Get 'er Done - Denali - Day #2 - Move to Camp I

Spoke w/ Todd via. satellite phone this morning - 10:45AM Denver - 8:45AM Alaska..........

 

The team [Dave, Todd & Fred] safely landed at the Kahiltna Glacier Base Camp - 7,200 ft. Friday afternoon, Day '1' with aprx 110 - 115 lbs. of gear each.  Because of the warm sunny weather and soft snow conditions a decision was made to rest until after midnight before heading out to Camp I.  The lower Kahiltna can act like a reflector oven and is generally avoided during the hottest parts of the day in late June & July.  At Base Camp you pick up your fuel - generally '1' gallon of Coleman White Gas per person and leave / burry a food cache of normally 2-3 days [this is just in case when you are ready to fly out there is a lengthy weather delay + a treat or two and possibly an adult beverage].  During the evening the weather at Base Camp deteriorated with much cooler temperatures and decreasing visibility.  Around 2AM the Team began preparing to leave Base and move to Camp I at the very base of Ski Hill / 7,800 ft. [elevation gain of 600 ft. & aprx 5.5 miles].  The team departed Base Camp roped up carrying heavy packs and sleds and at 3:30AM.  With  24 hours of day light night travel is not a problem and recommended on the lower glacier.  The route to Camp I initially descends Heartbreak Hill and swings wide into the main Kahiltna Glacier - this section has the largest crevasses and snow bridges on the entire route - another reason to travel at night when the snow is firmer.   The Team arrived safely at Camp I 4.5 hours later, about 8AM Alaska time in near whiteout conditions with only one minor incident; a snow bridge partially collapsed and while Fred sank in waist deep he was able to extricate himself unassisted. 

 

The team will establish & fortify Camp I and will be here at least '2' nights.  The remainder of Saturday - Day 2 will be spend organizing, resting and preparing for the first carry & cache to just below Kahiltna Pass - 9,700 to 10,000 ft. and about 2.5 miles.  The current plan is to gear up and leave Camp I around 8AM - Sunday, day #3.  From Camp I the route follows the less-crevassed center of Ski Hill angling slightly North at the top toward Kahiltna Pass.  For some reason the weather always seems 'BAD' as you gain elevation between Camp I and the Kahiltna Pass - the team will likely be wanding this route as whiteouts are common.  **More information & updates as I receive them. VEB......

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