Get 'er Done - Day 9 - Saturday, June 27th - carry to 17,200 ft.

No satellite communication today – however, there were several SPOT messages at 6:16PM Denali time & again at 9:12 Denali time…

Day 9 – Saturday, June 27^th – above 14,200 the real climbing begins and is almost totally dependent on ‘GOOD WEATHER’!  Dave & Todd carried up and cached supplies at 17,200 in preparation for their move up and ultimate summit bit – likely Tuesday or Wednesday.  Dave cough was better but not Fred’s.  Fred remained at 14,200, Camp III to rest. 

 

If Fred’s cough is related to ‘High Altitude Bronchitis’ / HAB using a scarf or mask to warm and humidify the air can be helpful both in preventing and treating the cough.  Hard candies or cough drops can also provide significant relief.  The team also carries Benzonatate or Tessalon Perles [Team medical kit] which relieves coughing by acting directly on the lungs and breathing passages.  HAB – is not associated with a fever, increased heart rate, shortness of breath or lips turning blue – these are / could be signs of more serious AMS!

Out of Camp III / 14,200 ft. the route climbs the West Buttress through its Southern flank and is the steepest climbing of the entire climb.  An initial climb of 1,200 ft. of moderate terrain leads to an 800 ft. 40-55 degree snow & ice climb known as the ‘Headwall’.  The fixed lines [2 separate lines for ascending on the right and descending on the left] protect and aid climbers up this final 800 ft. ‘Headwall’ to 16,200 ft.  The fixed lines are anchored w/ buried pickets about every 60 ft.  From 16,200 to 17,200 the route follows below, or North of the ridge line and weaves up through the rocks along the spine of the West Buttress.  When I spoke w/ Todd on Sunday, June 28^th he said the route was well protected w/ spectacular views and good weather.

**More information & updates as I receive them.  VEB.........

 

 

 

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