I heard that the team was safely entrenched at High Camp yesterday. They lost a few days at Camp 3 due to snowy weather, but seized the opportunity to move and pushed up the fixed lines that run from about 15,600' to 16,200' and made their way along the ridge above.
The ridge that runs from the top of the fixed lines at 16,200' to high camp at 17,200' offers some of the most spectacular climbing on the West Buttress route. It is knife edged in spots and has some big air to either side as you make your way along its length, winding between rocks and up steep sections of snow. Negotiating this with a heavy pack makes for a whopper of a day. Finally after reaching camp, you can't just crawl in your tent because you need to cut snow blocks to make walls for your tents, lest the ferocious winds up there blow your tent away.
Most folks are pretty pooped after this long day and some feel it is more challenging than summit day.
Stefan is still hanging in there. You don't really heal up at that altitude, so he must be really tough to keep sticking it out.
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2 comments:
Hooray...High Camp! Now, only the Summit awaits you! We have an absolutely spectacular day here in Wasilla, AK, today. Hope a spectacular day awaits for your Summit Day! Stay strong, my Tom. Love, Your Diane. P.S. I shall pray for sustenance for one and all!
Wow! Very impressive. Have fun building your igloo Scott! Hope you and your dad are doing well and healthy and excited about summiting soon. My best to you and your dad. Thoughts are with you both. Godspeed, Helga Y
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