Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Denali Team 3: May 15 - June 4 Dispatch #3

Denali Team 3: May 15 – June 4 

Guides: Kevin Hogan, Tom Kirby, and Matt Erpelding

Climbers: Allen Borgardts (Missouri), Robert “Alex” Borgardts (Missouri), Jonathan Fischer (Colorado), David Haimsky (Virginia), Jeffrey Gephart (Michigan), Helle Dam Sorensen (Denmark), Brandon McNalley (Washington), Ryan Canfield (Washington), Jon Cook (UK)

 Lead Guide Mat Erpelding calling in at 1:45pm on May 18 with the following dispatch:

"Hey there!  This is Mat calling in from Camp 1.  It's a lovely day here and everyone is enjoying themselves thus far.  Believe it or not it is actually shorts weather up here, kind of reminds me of a beach scene...just replace the sand with snow and the water with miles of glacier.  We've been killing time talking politics, luckily nothing too explosive has come up.  We're basically just living the dream up here!

Our plan is to move up to Camp 2 at 11,000 ft tomorrow.  We'll call you with an update then!"

11 comments:

Derek said...

Sure, the Yooper leaves home and the big mountain has great weather while we are stuck with cold. Everyone that read the article keeps asking how you are doing, so I'm keeping them informed. Good luck with the climb to 11! And to the rest of the team, good luck winning a politics talk with this guy!

D

Debbie said...

Looks like my first comment didn't get posted so I'll try it again. Praying for you Brandon and the whole team every day. Sounds like you're having a great time. May you climb and not be weary. Godspeed - Love you, Mom.

Mark Canfield said...

To Ryan----Wearing shorts at 10,000 feet in Alaska, sounds crazy but enjoy while you can. 3 weeks of Jimmy Buffet can drive you to drink. Watch out for the abominable snow man, he usually lurks around 10,000 feet. Good luck to you and the rest of the team. We are thinking of you all the time

The whole fam damily plus 4 cats

Derek said...

Looks like a possible clearing of weather for you in about 2 days. Then it should clear up for you. Stay warm!

D

Sydnee said...

Please tell Brandon "that it is on hold and will know more in 5 days"
Good luck team 3!

Moz Kelly said...

Good luck team 3.
Jon Cook, hope your big yellow boots are keeping your feet warm.
Best wishes from all the DMRT.
Moz

Unknown said...

We would like to remind David of the great mountaineering song written by famous Russian poet Vladimir Visotszky. We translated one verse into English to share with you guys the inspiring feeling this song gave us on many occasions:

We’re cutting footsteps
As forward we press
And our knees
Are shaking from stress
Your heart is ready to run to the peak from the chest.
The world’s on your palm
You feel speechless and blessed
And only envy all those on the crest,
The people who still have a beautiful summit ahead.

Keep strong and safe.

Love Mom and Dad.

Matt said...

Don't forget to use your ropes and gear as things get steeper so you don't take the quick trip down. Perseverance, grit, determination. Experience of a lifetime, soak it all up and have fun!! Love you Dad

-mp

Michele said...

Hope you guys made it to 11,000 ft okay and are staying warm! Please tell Ryan that Michele is missing him and constantly thinking about him! Good luck team 3 keep on pushin'!

Anonymous said...

Hey K,
I hope you had a great birthday! Be safe, climb hard and drop me post card when you make it in. As always,
S

Unknown said...

Hay Ryan and Brandon wish I could be up there with you.you guys are doing what I can only dream of at this point in time.I look forward to more climbing when you return well take care see you soon and the best of luck to you both and the team.