Denali Expedition: Walter & Team Summit North Americas Highest Peak
Posted by: Mike Walter, Alan Davis, Alex Halliday
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 20,310'
Thursday, May 30, 2019 - 12:26 AM PT
Summit!
The weather was beautiful this morning with no clouds above us and no sign of wind. We got the stoves cranking again at 4:30 in order to beat the crowds (today was the busiest summit day of the season so far, as there was a backup of climbers that were delayed by last week's stormy weather. We estimate about 100 climbers went for the summit today.). We got rolling out of camp at 8:30 and walked into the frigid, shady slopes of the Audobon, which is a steep traverse for a thousand feet up to Denali Pass. We clipped about 40 snow pickets in a running belay to add security.
Around the corner from Denali Pass we stepped into the sun and began climbing south pass Zebra Rocks and the Arch Deacon's Tower into the Football Field. The last hurdle before the summit ridge was climbing up the strenuous Pig Hill up to the Kahiltna Horn. Then the narrow, corniced ridge brought us to the summit at 20,310'.
The climb is always challenging, but it was made more so due to cold 15-25 headwinds for most of the climb. We needed to wear goggles and face protection to keep from freezing our skin.
But we did it. And we're about to crawl into our sleeping bags at the 17,200' high camp for some well deserved sleep. Tomorrow we will start our descent.
RMI Guide Mike Walter
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Comments (25)
Congrats Pieter! I enjoyed hearing about your trip on our airplane ride to Anchorage and am excited to see that your climb was a success!
Posted by: Mike Miller on
Huge congrats, Pieter, and to the rest of your team!!! We are in total awe and couldn’t be happier for you! Can’t wait to hear all about it when you’re back. Sending love and best wishes. xo, Marla, Mer & Kira
Posted by: MARLA on
Well executed summit, Tom. Nicely done with the weather window. Bring back a piece of the sky to the San Rafael Rotary Club.
Posted by: Paul Claeyssens on
Congrats Team Mike !!
Posted by: Chan Weller on
Wow, congratulations Jim and team! So glad the weather cooperated enough to give you the opportunity and you successfully achieved your goal!! Be safe getting the rest of the way down!
Posted by: Clare on
Way to go Mike! Have a safe descent.
Damon
Posted by: Damon Kelsay on
We and many fellow Rotarian’s are so proud of your accomplishment and we wish you a safe descent and pleasant flight home. We encourage to get a good rest and look forward to hearing about your successful exploits at 21,000 feet.
Lou and Marge
Posted by: LOU AND MARGE BARTOLINI on
Congratulations Team Tom!!!!! You rock!!!! We are so very proud of you. Sending good thoughts for an easy and safe descent. Diane and John
Posted by: Diane Henderson Glischinski on
Congrats Tom! Happy it worked out this time.
Posted by: Matt on
Congrats on such an accomplishment despite such tough conditions! Way to make Marin proud, Tom.
Posted by: Rob Devincenzi on
Wow!! What an awesome dream come true, Kelby and team. So proud of you.
Posted by: Peggy Robertson on
Wow! Congratulations Jim and the rest of the team! This is fantastic news - so glad to read that the weather cooperated enough to give you the opportunity and that you were able to achieve your goal!
Posted by: Clare on
Yeay!!! YOU DID IT!!! Congratulations! Have a safe descent back to Anchorage and enjoy the well deserved rest.
Posted by: Anna on
Yay Peter!!! Congratulations on you and the team’s accomplishment. Wow. Come back safe.
Naomi
Posted by: Naomi on
To the Summiteers,
Congratulations. Awesome Job.
So proud of you all and looking forward to learning more from Tom M about your amazing journey together.
You’ll be on your way down by now so I wish you a safe descent over the next couple of days, and hoping you have clear conditions with minimal wind -more awesome photo ops.
Bucket List: Summit Denali. Check!
Take care,
Hugs to all
Extra hugs to Tom M :)
Much love, Jacquie
Posted by: Jacquie Byatt on
Congrats to Alex and your whole team! So proud of you for this huge accomplishment, I can’t wait to hear about it when you get back, and am looking forward to seeing where your amazing career takes you next :)
-your little sis
Posted by: Alanna Halliday on
Yay!!!! So happy to see that you made it! What an amazing climb. I hope your sleep at 17200’ was wonderful and has you rested for the descent! Take good care.
Posted by: Tina Tidd on
To Pieter and his mates: EIN PROSIT!! EIN PROSIT!!! Now please come back as safely.
By the way: you were so high up in the sky, I believe you could see me here in South Africa??? ;-))
Posted by: Johan Wiesner on
Congratulations Pieter and the team! Brilliant climb and so happy everyone is back safely. Can’t wait to hear the full story. Noel and Theo
Posted by: Noel Gregorowski on
Awesome accomplishment. Congratulations! Now, step safe.
Posted by: Susan Moore on
Bravo and huge congratulations to all! Amazing day and and nerve wracking following the slow climb/descent on Tom M’s GPS!! Can’t wait to hear the details! Hugs from all in CA to Tom M. xo
Posted by: Susan Mulvey on
Congratulations!!!!
Can’t wait to hear the full story.
Stay safe on way back.
Paul
Posted by: Paul Summers on
Awesome! What a day! Congrats all around and hugs to Tom from us all in BC.
Posted by: Patty Ripley on
Congratulations to all of you. Way to go Kelby!! Wishing y’all a safe climb back down.
Posted by: Rusty Dossett on
Congratulations to everyone!! I’m very happy for you all. Proud of you, Tom.
Richard
Posted by: Richard Kalish on