Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Pounce on the Opportunity to Move to 14,000’
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello, Nikki Champion
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 14,000'
Wednesday, June 27, 2018 - 10:11 PM PT
Hey from 14K. We got an excellent day for moving up. When the 6 AM alarm went off down at 11,000', we peered out to see clear skies and no signs of wind. We pounced on the opportunity, hitting the trail at 9 AM. Hannah Smith led the charge today, bringing the team expeditiously up Motorcycle Hill, The Squirrel Hills and then the Polo Field. Just like when we carried, it began to cloud up as we approached Windy Corner and to snow as we went around. We moved right on past our cache site, which appears to be resisting the ravages of the ravens (we buried it deep in the snow). Hannah got us into camp at 14,000' in a very respectable 5 hours and 45 minutes. The tents went up fast and easy and about the time we’d completed setup, the snow quit. As we ate dinner, the clouds melted away and when we emerged from our deluxe dining shelter, we were treated to new and spectacular views in every direction. Foraker and Hunter, the other two giants of the Alaska Range were visible -for the first time- in all their glory. But it was the view of Denali, rising straight up in front of us for a vertical mile and more that took our breath away. Our world is now bound on the left by the West Buttress and on the right by the West Rib... which covers a lot of fascinating and historic... and slightly intimidating terrain. Just before bedtime, we listened to the weather outlook, broadcast via radio from Basecamp and more importantly to the trivia question for the night. Did you know that there are 21 bears for every human in Alaska?
Best Regards
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
On The Map
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Comments (7)
‘Enjoying the updates, wishing you continued safe travel and good weather! ‘Looking forward to hearing about your adventures in person when you return to WI!
Posted by: Terri Ellis on
Your Swiss genes are showing in this hike and Fritz would be so proud! Stay safe and enjoy!
Posted by: Kathy Roelli on
Margaret, you have my heart.
Posted by: Kerry McCabe on
Happy to hear the weather is starting to cooperate! Tom S- watch out for those “Prince Phillip’s” up there…. heard they can get in your way and we don’t want that! ;) ;) Cheers!
Posted by: Darcy Murnaghan on
Love following all the updates of the expedition! Hello to all from the Vinson family! Hi Margaret and John!!
Posted by: Victoria Vinson on
So Awesome!!!! I am glad to hear you have some sunshine and are moving higher! I keep sending strength and sunshine prayers Tom!!!
Posted by: Dave Kestel on
Looking great so far with many interesting views along the way. My wife & I are so amazed at what our son has accomplished this year. “One mile to go!”
Posted by: Roger Coffey on