Vinson Massif: Hahn & Team Summit and Storm
We made it to the summit of Vinson today! In the nick of time as it turned out. While our time of ascent was a blazing fast seven hours, the mountain was anything but easy today. We started with blue skies, bright sun and a nagging 10 mph breeze when the stoves were fired shortly after seven this morning. That breeze made things like fastening harnesses and crampons quite cold. We roped up and got moving at 9:45 hoping to lose the wind as we got into the protection of the valley glacier that would take us to the summit. That worked a little, things were reduced to occasional gusts. Those gusts increased in frequency and force as we got up near 15,000 ft. By the time we were scrambling onto the summit ridge, it was blowing a more or less steady 30 mph. We worked pretty hard to keep each other’s faces frost free and to keep sunglasses and ultimately goggles from fogging up. Hitting the top at 4:45 was a thrill, but not at all one we could linger over. We squeezed off just a couple of photos (which we’ll post after getting back to the Wi-Fi world) but it really wasn’t the day for bare hands on the summit. We set out to get off the ridge and down to high camp. This was accomplished in about three hours, during which we watched winds increase and a storm move into the Ellsworth Mountains. At 8:00 when we pulled into camp, the sun was in the clouds and winds were rock steady at about 20 mph, moving plenty of snow around. The victory dinner was in tents as it is far from pleasant at High Camp tonight. We snuck this one in... now to get down the mountain.
Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
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Comments (11)
Congrats Zimmerman!!Matt and I have enjoyed keeping up with your adventure!! Safe travels back down!!Can’t wait to catch up with you and hear your stories!!
Posted by: Deborah and Matt on
Congratulations! Well done. Stay safe on the descent.
Posted by: Dale on
Congratulations Steve and Vinson Team. I am happy to have joined you, Steve, on two of your five summits on five continents! Great job. I have enjoyed Dave’s blogs, but can hardly wait to hear about your experience in Antarctica.
Posted by: Greg Miller on
Great job Linz and team! If you are hunkered down at 12000 ft and the wind is blowing, just remember, there is a cheeseburger and a beer waiting for you. Patience and persistence wins the day. Hang in there and see you soon. Mom and Pop
Posted by: Les Z on
CONGRATULATIONS, SUE and TEAM!! WOW! I am soooo proud and happy for all!! Amazing achievement! I can’t wait to hear all about it, Sue! Be safe as you journey down from the mountain!! Big hug!
Posted by: Sally Mouradian on
Sue, Dave and team! Congratulations and you guys ROCK! Well done!
Posted by: Russ Frederickson on
Terrific! The top of the bottom of the world! Be safe coming home Sue and team, and can’t wait to hear the stories!
Posted by: Norm Symonds on
We are all thrilled! Be safe on the way down. Hope the weather doesn’t keep you on the mountain too long, because we can’t wait to see you and hear all about it!!
Posted by: Vickie Butterfield on
Amazing work everyone!
So proud of you dad! Can’t wait for your safe return and to hear of your adventure!
Posted by: Janae Miller on
Way to go guys!!
Keep it safe on the way down.
Posted by: Larry Seaton on
Congrats to all !!!
Sue, you rock girl, can’t wait to hear from you about your adventure, hope have a few pictures to share.
Congratulations again !!!
Posted by: Sandra E on