Denali Expedition: Okita & Team Rest Day at 11K Camp
Posted by: Brent Okita, Christina Dale, JT Schmitt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 11,200'
Clear skies were a very welcome sight as I peeked out the vestibule on this frigid, frosty morning. Definitely our coldest morning yet! But, we had a cache to put in so the wheels were set in motion for our climb.
Unfortunately, the weather deteriorated to the point where we pulled the plug and took a well deserved rest day instead.
What a treat. Lounging about in the tents, eating, listening to tunes, reading, sleeping, eating some more. Our bodies sucked in the energy from the calories eaten and the warmth provided by the radiation getting through the clouds and snow showers. Tents and sleeping bags dried as our bodies got the recharge we all needed.
The smell of fried onions, red peppers, chicken and chilies greeted us when the dinner bell rang, and no doubt made the rest of camp salivate with envy. Chefs JT and Christina put on yet another fine spread.
It's these simple pleasures that we tend to value so much in the mountains.
After our dress rehearsal this morning and rest day I think we'll be ready to rock tomorrow. The forecast hasn't changed any, but the winds aren't bad. It's just a bit irritating to climb in the occasional snow showers and cloudy weather. But, I guess we've been doing it all week. This team has demonstrated the capacity to climb well, so hopefully we'll get our cache established at 13,500' and be primed to move to 14,200' camp when we can.
Not that I'm a great believer in the weather forecasts around here, but they say high pressure is coming our way by Monday. We're due!
Good night from 11,200', where I'm in our tent at the very reasonable hour of 9:00p after camp chores, and not freezing my fingers in the frigid cold of these Alaskan nights.
Oh, and by the way, your loved ones are all happy and doing exceptionally well. The guides included. If you all have any messages for the team, our office staff will send them our way sometime. Hopefully coinciding with our next rest day where I'll have time to share them with everyone. Just don't get carried away with the heartfelt mushy stuff. I hate choking up in front of the group.
Your messengers of news from above,
RMI Guides Brent Okita, Christina Dale and JT Schmitt
On The Map
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Comments (9)
Alex and Tom!
Sounds like you are eating well! Didn’t know you would have a chief on board. We hope you are all doing well, we miss you! Keep up the great work!
Love the endocrinology staff :)
Posted by: Endo staff on
Happy Birthday Patty! I can’t think of a better way for you to celebrate you, today! So happy that Sally is there with you to share in your joy along with your new friends ! Love and hugs for eternity! Regina
Posted by: Regina Brown on
Oops - posted birthday wishes to Patty on the wrong blog - sorry! Still wishing you all clear skies!
Posted by: Ruth on
It’s Friday morning Joel we’re saving your spot in class. We’re all cheering you on and everyone’s asking and thinking about you!! You’re our inspiration for sure!! xx
Sue and the HiLo Gang
Posted by: Sue on
It’s Friday morning Joel we’re saving your spot in class. We’re all cheering you on and everyone’s asking and thinking about you!! You’re our inspiration for sure!! xx
Sue and the HiLo Gang
Posted by: Sue on
Wishing a happy birthday and clear skies to Patty K!!! You rock!
Posted by: Ruth on
Hi Lindsay and Steve…...
Everyone is following you all the way…...So proud of you and the team!
Be safe! Lots of Love….. Mom and Dad xoxo
Posted by: Sandra Friaglia on
Lindsay ,John, Cristina and Brent… So Awesome to follow you all up the mountain!!! I wish the whole team All the Best!!! And I’m sending Best wishes for Perfect weather the rest of your climb!!!! :)
Posted by: Dave Kestel on
Keep going Dad we know you can do this and we are following your progress all the way and to the rest of your team, love you and so proud Jordan and Taylor xxx
Posted by: Michelle Sexton on