Denali West Buttress Expedition Team 7 (June 10 - June 30)

Guides:

Jim Mediatore
Eric Shaw
Kevin McGarity

Climbers:

Fang Ben
Jami Cate
Allan Snyder
Justice Hamson
Neil Fallon
Benjamin Chan
Arnaud Devilliers

Today our team engages Denali, the Athabascan name for this mountain alternatively translated 'The Dumper, the Blower, the Obliterator of Latrines'- today we engage her in a battle of snow shoveling as snowfall and strong winds intensify. Our camp remains relatively comfortable and secure, thanks to the round-the-clock efforts of our team. Weather will hopefully abate tomorrow, and we will resume forward progress towards the summit! Team 7 signing off for tonight.

Denali West Buttress Expedition Team 6 (June 3 - June 23)

Guides:

Andy Stephen
Calvin Morris
Seth White

Climbers:

Peter Fowler
Steve Maliszeski
Andrew Prunty
Tim Wright
Erik Beever
Vaughan Busby
Vincent Larivierre
Maria Conceicao
Bjarne Henningsen

Live from the cook tent- still at 14, all 12 are still accounted for, restlessness has driven us to make laps around camp, and making new friends from all over the world. The weather was slightly better around camp, but the upper mountain was still shrouded in storm. The system is supposed to continue tomorrow, and the team will wait throughout the day to make a decision about what to do as we are almost out of time. Everyone is happy and healthy, and excited to see what the weather brings.

P.S. Happy Father’s Day to all team members dads!

Denali West Buttress Expedition Team 7 (June 10 - June 30)

Guides:

Jim Mediatore
Eric Shaw
Kevin McGarity

Climbers:

Fang Ben
Jami Cate
Allan Snyder
Justice Hamson
Neil Fallon
Benjamin Chan
Arnaud Devilliers

Team 7 is in a holding pattern as a strong low pressure system deposits snow and high winds across the Mountain. The team hardened Camp and ate some of their heavier meals to stay warm.

Denali West Buttress Expedition Team 6 (June 3 - June 23)

Guides:

Andy Stephen
Calvin Morris
Seth White

Climbers:

Peter Fowler
Steve Maliszeski
Andrew Prunty
Tim Wright
Erik Beever
Vaughan Busby
Vincent Larivierre
Maria Conceicao
Bjarne Henningsen


And now, a passage from Tim Wright - The Team 6 collective hunker down in their tents at 14,200, waiting for the storm to pass. Here they will read books, regale each other with humorous anecdotes, and eat the occasional Milky Way. The team's bond is strong. Not even the gaseous exchanges occurring within sleeping bags could cause it to falter. They wait for the opportune moment in the weather to make their move to High Camp. Together, and only together, can they achieve their lofty goal of standing atop "the high one". We sit and wait in the weather, and will see what tomorrow brings.

Denali West Buttress Expedition Team 7 (June 10 - June 30)

Guides:

Jim Mediatore
Eric Shaw
Kevin McGarity

Climbers:

Fang Ben
Jami Cate
Allan Snyder
Justice Hamson
Neil Fallon
Benjamin Chan
Arnaud Devilliers


The mountain served us a "Welcome to Denali" cocktail this morning - it's equal parts wind, weather, and whiteout. We arrived at Camp 2 early this afternoon, built camp, and have just finished Eric's delicious burritos for dinner. We are in the midst of an extended storm cycle - tomorrow's a rest day for us, but there will be lots of shoveling and wall building!

Denali West Buttress Expedition Team 6 (June 3 - June 23)

Guides:

Andy Stephen
Calvin Morris
Seth White

Climbers:

Peter Fowler
Steve Maliszeski
Andrew Prunty
Tim Wright
Erik Beever
Vaughan Busby
Vincent Larivierre
Maria Conceicao
Bjarne Henningsen

Today Team 6 officially established Fort Knox at Camp 3 (14,200ft) in preparation for high winds and heavy snow this weekend. Vince miraculously held on to his uncanny stranglehold in cards, while our amazing team leader illustrated his excavation prowess in creating a more luxurious water closet- 14 ft underground, complete with a spiral staircase. Tim met his Vinson compadre, and Vince showed his masonry skills while still looking like a Canadian Fabio #lululemon. The team is patiently waiting for its chance to ascend the mountain safely. Team 6 wishes you all a good night!

Denali West Buttress Expedition Team 7 (June 10 - June 30)

Guides:

Jim Mediatore
Eric Shaw
Kevin McGarity

Climbers:

Fang Ben
Jami Cate
Allan Snyder
Justice Hamson
Neil Fallon
Benjamin Chan
Arnaud Devilliers

Team 7 made their cache at 10,000ft last night returned to Camp 1 (7,800ft). They will move to Camp 2 (11,200ft) tonight before the big storm hits Denali tomorrow night.