Friday, June 25, 2010

Denali Team 5: Dispatch #13

Denali Team 5: June 13-July 3

Guides: Paul Ivaska, Richard Riquelme, Kristen Looper
Apprentice: Andrew Yasso

Climbers: Walt, Ann, and Luke Hampton (Canton, Connecticut), Caitraiona Strain (Burnfoot, Ireland). Brendan McDyer (Glenties, Ireland) Skye O'Donnell (Sydney, Australia), Colin Stalnecker (Chicago, Illinois), Ryan Derrigan (Rickmansworth, England), and Stephen Williams (Oxon, United Kingdom)

AAI lead guide Paul Ivaska called at 1:45pm Pacific Time.

The team climbed up to high camp yesterday. And if the winds die down, the plan is to go for the summit tomorrow.

It was clear at high camp when Paul called, but a bit breezy. The lower Kahiltna was socked in and there were thunderheads off to the west. Paul said that the foul weather in the distance made it extremely pretty at high camp.

Paul had a number of comments from people for their friends and family:

From Andrew: I'm on top of the world.

From Sky : Sky to Karl. I lied about the loads.

From Steve: Love and Hi to Katie. Have a great time in Grastenbury. Say hi to everyone. P.S, I lost lots of weight.

From Luke: To Abby you would be proud. I've been picking up trash along the way. Tomorrow is the day. If we succeed you'll see it on the dispatch. Wish me luck. I miss you.


We were able to get the well-wishes through. But before we were able to get any more detail on tomorrow's plan, the phone cut out...

9 comments:

John and Jess said...

Hey everyone! Be safe, we are so proud of you! Andrew-Jess and John love you-have an AMAZING experience at the summit!

Micho said...

Drew, Denali team 5 and the US soccer team will be summit-ting tomorrow. We are all very proud of you. Love Mom & Dad

Abbey said...

luke, that made me laugh! (: i've been rubbing off on you! good luck tomorrow! i hope everything works out and i get a call from you monday!

antipodean said...

G'day Steve, Yesterday, Joshua achieved his black belt at taekwondo. Enjoy the views from the summit. Take care jdjh x

Joseph said...

Andrew! You're the man! Donday esteka la bibliateka.

rowingmum said...

Hi Steve and Team 5, We are hanging from icicles awaiting news of today. Praying the weather holds - the views are spectacular and the adrenalin flows! LOL Mum and Dad x

Katie Bradfield said...

Thanks for your lovely msge Steve! Having a fantastic time at home with Mum & she’s spoiling me as usual! Beautiful weather here. We're watching Faithless, Scissor Sisters, Kylie & Stevie Wondie tomorrow! Wish you were here. GOOD LUCK for Summit ‘yellow kit’ day! Love you, Katie xx p.s. I’ll start cooking! Any requests? xx

Jeanne said...

Andrew,

Hello my angel boy above the clouds! You know I've got ya covered on FB. I'm thinking of you all day. Sending you warmth and hugs. Continue to be safe I love you so much. Mom

DD said...

Ryan,
Good luck on summit day! I'm cheering for you every step of the way!
DD