Sunday, June 18, 2023 - 9:54 pm PT

After an early wake up of 0330 and a quick breakfast the team began the ascent toward 11,000' Camp. The brisk morning air called for thick gloves and layers that were quickly shed as the sun broke over the peak, illuminating the lower Kahiltna Glacier. The suns rays consistently beat down on the team and in combination with the still air caused an almost equatorial heat, despite the ambient air temperature being near freezing. The vastness of the Kahiltna cannot be understated. While sitting on the top of Ski Hill we speculated we could see nearly 15 miles to where the glacier took a turn out of view. Outside of the vibrant, tropical colors worn by the climbers, the only other colors were the icy blue of the sky, white snow, and black rocks jutting out from cliff sides. Despite the lack of other visual stimuli the shear beauty of this area strikes the team with awe every morning when they rise from their tents.

RMI Climber Travis Sturckow