Denali Expedition: Champion & Team Move to 17,000 Camp to celebrate Nikkis Birthday
Posted by: Nikki Champion, Taylor Bickford, Emma Lyddan
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 17,000'
Tuesday, June 7, 2022 - 11:39 pm PT
Today we had our second birthday of the trip, mine! We celebrated by loading up the heavy packs and making the move to 17,000' Camp. We headed out this morning with clear skies, but low clouds slowly overtook 14,000' Camp and the fixed lines. We remained in and out of the clouds for the entire climb of the West Buttress, with occasional bouts of sunshine and snow. Overall, a beautiful, tough day on the Buttress. Right before dinner time we rolled into 17,000' Camp, where we set up camp and started making water and hots for a late dinner. The next few days of weather look favorable, so I think we'll squeeze the summit in within the next two days. Check back in tomorrow either post summit, or post rest day!
Comments (3)
Happy Birthday Nikki! We’re so happy things seem to be going well for the team. Hope Taylor and Emma fixed you dinner last night and let you sleep in a bit:). May the weather gods continue to treat you all well. Go Team! Love, the Wilhelms
Posted by: Tracy on
Happy Birthday, Nikki! Videos are breathtaking! I can feel the wind and snow from my easy chair! Way to go! Cheers, Jerry, your 3rd level uncle, twice removed!!?
Posted by: Jerry Worden on
So far it looks as if everything is well on schedule and you guys have made excellent progress. Happy Birthday Nikki. I hope the team gave you a memorable one and that somewhere there was cake! Fingers crossed that the weather holds, and everyone feels strong for the imminent summit bid. Good luck. May your “Gods” go with you.
Posted by: Robert Edge on