds at 17,200' and negative temps! Not to mention the squalls of crystalline snow flakes flying in all directions.
The sun peered out from the flanks of the west rib shedding enough solar rays to warm the tents. With the brim of a ball cap we scraped the tent walls free of the frost of our night's breathing. Lighting the stoves in our kitchen tent soon brought the smells of coffee, bacon, and cream cheese with bagels.
This motivated our spirits to make our camp a fortress. We spent two hours building large block walls and remodeling the bathroom -- which, I might add, could be the best one currently on the mountain featuring a snow free enclosed taj ma-stall! Not to mention the fact that RMI Guide Bryan Hendrick took on a project to expand and improve an igloo just outside camp...soon we'll have a monstrous underground lair for additional resting and wind protection. Sick!
We are now taking a rest, drying out and warming up after a great session. The wall building serves as great acclimatization through light exercise, team building, and making camp even better for this time we're spending in this harsh Arctic environment.
We will keep our hopes high for lighter winds, less snow, and a bit of warmth.
RMI Guides Tyler Jones, Garrett Stevens, Bryan Hendrick, and the crew!
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Comments (8)
Daveed, You guys are all crazy (amy) however Bud wants to be there, he thinks it is hot here. Hope you are having fun. I can’t send you too much warm weather or I will freeze (amy). See you soon.
Posted by: BUD/AMY on
Dave, We’re waiting for summer to start, but our chilly 62 degrees must sound balmy to you. Think summer thoughts. Stay safe…
Patty
Posted by: Patty on
Glad all is well, everyone is healthy, you’re safe, warm and well fed. Relax and enjoy the trail. Love DAD.
Posted by: Nick Boekenoogen on
Dave J. Well you are having quite a trip up the mount ion.. Tell the team to keep up the good work. Have a safe journey to the summit. Will want to hear about your trip when you return. Pam and I keep up on your blogs each day. Stay safe. Judy
Posted by: Judy Arbogast on
Impressive wall! Hang in there Dave. We will have a margarita waiting for you at Amados when you get home!
Stay tough and be safe!
Julie and Karla
Posted by: Julie and Karla on
Awesome wall! keep it up team No Trouble. Jake, you are putting all your hard training to work, good job. Have fun and keep up the good work, you are close. We will see you soon :-)
Sinatha
Posted by: Sinatha on
D.G. I am enjoying reading the daily entertaining blog. Prayer flag prayers blowing to you and the other members for a safe summit and return home. Be safe.
Mom
Posted by: Caroline on
Paul et al, enjoy the repose, read a little poetry, air out them socks and keep a close eye out for unauthorized shitter intruders…. Ben
Posted by: Ben Alvarez on