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Vinson Massif: Reviewing and Sorting While Waiting for Weather

Posted by: Dave Hahn | December 04, 2011
Categories: *Expedition Dispatches *Vinson Massif
Elevation: 7,200'

It turned out to be a lucky thing we flew into Vinson basecamp last night.  It would not have worked today as the weather has gone down.  Looking at things philosophically, this is not a bad time to get a storm.  Considering that it has been nearly two weeks now of generally good (and at times -perfect) weather, we were due for a change and we definitely did not want that change to come as we got higher -and more vulnerable- on the mountain.  Our plan for this first day of the expedition involved sorting gear and reviewing climbing techniques.  We thought we’d make a carry of supplies partway up the Branscomb Glacier, but with a whiteout and new snow falling, it was easy to scrap the carry in favor of napping.  Travel to this point on the Antarctic continent from North America has taken days and nights and lots of “hurry up and wait” and so a rest before the climb begins in earnest isn’t wasted time by any means.  Especially when we can hear winds ripping the ridges above.  The team doesn’t seem stressed by the change in plan and do seem to be quickly adapting to expedition life on ice.

Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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