Prepping to descend to the cache, retrieve and ascend back to 11K. Not looking forward to climbing Ski Hill again in the heat. Snowing since last report, so if the cool temps hold, it should be easy enough.
The Ski Hill climb to 11K in the searing heat really taxed me today. I had to dig deep to get up the hill, looking forward to cooler temps as we get higher.
Today we will be moving up to Camp 2 at 11,200′ with the rest of gear bypassing the cache at 10,100′. Then the next day we downclimb to retrieve the cache
Back at Camp 1. Today was taxing but tolerable. Very warm now, that will change. 41 deg in my tent. Taking my first sponge bath of the trip. Tired but well.
We are digging the cache now. Will be headed back to Camp 1 soon. Alternated between being overheated and freezing with the dramatic wind variations & bright sun.
Making good time, halfway up Ski Hill. Blue skies, no wind, wispy clouds snow covered peaks. It’s a good day for adventure. Should be an 8 hr day up and down
Today we start our double carry up Ski Hill. Will carry half our gear up today and cache it there. Come back to Camp 1 and carry the remainder up tomorrow.
Not so serene here. 30 MPH wind, 25 deg temp, 5 deg w chill. Deep powdery snow. Took 3 hours to digout tent platforms, kitchen, latreene and build ice walls.
1st break, harder today. Moving up a glacial valley surrounded by snow covered mountains. Clear sky, sun causing minor avalanches all around us. Awesome!
Just weighed my gear and wish I hadn’t. 178.4 lbs includ sled, pack, gear & clothes on my back. Think I was better off not knowing. We are moving out soon.
It’s quiet & peaceful this morning with only the gentle wind brushing the tents. The sun is peeking over the mountains onto the perfect snow. Breathtaking!
Finished camp 1hr ago Cheeseburgers & apple cider for dinner. 21 deg now, no wind. Low clouds and fog mixed w blue skies creating quite a dramatic sunset.
Despite being our heaviest load day, it was an easy one. Making low camp in a vast valley of pristine snow. Probing for crevasses to find solid ice now.
Break #2. Despite the 150lb loads it’s been easy going so far. Sun is brutal. Im dripping w sweat despite the 25 degree temp. 1 or 2 more 1 hr pushes today.