Mt. McKinley: Van Deventer and Team Set Up Camp at 14,200’
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young, Josh Maggard
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 14,200'
Friday, May 22nd 5:52 pm PDT
The day dawned (that is, the sun rose since it's always some shade of dawn or dusk but never night) with blue skies and calm air in camp, so we hit the rally button, gobbled breakfast and set about breaking camp to head to 14,200 ft. As we climbed, clouds started to appear and stream over our heads and we knew that winds were building. Windy Corner lived up to its name, but it was really only unpleasant for a short while, with wind whipping snow and ice pellets into our face. As soon as we passed the Windy Corner, the winds died and the oven turned on. It's a long move to 14k Camp, and once we arrived the work wasn't over. We set about building walls, a new kitchen, and getting everything bomb proofed. Now we're settled into our new digs, happy, warm, and content. 14k Camp really is the cat's meow. Tomorrow we'll retrieve our cache, and it will be great to be fully settled.
Until then,
RMI Guides Pete, Robby, Josh, and team
On The Map
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Comments (6)
Keep up the good work, Matt! Here’s a terrible pun for your trouble: ‘I have kleptomania, so when it gets really bad, I take something for it.’ Stay warm and safe, and enjoy the view!
Posted by: Scott on
Jon and Team,
Congratulations on hiking up to 14,200 base camp! In spite of the snow and ice pellets you all persevered and succeeded. Thank you guides for your wisdom.
We continue to pray for your safety, cooperative weather and good health.
With caring thoughts to all,
Hugs,
Mom and Aunty Karen
Posted by: Kemai on
Congratulations team PRJ on your achievement. A huge effort deserved by all.
Weather looks more forgiving in your photo. Will be good to gather your gear and enjoy your prize at 14K.
Keeping peeled on this site as always.
Miss my darling girl lots. Nan watching over you Renee so never fear.
Sunday morning here in Currumbin. Sunny skies. I’m sitting on beach sending you this with my latte. Ha.
Will say cheerio for now. As always sending your my love. Mama xx
Posted by: Lori on
Awesome! So glad to hear that the weather is somewhat cooperating….. although ice pellets to the face doesn’t sound too fun :( missing you Matt. I moved into the new place today. Can’t wait for you to see it. Stay safe. xoxo Kate
Posted by: Kate on
Thanks for update. Glad to hear you were able to climb today and that everyone is safe and warm. Nice weekend in Charlotte. Went down to 48 last night. 80s today with no humidity. Will watch for more updates over the weekend. Have fun!!
Posted by: Jen on
AWESOME!!!! Great climb it was tuff but of course Team Pete pulled thru..:>)” Happy to hear all are safe, Maybe will all fingers crossed you will be able to retrieve your cache with no wind today and enjoy a day of rest @ 14200’.
We are all given team Pete extra prayers and hope for a far better weather, come on Mt. Mckinley be kind to the climbers they are kind to you and they love your beauty.
Thank you for the update we all love to hear from you all no matter what state we are from we all miss our friends and family. BE SAFE !!
Matt miss you so very much eat well, and get some good rest. Stay warm sound like its a bit colder up there. We went to Speed Street last night all 4 of us it was nice not as crowded as its been in the pass. Only 1 stage w/2 bands 1start @ 9-10pm then last one 1045-11-45pm but it was okay
Hope and prayers for team Pete for better weather and great rest.
GO TEAM PETE SAFELY WITH CAUTION!!!!
Love mom xox
Posted by: Terri on