Mt. McKinley: Hahn and Team Waiting for Stability
We all thought it was a little colder than predictions called for last night. It might have been as low as 10 below zero Fahrenheit, but that is just a guess. But that would have been because the sky finally cleared. It was clear through much of the morning and early afternoon, but nobody went climbing. There are perhaps eight or ten groups here at 14,200 ft, between guided and smaller non-guided teams, but all of us shared a great respect for the new fallen snow and its need to settle. Neither the teams that are throwing in the towel and looking to go down, nor those of us that are looking to go up, want to get impatient and get avalanched. So we took it easy today and hoped that the sun would shine hard enough to heat up the snow and settle the hazard. We watched the last National Park Service Ranger Patrol of the season work with their B3 helicopter for a good chunk of the day to sling load all of their equipment and personnel out of camp and off the hill. My gang practiced the techniques we plan to employ for getting up the "fixed ropes" on the steep terrain between 15,000 and 16,200 ft. We also built a new walled latrine with all of the modern conveniences. And we waited. Patiently. We received a bunch more great messages from the blog (they were relayed to us as we don't actually surf the web up here) and those produced plenty of smiles and laughter. Thank You.
Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
On The Map
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Comments (13)
Richard,
In this morning’s devotion..sending prayers & optimism
your way. Silver linings in the clouds are not hard
to find, on the way to dreams coming true. Warmth & perfect weather from
the center of the heart of a Santa Barbara girl is yours. One step at a time….
SOUL, Denise:.
Posted by: denise:. on
Mark, what an adventure. So proud of you and the Team. Keep that sun tan lotion on. Stay safe. Bill
Posted by: Bill Hill on
Richard, warm hugs your way! Keep on truckin’. Looking forward to hearing all about it. xo
Posted by: Genny on
Hello Dave,
I do not have anyone on your climb but i do have family members that have been stuck at 14200 ft the past few days with you. Thank you for continually blogging. It helps us understand what is going on up there. Keep blogging and if you run into April and Bobby from NY tell them Kristen says hi. Stay safe and happy climbing!!!
Posted by: Kristen on
Hey Dr. K! You are in my prayers, hoping that you and the team are able to make it up the mountain soon! Hopes of seeing you this session are quickly fading :-( Please be safe!
Posted by: Kari on
Have you seen the Bumble yet? Stay safe and take care of our Piglet (Cathy)!
Posted by: Katie F on
bet it is just pretty up there. love following your team’s progress; hoping all the best to you.
Posted by: michelle on
Wow, a walled latrine with ‘all the modern conveniences’? Is there a bidet? Oh I know, maybe a bathroom attendant offering lotion & mints? Hope you all brought enough singles for tips! ;) Sounds like you are getting cleaver with your extra time during this waiting game, and I applaud you all! Hang in there, enjoy the blue sky and know that I’m sending positive energy for ideal climbing weather your way. (Disclaimer: due to the time change, earth’s curvature and climate fluctuation issues ‘positive energy for ideal climbing’ may be delayed.)
Posted by: DO'C on
Oh Cathy, you are living the dream, camping out at 10 below. Do you at least have some tea there? We are all thinking of you. Looking forward to photos soon from 17K camp :) Hang in there Team Hahn and take care of our girl!
Posted by: Monica on
to Cathy and the whole team:
you guys are doing great!!! its so exciting to see your progress on the blog….keep up the good work!!!
love, Kae and Caroline
Posted by: Kae on
Mark: Hopefully tomorrow is the day that you will continue your climb. The photos are all breath taking. Looks like alot of fun but also alot of work. Enjoy the last half of your stay. Stay safe. Love Mary
Posted by: Mary McDonald on
Brian, another day of relaxation - you should be nice and rested when you return. We are keeping our fingers crossed that tomorrow will be the lucky day and you and the team get to continue on your incredible journey. Connor swears the person in the orange jacket is you, I finally gave up and let him think it was you. Love and miss you, RBB, TB and CJ
Posted by: Robin, Tristan and Connor on
Mark,it looks absolutely beautiful up there. Hopefully the snow will settle and you will be on your way to 17. Stay safe, warm and good luck to you and your team.
Posted by: Bob B on