Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Relocate to 14,200’
Posted by: Tyler Jones, Caleb Ladue, Blake Votilla
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 14,200'
June 1, 2016 - 10:36 p.m. PDT
Today was one of the more work intensive days of the trip thus far. Up at 6:00 a.m., the same time as yesterday's move, we were tasked with a little more effort to break down camp and hit the trail. The slight overnight cloud deck a few thousand feet above us had kept some heat locked in and today's wake up did not feel nearly as chilled as yesterday with the clear sky. One of the days highlights was seeing the shadow of Denali painted on the thin cloud deck above us, the cloud was thin enough to let a bit of light through but just thick enough to keep the heat in. So cool. The unique lighting didn't end though, as we made our way up into the Polo Fields we chased the shadow all the way to our second break. Snowflake flurries continued as wispy clouds moved over the high ridge and the morning sunlight barely cresting over Denali made walking today especially enjoyable.
Before we knew it we were at 14 Camp, making even better time than yesterday. Quite impressive considering it was our second big climb at altitude in a row! The real work just begins though as we still need to claim our homestead. A nice parcel with beachfront views of Hunter and Foraker will do! Tents stacked tight: 3 in a row, our cook tent, and finally guide tent at the edge of the hill. Plenty of old lots were available as most groups moved up yesterday to high camp. We chose to stake out our own - away from the crowds and with our own custom landscaping! We are settled in here at 14,200', looking forward to tomorrow's rest day and we'll see what opportunities the weather brings us. Stay tuned!
RMI Guide Blake Votilla and team
On The Map
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Comments (4)
High places are only for those brave enough to follow their dreams! You guys will never be the same walking this close to the heavens. We hope the wind stands still and the snow is light on your summit day. Looking forward to a safe return and some well deserved beach time in the OBX! We can tell from the blog and pictures that achieving your goal is close. Be safe and stay focused.
Carter and Kay Adams
Posted by: Carter Adams on
haha very good question—has the chocolate supply run out?
Posted by: karina on
Congrats guys! Sounds like a really strong team. What a special piece of this world you’re living in for these weeks— the descriptions sound so poetic. I hope you can rest and recoup on your rest day at your “beach front” property lol. I hope the good weather conditions continue.
Ongun I’m sending you my hug and kiss! miss you and am pretending that I’m right there next to you playing in the snow!! I hope you’re having so much fun, I can’t wait to hear of all the stories :)
Posted by: karina on
C-leb, hope your big toe is surviving and that your PB choc supply hasn’t run out! Sending big hugs.
P.S. Benjen Stark…OD!
PPS. Randy wants to know, what is your nutella jar count?
PPPS Kenzie is wondering about logistics…
Posted by: Hon. E. Dip on