All posts in State Highpoints

Kept waking, could not get enough air. Realized tent was buried in snow. Cleared snow away from all tents, breathing much better now.

Unfortunately we are getting a lot of snow. Hopefully it will stop soon as deep snow will make tomorrows climb considerably harder.

At 14k I’ve adapted well to alt. Have blisters mild headaches & sore muscles but good appetite & feel strong. 17.2k is harder on body

Tomorrow we move camp to 17.2k so today we prep gear & rest for toughest day yet. Climb is hard but views are spectacular along ridge

The sun doesn’t set here but becomes obscured by the mountains creating the dramatic & photogenic lighting effect “Alpine Glow”.

Have returned from caching supplies on 16.7k ridge above us & returned to 14k to rest. Hardest day yet; steep, heavy pack & thin air

Today’s 16.7k was my personal highest & really taxed me. It’s a bit scary knowing that moving camp to 17k will be harder still.

Now climbing the intimidating Headwall, which looms over 14k camp. It’s so steep it requires fixed lines from 15,500 to 16,100 feet.

In the morning we will ascend the Headwall & go up fixed lines with ascenders, we will then cache and come back down to 14k camp.

Back at 14k & it’s another scorcher. Most of us are walking around camp without shirts. Grilled cheese sandwiches w Salmon for lunch!

Moving out!

Slept well at 14k, highest ever. Feel refreshed & strong. No soreness except calves. -1 degree this AM. Retrieving cache today.

14k is the place to be. After 4 days to acclimatize, we watch for a weather opening to move to 17k and then summit.

Digging out camp at 14k took more out of me than climbing. Maybe I need a sandbox to train with. I’m tired but well. 4 days here min

Made 14. 2 K camp, Work to do now. Hard day.

We broke camp and are in crampons for the icy climb to 14.2 camp. Its overcast so should be a bit cooler today. We are moving out now

Checked the Kestrel & temp spread today was 19-102 deg in the sun. Those praying for good weather might dial it back just a bit.

Tired but happy, If good weather holds, tomorrow we push up to 14.2k camp. Will be hardest day yet w packs & sleds up steep inclines

Last pre defined message was in error. We returned to 11.2k & are resting after a hard hot day. My boots are made for cold & heat is contributing to blisters

We are done moving for the day & have a couple of hours work digging out tent sites & building ice walls. I’ll blog more about today after the work is done.