2016 Denali West Buttress Team 5 (May 30 - June 19) Dispatch 11

June 12, 2016

Guides:

Andrew Yasso
Zach Lovell
Will Gordon

Climbers:

Rob Parker
Sanni Rannikko
Phil Simonet
Irma Vijn
Tjark de Vries
Stefan Jorritsma
Mark Munsters
Peter
Maaike Braat

AAI lead guide Andrew Yasso called late Friday (6/10) evening to let us know the team had a weather window opening up over the next couple days and Team 5 was planning to push for High Camp on Saturday and attempt to make for their summit bid.


On Saturday (6/11) Team 5 lucked out with some partly cloudy weather and minor snow flurries, so they made a strong push up to High Camp (17,200ft). They left mid-morning, arriving at High Camp around 5 o'clock. The team enjoyed a brief rest at High Camp, eating and rehydrating while planning their summit bid for Sunday (weather permitting).

Earlier this morning (6/12), Team 5 decided to make the push toward the summit. The weather was clear with high winds further up the mountain.

TEAM 5 SUMMITTED DENALI TODAY (June 12, 2016 at 7:15p.m. Alaska time)!!! Congratulations Team 5! We're looking forward to hearing all about it, soon!