Denali Expedition: Walter & Team Move Gear to High Camp
Posted by: Mike Walter, Taylor Bickford, Nikki Champion
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Sunday, June 23, 2019 - 6:53 PM PT
We woke early again this morning and the weather did not disappoint. Clear skies with a beautiful early morning alpenglow on Foraker and Hunter greeted us as we fired the stoves. We woke the team at 5am and we were on the move by 7am. Our goal: to get a cache of food and fuel up high on the West Buttress Ridge, ideally to high camp at 17,200'.
The sun was still behind the West Rib of Denali and we climbed the approach slopes and most of the fixed ropes in the shade. The sun found us at around 16,000' and was a welcome companion for the rest of the day as the team climbed the aesthetic ridge from 16,200' to 17,200'. We made it to high camp in good form and dug a hole in the snow in which to leave our cache. After an hour and a half breathing the rare air of 17,200', we descended back to camp, the climb took us almost 5 1/2 hours and we descended in 2 1/2 hours.
We'll enjoy a good night's rest tonight and then take a rest day tomorrow. That should put us in perfect position to take advantage of the next good weather window for a summit bid.
RMI Guide Mike Walter
On The Map
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Comments (7)
Mylan,
Thank you for the updates, glad to see you’re alive. Can’t wait to hear all about your trip, stay safe. Love you
Posted by: Courtney Urban on
Go CK! You are an inspiration! Stay strong and be safe! Sending you good vibes! Can’t wait to hear all about it, so make sure you come back in one piece!
Posted by: Dove on
It seems like you are doing very well. Thanks for the posts.
Posted by: Arie Rowaan on
Thanks for all of the updates and details. It’s great to have this chance to view Denali as I will never be able to see it in person; I’ve loved watching your progress- quite impressive! Be safe.
Posted by: Natalie Jackson on
Mylan, we’re following you from Paris ! This must undoubtebly be a very exiting experience. I guess that the whole group is conscious to experience a very special adventure :-)
Posted by: Cécile Boineau on
The summit forecast shows 50 mph winds Wednesday. Are you aiming for Thursday?
Posted by: Keith Jarett on
I enjoy following your group’s progress. Glad you’re experiencing good weather! Hoping you’ll have great weather for the summit for spectacular views!
Posted by: Amanda Day on