Monday, May 21, 2012

Denali Team 3: May 13 to June 2

Denali Team 3: May 13 to June 2

Guides: Angela Seidling, Andrew Yasso, Ben Gardner


Climbers: David Bradley (UK), Christopher Bradley (UK), Michael Buttery (UK), Mary Mears (Alaska), Carol Akerson (Alaska), Loren St. Amand (Alaska), Tim Erdman (Oregon), Dan Fiorito (Washington), Adam MacDonald (Canada/Australia)


Guide Andrew Yasso called on Monday, May 21st at 12:45 pm PST with the following dispatch: 

We are all moved in at the 14,000' camp today and have the camp fortified with bombproof snow walls.  The team will spend today practicing fixed line skills that we'll need higher up on the mountain.  Everyone has worked super hard to get to this point.  The altitude has been particularly tough on Michael, Carol, and David.  All three are having trouble catching their breath in the thin air and they've decided  to head down today with me. 

The 14 camp is a gorgeous place and it is an awesome achievement for these three to have made it up this high.  The four of us should be in basecamp tonight and Michael, Carol and David will fly back to Talkeetna tomorrow.  Carol is an Alaska native and has offered to show David and Michael around once they are off the mountain.  The three are talking about taking the train into Denali National Park, so they'll be making the most of their time in the north!  

Tomorrow the rest of the team will likely put in the next cache in preparation for our next move.  However, low pressure is on the way and poor weather long with it, so we probably won't leave 14 camp until Saturday.  This should give me time to make it back up from basecamp to rejoin the crew.

 

9 comments:

LynnG said...

Hey folks, did you get a chance to watch the eclipse? :) Lynn

Anonymous said...

Hi Chris sorry to read that Dave Michael and Carol are leaving the mountain.
Hope you are coping okay.
Take care.
Helly x

Anonymous said...

I can't believe you're doing this Mary! I'm afraid just thinking about it. Best of luck to you and your team. What an amazing trip!

Mom said...

Mary - We're all excited about your climb. I've been following your progress every day. I hope the weather holds up. Wishing you and Team 3 Good Luck!

Lynne K. said...

Hi Tim! Checking in regularly and really enjoy hearing how everyone is doing! Seems the highlights are the meals and "stealing" from the previous Team!! The BEST to you all! We're "barely" holding on here without you! :) Lynne

Anonymous said...

Hi Chris hope you are doing okay We are keeping our fingers crossed that the weather holds out for you all.
Dave has told me something of what it entails to get to where you are..............amazing!
Look after yourself and stay safe.
With loads of love and admiration.
Helly xx

Ros and Nigel said...

Chris, keep it going - we are with you every step of the way! Take care - cheers from Ros and Nigel X

Anonymous said...

Hi Team!
Michael & David are still sleeping...it's 11:30! Can you believe it. We hope the head wall went well yesterday. We miss you team. Keep on going! Carol

Lucy said...

Hi Chris, not sure if my comments are working so trying again. So proud of you and thinking of you, all my love, Lucy xxxxxxx