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Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team Experience Unexpected Storm

Posted by: | June 11, 2012
Categories: *Expedition Dispatches *Mount McKinley
Elevation: 17,200'

Last night as we were drifting off to sleep our first big storm with high winds and some snow hit us out of the blue. Even with the protective walls around our tents the winds were strong enough to buffet them and make you wonder how much stronger the winds would need to be to collapse them. But we had done everything right and all the wind served to do was keep us from sleeping as well as we might. Oh, and I guess it kept us from the summit once again.

My biggest concern was for our Posh tent that relies on a single pole to support the paper thin fabric of the body. But, thankfully, besides about 600 pounds of Snow drifted onto one side, the thing held up well. So,  we’re still in business with our dining/cook tent. And a good thing that was when Kristen brought out her deck of cards for a few afternoon games of poker.

Just some routine maintenance around camp, shoveling, repairing sagging walls, had us out for a little while after poker, but we’re all back in the tents relaxing and even getting in a little sleep.

All for now from 17,200’ (where we’re waiting patiently for better weather to find us)

Until next time,

RMI Guides Brent, Leon and Lindsay

P.S.  As I send this a few hours later the latest weather forecast indicates that Tuesday or Wednesday may bode well for an attempt. That’s good because that’s about how much food we have left for up here. But we’ll have some major trail breaking to do given the snow, It’ll be a du challenge.

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