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Vinson Massif: Hahn & Team Move to High Camp

We woke to the same thick blanket of cloud concealing the mountaintops and the sun and the blue sky.  The good thing was that blanket held in a little more heat than normal, so getting started wasn’t particularly mean and cold.  We ate breakfast, caught the forecast passed on from the meteorological folks at Union Glacier, and debated what to do about it.  Our decision, since we had no sign or signal that the wind was blowing, was to push up into the cloud and make our move to high camp.  It took until 1:00 PM to bust camp and be packed, but that worked just fine.  There were occasional snowflakes falling, and we were certainly on the lookout for deteriorating weather, but all-in-all, conditions were stable and we pressed on.  We took a short break at yesterday’s high point and then moved higher up the steep snow slope without much at all for views.  It was a little like climbing inside a milk bottle.  Our boldness was rewarded when we topped out the ropes to find calm and easy conditions (although still cloudy) on the plateau.  We pulled into high camp at 6:30, for a respectable five and a half hour push to 12,500 ft.  The gang found it tough going... it worked us in about 12 different and mean ways, but everybody set to building camp with good energy and enthusiasm.  By that point we’d put on all the big and puffy clothing -down coats and down pants- which seemed just right for our cold new home.  We filed into ALE’s good, strong cooking and dining tent and had a deluxe session of hot drinks, dinner, and strategizing for tomorrow.  We hope the calm holds and that we can take a good shot at the top to start 2020 off right.  
All of us want to wish our friends and loved ones the very warmest and best wishes for their own celebrations.  Happy New Year!

RMI Guide Dave Hahn

On The Map


Comments (5)

Vinson Massif on New Years Day! Wow.

Good luck everyone!!!

Cheers

Posted by: Ernie Mennes on

Very excited for you guys. Good luck tomorrow, we are rooting for you. Happy summit!

Posted by: Suzanne Davis on

Starting 2020 at the top of the bottom of the world is a pretty incredible thing -  our best to the entire team and wishes for the weather holding calm.

Posted by: Chris Gustafson on

Extraordinary start to 2020!  Wishing you all a continued healthy and safe adventure.
Happy New Year!

Posted by: Cheryl Gustafson on

Happy New Year’s guys! What an awesome way to start 2020. Be safe and climb on!

Posted by: Ashley Baum on

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