The Group Divides (Temporarily)

It is not unusual to have difficulty adjusting to the lower oxygen content of high elevations. Climbers often camp several days at successive elevations before a "push". This hopefully allows for the body to acclimate. After close assessment, it was determined that Travis was having difficulties acclimating and should return to a lower elevation. I spoke with Travis today (he is feeling much better; he got a precautionary check-up in Wasilla). He plans to visit his sister in Anchorage and then stay at his home in Kenai until the group has descended Denali. He will then meet them in Talkeetna for the return journey to Juneau.

Monday, while the rest of the team stayed at the 11,300 ft. camp, Forest and Shea accompanied Travis to Base Camp (Forest turning back to rejoin the group just before reaching Base Camp). Travis, responding well to the lower elevation, flew out Tuesday morning. Shea is returning to the 11,300 ft. camp.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch...
Kevin and the rest of the team hauled gear and food up to a cache at 13,500 ft.; a feat that began at 9 this morning and concluded at 7 this evening with their return to the 11,300 ft. camp. Everyone should be reunited by Wednesday morning.

When I spoke with Forest, he outlined a general plan: Wednesday is a rest day, followed by a move to 14,000 ft. on Thursday. There the group will rest and acclimate for the next four days or so. The next goal is to move to a "high camp" and then to summit, weather permitting.

Speaking of weather, the team has been enjoying perfect weather so far; even hot at times. This, of course, is a relative "hot". Forest reported some weather starting to move in now.

French Climber's Fall

I spoke with Kevin tonight and relayed what information I have found about Sunday's sad incident involving another climbing group. (link to story). Many teams, including the ODS team, are following the West Buttress route, generally considered the "easiest" route. The weather is good so far and the instructors skilled and cautious.

Tuesday's plan is to ferry supplies and equipment higher on the mountain, returning down to their current camp at the 11,200 foot level to overnight. Depending on the group's acclimatization to the altitude, they may take a rest day on Wednesday. Kevin reports that his cheese biscuits went over well tonight, and they are resting up for tomorrow's moving day.

For everyone who loves a climber, it's scary when you hear of accidents on the mountain. Condolences go out to Pascal Frison's family and friends for their loss.

Hanging Out and Kicking Back a Few

The team called Sunday night; Yosuke has opened a small diner and served everyone a Japanese curry dish and miso soup. The team is going to take a few days at their current location to acclimatise.

As I have no current pics of the climbers at this time, and a blog with no pictures is boring, I offer teen dreams Tegomass in honor of Yosuke's miso soup:

Tegoshi and Masuda sing about a mother's love, shown through their care, subtle gestures, and homemade miso soup. link to awesome video