Mt. McKinley: Knoff and Team Continue to Wait out Storm
June 4, 2015 3:05pm PST
One of the most famous books of Mt. McKinley lore is of the first winter ascent and it's title is Minus 148. Yes this refers to the calculated wind chill factor the climbers experienced while stuck in a storm at 18,000' feet in the middle of February. While we sit here waiting out this storm which we have been racing for six days, the cold accompanying the snow is bone chilling. Last night after the sun went behind the ridge, we all guessed the evening temp here in camp at 14,000' feet was a balmy minus 15 degrees. Add in the 15 mph breeze and the wind chill here was a cool minus 35! Up at high camp where we just came from, where teams still sit waiting for a summit chance, the air temp was a frigid minus 25 with 40 mph winds. This means the wind chill was roughly minus 50. At these temps skin freezes in seconds and the body can hardly consume enough calories to stay warm without shelter. The morale of the team is really high knowing the high altitude work is done. As I write this on June 4th, the description of June 3rd is identical. Drink coffee, eat lots of food, take a nap, eat more food, have dinner and go to bed. The need to hang outside in the freezing temps is not what anyone needs.
As the storm moves through, we are hoping to get this show on the road and move to base camp where planes can pick us up as soon as the weather breaks. Cross your fingers for an opening by Sunday. We will touch base tomorrow.
RMI Guide Adam Knoff & Team
×
Comments (10)
Comgratulations on your amazing climb! Thinking of the team every day. Stay strong and safe on your descent.
Posted by: Elaine on
Hang in there Knoff and Team! Waiting at base camp to fly home is trying. Stay warm, have fun, throw lots of snowballs at the other teams (Especially Chad’s AAI team, Greg!) and be ready to go. Hoping you hear the planes any time now! Home soon!
Posted by: Kerry on
Happy for all of you, outstanding! Prayers and warm wishes coming your way. Stay strong and climb on. Looking forward to your next post.
Posted by: Patty fisher on
Maybe Tom Petty was right: The waiting IS the hardest part! Wishing you all warmth, patience and a little blue sky while we’re at it!
Posted by: Diane O'Connor on
Bill Dorn - hopefully the weather will clear so you can begin the climb!
Posted by: Carol on
What an Epic climb this has been for the entire team. Enjoy your rest days and hope the storm breaks soon. Andy, we’re all routing for you back in T- town, and enjoy reading your blogs and seeing your photos. Can’t wait to hear from you when you get back to base camp. Keep Strong!!
Posted by: Jerry H on
Knoff Team, you are amazing! I can only imagine what you’re feeling right now. You’ve accomplished your reason for being there and for that you can be very proud. Now, stay strong, wait out the storm and come home safely. Prayers and thoughts are with you.
Posted by: Mark Fisher on
Sending warm wishes and a descent very soon.
Posted by: Cathy S. on
Congrats Jang on your Denali summit! Your Cactus to Clouds friends.
Posted by: Kalen and Mark on
Hang in there team. Stay in and try to stay as warm as possible. We are praying for better weather. Stay strong and be careful!
Posted by: Connie Whitley on