Denali Expedition: Walter & Team in Position at 17,200’ for Summit Bid
Posted by: Mike Walter, Alan Davis, Alex Halliday
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 17,200'
Tuesday, May 28, 2019 - 6:12 PM PT
Today dawned clear and calm and cold. I got out of the tent at the frigid hour of 4:30 am to start the stoves. I woke everyone else shortly thereafter to start packing up their sleeping bags and gearing up for our move to High Camp, we were rolling by 7:10. Clouds had moved in and by the time we topped out on the fixed lines a light breeze kept the temps cold. We made good time navigating the fixed ropes and the West Buttress Ridge all the way to 17,200'. Five hours and ten minutes after leaving 14 Camp we were in 17 Camp. But we had hours of work to do, digging and chipping flat tent platforms out of rock hard ice and wind eroded snow.
Now we're all moved in to our tents, we've filled water bottles, and we're making more water for dinner. We're hoping the weather forecast validates and tomorrow will let us have a stab at the summit. If not, we're set up with food and fuel to wait a handful of days until we get our chance. We'll keep you posted.
RMI Guide Mike Walter
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Comments (16)
Congratulations to everyone! Prayers to all for a safe descent.
Your followers in Columbus, Georgia :)
Posted by: Janette on
It looks like you reached the summit yesterday at around 5:30pm? We have been closely following your progress through the Garmin updates from one of your team members. Can’t wait to read the update. Hope you are all doing well and enjoying the amazing achievement.
Suretha Swart
Posted by: Suretha on
Please let Doug Z. Know that all of us in Alabama have been following along and praying for a safe, successful climb! We look forward to hearing all about it!
LEGACY Team
Posted by: Wendy Fineberg on
Tom, Thanks for the news of your successful summit.
Congrats to the entire Walter Team. What a great achievement, I so pleased for you all.
High fives and hugs
Wishing you a safe descent.
With love
Jacquie
Posted by: Jacquie Byatt on
Tom—
Garmin says you topped today at 5:32p! Big congrats!!!!!!
Sweet dreams tonight and best wishes for an easy trek back down—as the weather closes in again on the top.
Give a confirming shout and I’ll get the word out to all the Club down here.
—Mike
Posted by: Mike Watt on
Jim I was overjoyed to hear you reached the summit!!! I’m so very happy you got to fulfill your dream this year after 2 tries!! Congratulations!
Fly high on your accomplishment Team and come back safely.
Mary Beth
Posted by: Mary Beth on
It appears the summit was reached today, if I’m correctly reading Tom M’s satellite GPS??!? Eager to hear the update from Mike this evening! Congratulations!
Posted by: Susan Mulvey on
Good luck all for a safe and successful summit! Would love to know where y’all post your photos as well as the client’s names. I can see who’s leading, but that’s all. Thank you! Step safe!
Posted by: Susan Moore on
Hope you all are safely at the summit as I type this. May the weather cooperate and allow for a safe descent back to camp! And a good restful sleep tonight!
Posted by: Susan Mulvey on
Good luck everyone. Hoping and praying for a successful summit soon!
Posted by: Erik Holmberg on
Good luck! Hope the weather and mountain gods cooperate for a beautiful ascent to the top! Sending stamina and best wishes to each of you.
Posted by: Patty Ripley on
Hi Pieter,
I’m thinking of little else - i’m meant to be working! Fingers and toes crossed for you all! Stay safe up there. Paul
Posted by: Paul Summers on
Pieter Following you and your teams Accent. Your trek to the peak is so close. i am sure head is pushing you through. All the best!!
Bet you are glad to have done BCMC with all that weight. Your amazing!!
Rea and the PACU crew
Posted by: Rea on
Following closely. Hoping for good weather conditions and a successfully summit. Stay safe Jim and the whole team.
Posted by: Clare on
Good luck to everyone. Following Tom and everyone as closely as I can. I hope you all summit and return safely!
Posted by: Richard Kalish on
Following closely. Wishing you all a strong climb and calm day tomorrow.
Love to Pieter-everyone here in Vancouver (friends and colleagues) are closely following your progress.
Posted by: Suretha on