Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Return to High Camp after Summit Bid
Posted by: Tyler Jones, Blake Votilla, Caleb Ladue
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 17,000'
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June 9, 2016 - 10:38 pm PT
Hello!!!
We are all safe and sound back at our high camp after a long summit push. This morning we got out of the tents at the suns first rays to clear but windy weather. We were a bit nervous as the wind extended into the late morning but once we were tied in to the ropes around 10:30 the sun started to grace the slopes of Denali Pass and the wind let up a bit. We climbed smoothly up to the pass.Today was a chilly one, filled with managing our feet, hands, and faces against the pesky cold. Our bodies were spent as we finished Pig Hill and to our surprise the summit ridge was rather warm and welcoming. We took photos, embraced and congratulated each other on a strong effort. The crew made great time on the way down and we are grubbing on soup and ramen, looking forward to descending to more oxygen rich air.
Time for a bit of rest for this tuckered out crew!
RMI Guide Tyler Jones
On The Map
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Comments (9)
Congrats team
Very exciting and very thankful to hear you are heading down safe. Please be careful on your way down and cannot wait to hear the stories upon Dan and Eric’s return.
Thanks to the RMI guides for keeping our loved ones safe.
Karen
Posted by: karen Stewart on
Congrats all! Now hurry down Mr. President Oxygen because I’m trying to plan your next expedition :-)
Posted by: First Lady Oxygen on
First of all and most importantly…CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE!!! You’ve accomplished a VERY rare feat…20,310 to be exact! You’ve been thought of and prayed for many times by those that love you and those that just know of you and your quest.
In Virginia, we have large cumulus clouds that pile up high in the afternoon sky during the warm summer days. It is hard to imagine trekking above the clouds like you all have been doing, for weeks now. The thin frozen air and endless white peaks look like another world to us.
We are in awe of your strength, perseverance and anxiously await your return.
If you love your families, next time consider paddle boarding a calm, warm river!
Michael…everyone that knows you is very proud of you and cannot wait for you to be home! See you soon!!
Love,
Mom and Dad
Posted by: Carter And Kay Adams on
Congrats Blake to you and your team! Really proud of your accomplishment!!
Dad
Posted by: Vince votilla on
La cumbre!!! Now rush on out of there for some off days…
Posted by: Aud on
Comgrats to all and to my son Forrest, GREAT JOB. Glad everything went well!!
Posted by: Loris Heller on
Congrats to everyone! Sounds like a tough summit day. Schlax: I will no longer make fun of you for having only warm weather and forgiving conditions on your mountaineering adventures. Denali is full on and you guys weren’t dealt an easy hand (not that anyone is up there).
I’m impressed that you guys descended to near the top of the fixed lines to get that photo before ascending back to high camp for some rest ;)
Posted by: Eric Schafer on
High Camp ???
Sounds more like High Glamp !
Posted by: Dad on
Guys that picture is incredible! You are trekking a ridge above the clouds! I’m so relieved to hear you made it safely down from the summit. I hope you can stay warm and take care of each other in that altitude and cold!
Ongun I hope you are doing well! I’m terrified and aw inspired that you are up there! I hope you can rest and take good care of yourself. Come down safely! NYC will be sunny and warm when you return :) sending all my love and support.
Karina
Posted by: karina on