Mt. McKinley: Van Deventer and Team Settle in at 11k Camp
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young, Josh Maggard
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 11,200'
May 17, 11:50 pm PT
Despite the forecasts that we have been getting the last few days, we woke to sunny skies and calm conditions. Everybody was excited to get the move to 11k done. Now that we are here, the first part of the challenge of McKinley is wrapped up. From here on out, we'll be done with the sleds and snowshoes until we head back for the airstrip.
The move only took a few hours, but we spent several more hours building snow walls and digging in. Right around dinner time the clouds moved in and it started to snow, about an inch in the last two hours. It looks like we'll wake to several more in the morning. The weather dovetails well with our overall plan however; we've had three hard days with big loads and tomorrow is the perfect time for our first full rest day. Our plan is to eat a fat breakfast, read some books, practice cramponing, prepare for a carry to 13k, and then eat a big dinner. Everybody is psyched with our progress even more so with the prospect of a mellow day. We'll let you know how it goes!
RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young, and Josh Maggard
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Comments (2)
So glad to hear you’re having some sunny skies! Happy trails!!
Posted by: Courtney Winston on
Great to hear that the team is making such great progress every day, and congrats on completing this first arm of your journey. For Marko, a big warm hug. XOXO
Gina
Posted by: gina badescu on