Mt. McKinley: Van Deventer and Team Carry to High Camp
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young, Josh Maggard
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 14,200'
Thursday, May 28th 3:49 am PDT
After so many posts about waiting for weather, this one is different. We headed for the fixed lines this morning under clear, sunny skies. The day turned into the nicest that Robby, Josh, or I have ever had on the West Buttress--warm and without a breathe of wind. Because the weather was so nice, the climbing conditions so perfect, and the group climbing so well, we decided to push all of the way to 17 Camp and leave our cache there. The climbing on the Buttress is some of the best of the entire route, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the huge views, interesting climbing, and the accomplishment of getting it done. It was a big day, just under 10 hours round trip, so everyone is knackered but elated, and we will more than likely sleep in and take a rest day tomorrow.
RMI Guides Pete, Robby, Josh, and team
On The Map
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Comments (9)
Matt thanks to you and your team for all the updates. This has been so exciting to follow you and your team Pete on your blog. This is the day you all have been waiting for the perfect weather to climb to the top. Congrats and take lots of pictures to share with us all. We are all praying for your perfect climb. Rest and drink lots of water. Be safe and we love. I’m so proud of you.
Auntie Marilyn
Posted by: marilyn collura on
Pete thanks for the updates, fun to follow along. Brian, following along, hope to see a post that you made Camp 17 in the next day or so, best of luck to the whole team!.
Posted by: Oscar Berke on
Hi Renee, hope all is going well. Ralph & Meissa are on their best behaviour (so far…..)
What an epic climb you have undertaken!!!! I am very proud of you young lady. Jordan is in Anchorage and sounds like he has settled in OK. I am missing you both and look forward to hearing of your adventure when you get back down the mountain. Love Papa T
Posted by: Steve Telford on
Hi Greg Barber. I wish you a great climb and good weather to stand on the summit of Denali. Climb and descend saféy, we’ll go for drinks in Vancouver together.
Posted by: Daniel Emond on
Great news that you are finally getting some good weather. Brian, I am looking forward to seeing pictures and hearing the stories about the climb. Love Mom and Dad
Posted by: Tom on
Good morning Naisy from Oz. It’s Friday 9am.
I was overjoyed to hear the weather is on your side finally.
Looks like a green light to camp 17.
I’m getting nervous now realising how high you really are.
Denali means THE GREAT ONE OR THE HIGH ONE so that will look good one the resume hey!!!
Hope your getting your power sleep . Sounds like you will need lots of energy after doing the trek to 17 and back. Truely amazing.
We are well here.
Keep warm and safe. Love you lots and lots Mama xx
Posted by: Lori on
Great Job Team Pete!!!!
That is what you all been waiting for a perfect weather day :>)
Matt great weather there, raining here @ home today. Congrats on a great climb, the views must be amazing have a good night rest. Almost there :>) We love you.
GO TEAM PETE, were all praying weather stays nice. Stay safe and healthy,
Till the next update.
Love,
mom xo
Posted by: Terri on
Hi Renee. I’m in anchorage the weather he is superb can see Denali from balcony clear as anything! Weather is looking good for about a week here. Hope you get all the good weather also! I must have brought the good weather from Australia over haha! I have booked the summit tour on Saturday with K2 so I’ll be keeping an eye out for you and your team! Give me a wave! Stay safe everyone. Love Jordy. xo.
Posted by: Jordan on
AWESOME! So glad y’all finally got some great weather!I can’t wait to see all the pics. It was so great to talk to you Matt :) Missing you terribly and can’t wait to talk to you soon. Praying for continued good weather for you. Love, Kate
Posted by: Kate on