McKinley Expedition: May & Team Acclimatizes on the Fixed Lines
Posted by: Daniel May, Drew O’Brien, Mac Nolde
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 14,000'
6/13 1. Guest dispatcher Zach checking in with the DDM team here at 14k camp.
The day began with another cold morning easily battled by bellies filled of hot beverages and CTC (Cinnamon Toast Crunch). The team looked incredibly strong and efficient today as we made an acclimatization push up the fixed lines.
The entire way up was gifted with incredibly clear views in every direction. Once at the ridgeline we got out first glimpse of the entire northern side of the range and beyond into the endless expanse of Alaskan tundra. From there we made our way back down to camp for a relaxing afternoon just as a storm closed in behind us. The afternoon was a combined mix of snow and sunshine making for a wonderful ambiance.
The status que around the team is consistently being upheld as the world's best #1 rope team continues to stealthily slide under the radar and avoid demerits. Team Erik and the Squatters aka the New Mexico Allstars continue to excel at every aspect of Denali life- something all of us common folk can only dream to achieve.
Finally Team Hoarding Marmots including yours truly, continue to evolve our domicile. What began as the chateau marmot, then the fortress of demerits and finally the marmot chalet has again evolved through the course of the trek. The warm, sunny afternoons have turned the tents into a sauna like relaxation pods and with the addition of hours of spa music on loop the Marmot Spa has opened for business... until the speaker dies. While actively attempting to bribe our wonderful guides to help add the finishing touch to the Marmot Spa by providing facial massages, they have respectfully turned us down citing a lack of fresh cucumber slices and thawed facial cream.
Tomorrow is another scheduled rest day just in time for the next storm system to flow through. After that we wait for the next 3 day weather window to begin our summit push
Mia and Beckett, I hope you get to experience places like this when you get a bit older. Hi mom!
Hoarding marmot,
Signing out
- RMI Climber Zack
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