Denali Expedition: King & Team Move Up to 17,200’
Posted by: Mike King, Avery Parrinello, Dominic Cifelli
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 17,200'
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Tuesday, June 18, 2019 - 8:55 PM PT
Well, today we finally got out of 14 Camp. We had spent eight nights there and by an early season Denali trip that’s nothing but for us and the weather we have had, it felt like an eternity. Today proved to be no cooler temperature wise, HOT going up the fixed lines and once we gained the West Buttress proper it was some of the figurative coolest ridge walking this group has done. We didn’t get great views due to thin clouds but that’s ok, our entire trip has been good views.
We don’t know what tomorrow holds and we could take a rest day if needed. High pressure is building over Denali and we are hopeful to summit tomorrow. Getting to 17 Camp can be a chore, but once you're there Camp must be built, 6 XGK stoves must be managed to make drinking water and hot water for meals. Camp is situated in a glacial depression and we can see the Autobahn which plagues climbers for the first two hours on summit day. This section gets its name from how fast you can get going if you fall and are not clipped into the running belays. Other than a long day, the Team is doing mostly well. It’s normal to not feel 100% here at 17,200’. None of us are living our best lives physiologically, but we are really excited to have a crack at 20,320’. Thanks for the support and blog comments, I’ve been saving them for an alternative pep talk tonight instead of my traditional surly high school gym coach style motivational speech.
RMI Guide Mike King
On The Map
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Comments (6)
Go team go! We’re rooting for you Allan and today’s possible summit!!!
Posted by: Bryan C-G on
Is so amazing what you are doing!!! Keep up the good work!!!
Please send my regards to Boris! We miss him!
Posted by: Laurent Villa on
Great job team! It has been exciting following your adventure. Stay safe and good luck. You all have this. I’m rooting for you! Keep up the good work-you got this- Alan Cifelli
Posted by: Alan Cifelli on
Awesome job team gravy strong! Hopefully you guys get a clear window for a summit bid!
I don’t personally know anyone in this group. I was with Robby Young’s team. I’m just following the blog post along! Good luck team!
Posted by: Rahim Charania on
So glad Mark that you and all the team have reached 17200 feet. What an amazing achievement for you all. Fingers well and truly crossed for your summit climb will be rhinking of you all and I’m sure you’re all so excited. Well done and keep safe. Sue and John Rogers x.
Posted by: Susan Rogers on
Great job Gareth and team! We’ve loved following you every step of the way - fingers crossed for tomorrow! Keep up the good work! - The Lickstein family
Posted by: Kristine L on