Monday, May 30, 2011

Team 5: May 29 - June 18: Dispatch #1 . . Arrival at Basecamp

Team 5: May 29 - June 18 
Guides:  Forest McBrian, 
Kristen Looper, and Dustin Byrne 
Climbers:  Jeff Bergstedt (Virginia), David Flux (United Kingdom), Mark Aitken (United Kingdom), Rishi Patel (United Kingdom), Nicola Tuer (United Kingdom), Steve Olivera (Santa Rita, Guam), Richard Paul Brooks (Sydney, Australia) 


Forest called at 11:15 Alaska time with the following report:


"Hello this is Team 5 reporting that we are on the mountain.  We flew onto the Kahiltna Sunday evening to beautiful views of Denali and the surrounding mountains and settled into base camp.  We're spending the daylight hours arranging our gear and getting ready for our first carry to Camp 1.  For the first part of this expedition we'll be avoiding activity in the daylight hours because it is quite warm her eon the lower glacier.  We'll move in the evening in order to get cooler temperatures and firmer conditions in the snowpack.

We have fine weather now and beautiful views.  Last night we enjoyed nice fresh sandwhiches and potato salad last night, and this morning we are having  hot drinks and cinnamon rolls in the sunshire.

Everyone is doing well, adjusting to glacier life, resting, and getting over their jet lag.

Looks like a strong team and we're looking forward to a great three weeks together.  I'll give you an update tomorrow.  That's the news for now."
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4 comments:

Kris Slentz said...

Hooray for Team 5. We are sending warm wishes from Bellingham to Dustin and everyone else on the team.

Karl said...

This sounds like an incredible adventure. Enjoy and be safe!

Karl Slentz
Hamlin, NY

Anonymous said...

Dustin - climb safely and take good care. All your family is cheering you on. Especially your little neices and nephews. Well done! Uncle Andy

Anonymous said...

Jeff - I know you are so happy on the mountains. Take pictures of beautiful nature in Alaska. Go team 5! Love, Mayumi