Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Denali Team 3: May 15 – June 4 Dispatch #9

Guides: 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)

Matt Erpelding called in at 12:00pm on May 25th with the following dispatch:

"Hey guys!  The weather today is fantastic at 14,000 feet!  Today we did a back carry to 13,500 feet and we are now back at 14,000 feet.  The rest of today's tasks include eating our delicious Denali Sandwiches, which contain greasy cheese and sausage, and building snow walls at camp.  

The group is strong right now, even after having a long day yesterday.  All climbers are looking good!  The plan is to take a rest day tomorrow and then do a cache on Friday.  Tomorrow's weather forecast shows it will be another beautiful day, and a storm system will start building again on Saturday.  Talk to you tomorrow!"

On a side note, Guide Kevin Hogan hurt his back the other day and made the decision to head down the mountain with Richard and Mary's team.  He arrived safely to Talkeetna yesterday and will hopefully be receiving news of a fast recovery.  Denali and Team 3 will miss you Kevo! 

11 comments:

Sydnee said...

Brandon so happy for you and the rest of the team! Praying that the weather stays nice! I am now counting down the days until you get home. Love Sydnee and the boys.

Jeff and Barb said...

Hello - Good to hear that the team is strong and weather is good.
Go Alex and Allen. - Boettchers

Matt said...

Message to Jeff -
All holding strong here but need strong confirmation from you that you are fine. All pride aside, you get a party here weather you summit or not! During your day of rest on the 26th, try to call mom on the hour,she will have her phone in hand. She missed your last call by seconds and yearns to talk to you. Use your head up there. Go strong and stay safe -matt

Helle Rye said...

You go guys!;)
Helle, I'm proud of you!
Wow it must be a fantastic journey! Enjoy!
Love Helle <3

Fnyar said...

Keep kicking ass guys. Sorry to hear one of the guides was injured and had to turn around. I hope the weather holds out enough for you not be an issue higher up.

- Brian McNally

Karl & Carol said...

Message to Jeff
What a treat to follow your journey. Stay safe & enjoy.
Karl & Carol

Anonymous said...

Jonathan-

Enjoying following the Dispatches as they are posted. Glad weather is often nice and team making good progress.
Back in CO from our travels-went well!
M&D

Derek said...

Looks like the weather is going to be good for another day or two, then turn to crap for a while. Hopefully you can put some ground under your feet while you can! Good luck up there everyone and enjoy the view!

D

Matt said...

Jeff-
Glad you talked to mom! Have fun, this will fuel stories for years and get the proverbial self portrait from the top! -mp

Anonymous said...

Allen and Alex- Excellent news about the weather! We are missing you both.
Love Rosalie

Larry said...

We are pulling for you here in NJ bro. You are the man. Remember, whether it's 14k, 17k, or summit, a hamburger awaits at the bottom! Can't wait to here the full story.