McKinley Expedition: Champion and Team Decide Weather Window Won’t Allow for Summit Attempt
Posted by: Nikki Champion, Nick Sinapius, Rosie Hust
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 14,000'
Saturday, May 30th 10PM PST
Today was our final decision day, the final day of no dehydrated meals, the final look at weather before making a decision to head up to 17 camp, or make our way back to the airstrip. The morning started off calm and beautiful, and after a breakfast of eggs and hashbrowns the whole team walked out the edge of the world where we got expansive views of everything below and out for miles. Throughout the afternoon we got more weather information, and the clouds began to build in camp.
The window we were looking for was moving up Sunday, trying to summit Monday, and heading back downhill Tuesday. The more we checked the weather, and the more we heard it appeared as the low pressure pushed out, and the high pressure moved in, high winds were moving in with it. Both the winds and the temperatures (still in the -30 range…brrr) sadly took the Monday summit window off the table.
After much consideration, we are going to have to start making our way back down the mountain and towards the airstrip.
We will check in tomorrow as we begin our descent. These decisions are never easy, and the team put so much effort in. We are proud of everything done up until this point.
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Comments (7)
Congratulations to this brave team on your incredible accomplishments. Reaching the summit is not the only measure of success; it takes tremendous courage, wisdom, and strength to make the difficult decision to turn back when conditions demand it. We are incredibly proud of you and wish you a safe descent. We love you Dad! - Emily, Jeff, Lauren, Jenny, and Andrew
Posted by: Jenny Penner on
Congratulations on an outstanding effort. True courage is demonstrated when tough decisions are made. So proud of you all. The journey is not over yet, and safe returns to the airstrip.
Love Dad/Bruce
Posted by: Bruce Shultz on
Oliver and team- congratulations on all your wonderful efforts- you are all heroes and fantastic examples of resilience, faith and strength. We are so proud of you. You are all winners. Your safety is paramount. You are in our thoughts and prayers for s safe decent. Things happen for a reason. Hard decisions have to be taken but not in vain. We salute you very brave men and women. Olive & John Blackwell
Posted by: Olive & John Blackwell on
Very proud of you for all the work to make it as far as the weather and mountain would allow this time. The strength you have will be with you forever. Love you very much and very proud of you. Kate & Brian
Posted by: Kate Palmer on
Be proud of what you have achieved, embrace the friendship s you have made.
Everything happens for a reason, no doubt you are stronger people after this adventure. (In mind and body)
Looking forward to a safe return for you all.
Maeve & the boys!
Posted by: Maeve on
You’ve made a brave decision. You will come down the mountain changed and for that you can be so proud of yourselves. I know we are! Love, Meagan, Dave, Amelia and Harrison
Posted by: Meagan Shultz on
Hard decisions are what make you all heros. With much admiration for your determination and skills, and much love for the character you have demonstrated.
Posted by: HILARY FOULKES on