On their way down...

The weather today was not what the forecast had predicted. The crew woke up to -15 F (-22 C) temperatures and high winds blowing up higher.

Today was their twentieth day on the mountain, and they decided that enough was enough. It will take them a couple of days to get back to base camp, and they could easily have to wait for a day or two to fly, given the slushy snow conditions of the airstrip.

They dug deep and gave the mountain their best effort, but the weather was uncooperative, and they never got a chance to summit. Congratulations to everyone for all their hard effort.

They are going to try to make it to Camp 2 or Camp 1 today, and will hopefully be back at base camp tomorrow.

Rest and Acclimatizing at High Camp

The team thought they might go for the top yesterday (Friday), but held fast due to high winds and a thick lenticular cloud covering the summit. The additional day of rest and acclimatizing should help a lot if they make a push for the summit today.

High Camp is a place of mixed emotions. You are inevitably a bit keyed up as you keep looking up toward the summit, hoping for enough of a weather window to make a push, but you are also inclined to take in one of the more amazing views on the planet, as you look out across Camp 3 and the southern aspects of the Alaska Range. It is a difficult and uncomfortable place, but when the sun is out, you can remain pretty cozy in your tent.

The team is probably brewing up and finishing breakfast as I type, and if the winds look favorable, they will start putting their packs and harnesses on in about a half hour, in preparation for a summit attempt. We'll keep you posted!

Good luck up there, everyone!

Doing the Camp 3 "Hang."

The crew is still hanging out at Camp 3. The weather has improved tremenously today, however the recent snows have created some degree of avalanche hazard, so they will probably wait for the new snow to settle or slide before heading up hill.

We received some reports of avalanches in the vivinity of the fixed lines, so that area might become cleared out enough for the team to head up, but I would bet that they will wait until tomorrow to head up to High Camp.

Another Snowy Day on Denali

They watched the snow again today. They described the weather as living inside of a ping pong ball, white all around. The low pressure is expected to hang around for another day, and then weaken. They've got plenty of time, food, and patience left.

Some personal messages...

Frampton says: Waiting out the storm, playing cards, and staying healthy. Thanks for the fathers day card, looking forward to summiting soon.

Zach says: Missing the wife and puppy, hope to see you soon.

Another Snowy Day on Denali

You get the idea... same as yesterday, watching the weather and trying hard to wish it away. The only thing you can count on with the weather is that it will change.

Yet Another Snowy Denali Day...

Pretty much the same story as yesterday up high on Denali. The winds have picked up a bit and it is expected to be a bit stormy for a day or two. They'll hang out for another day or two waiting for the break that almost always comes.

They are in good company at this camp right now, we have 2 other Mountain Trip groups there right now, as well as lots of other teams. They'll probably be obsessing over the weather forecasts, but we like to say that the forecast is for entertainment purposes only, and not a decision making tool. The forecast is posted on a board next to the Park Services tents, and climbers watch it constantly as if they could wish the weather away if they just try hard enough.

Another Snowy Day on Denali

The crew watched some snow and wind today again. The forecast for the next few days isn't too promising, but they have plenty of time. They may be trading books here if they don't get a break in the weather soon. They are all doing great, enjoying each others company, and eating well so there's not a lot of suffering going on.