Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Ascend Fixed Lines to Cache Supplies
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Hannah McGowan, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 17,000'
June 27, 2017
Things looked good at 6 AM today, so we rolled out, fired the stoves, rousted the team, breakfasted and got walking. All of this was in the cold shadow before the sun came around. Our pals on Mike Haugen's team were two hours ahead of us, already starting the fixed ropes at 15,000 as we left 14K. We made steady progress up the initial hills with perfectly packed snow to walk on. The sun caught us as we neared the ropes ourselves, making it a little easier to keep hands and faces warm. We launched up the steep headwall, getting into the rhythms of mechanical ascenders on rope, and moving crampons and ice axes on firm snow and ice. We hit the 16,200 ft top to the lines and continued up the spectacular West Buttress to 16,400 ft. Only Denali, Foraker and Mount Hunter were above the Alaskan sea of clouds today. We cached supplies and enjoyed the views from our lofty perch. Interestingly, this height wasn't a new record for any of our well traveled climbers. Our descent to 14,000 was relatively easy and fun with light packs. We hope our friends at 17,000 have a nice night and a good summit tomorrow while we rest.
Best Regards
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
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Comments (7)
Hi Dave,
thank you for your wonderful reports about your journey with all Details so that I can imagine the amazing nature you are hiking through.
The circumstances seem to be excellent and I wish all of you, specially my dear climber Hans a successful climb up to the summit.
I keep my fingers cross for you!!!! Ute
Posted by: Ute Novak on
Hey Matt, keep up the great work. What an incredible journey!
Posted by: Eric Taylor on
Yeah Ken! This looks like something I should tackle when I turn 60!
Three years left to train, woohoo! You must be having the time of your life.
Keep the faith and climb on! P.S. Montana is going to seem like an ant hill:-))
Posted by: Joy on
Matt-You’re on an adventure of a lifetime, and it sounds awesome. I’m living vicariously through you!
I wish you and your team success in getting to the summit safely.
Onward and upward!
Scott Schlesner
Posted by: Scott Schlesner on
Ken! Have been keeping up on your progress daily- so glad that you’ve had favorable conditions. We’re pulling for you down here- very best wishes for a safe and successful climb! Will check in again soon.
Posted by: Scott Heckman on
Continued climbing blessings with all the fine weather! Be careful up there!
Weather here in Chicago is changing. We have enjoyed nearly a week of temperatures 15 degrees below normal - sunny and breezy - with mornings at 55 degrees. Very fresh for this late in June. But fronts are moving through and we’re warming up a little to normal and having some steady rain today.
Tell Ken that all is well here with Lazzie, me and the cats, but we miss him and are looking forward to his return home.
Posted by: Sherry McFall Porrello on
Wishing you all continued success and great weather. Rest well and stay strong.
Posted by: Brian Walker on