They were able to move on up to high camp at 17,200 ft yesterday. This is always a big move, and it finally puts them within striking distance of the summit. It took them about 10 hours to move up yesterday, but they were delayed by a falling Pole. That's right, a Polish climber was travelling on the ridge unroped, slipped and fell, and was caught by the rope between 2 climbers on Durny's team. Our climbers were able to self-arrest and stop the fall, and are fine, but the Polish climber had a minor shoulder injury and needed a bit of help. It sounds like the Polish climber was very lucky that our roped team was there to stop him from falling a long way and surely getting hurt.
It started snowing this morning at High Camp, and when Durny called at about 10am Alaska time it was a bit windy with gusts of up to 30 mph. Not a summit day...
Looking down the ridge from High Camp. This is some of the most fun and scenic climbing on the W. Buttress. If you click on the picture and enlarge it you can see climbers on the ridge.
Looking down the ridge from High Camp. This is some of the most fun and scenic climbing on the W. Buttress. If you click on the picture and enlarge it you can see climbers on the ridge.
omg
ReplyDeleteBravo les gars, continuez d être prudents , on pense fort à vous et vous souhaitons la meilleure des chances
ReplyDeleteavec amour papa , maman ,Marie Kristelle et Céline xxxx
Gardé le morale les Gars , vous avez eu une très belle progression hier .
ReplyDeleteBeau sauvetage , heureusement que ça c'est terminé comme ça .Vos mieux attendre la bonne occasion . La Montagne va toujours être là .
Tu es fort ça va bien aller Mik .
Je t'offre le Baileys au retour Champion .
A oui ta Mère commence a être Jalouse de ta popularité .
Reste vigilant !!
Denis Gamache
Crumbs, never a dull moment hey? Glad to hear everyone's okay but it must have been a bit of a heart-stopping moment for all concerned (mine skipped a few beats just reading about it). The views look wonderful; must make all the effort worthwhile. I'm so in awe of what you are doing. Stay Strong and keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteHas Greg Nappi made it back to his team after leading Michael back to base camp?
ReplyDeleteWatched the descent to 14,200 last eve. hope that wasn't too grueling or too disappointing, or too cold. thinking of you all...
ReplyDeleteHey Killian,
ReplyDeleteI second that oh my god! Thank God everyone is Ok!:) That view is just breathtaking! It looks like heaven on earth!! Wow now thats a climb worth while.Keep up the good work as always Im thinking of you and cant wait to see you & hear all about it see all of the photos.Ps. They are all Thinking about you in Spain!
Love ya Lots Niamh xxx
Team Durny you guys are the self arrest heroes of the year. And now a limerick for your
ReplyDeletefor your sublime fall stopping skills.
Rope-A-Dope By Dr. K & Lil' J
There once was a team led by Durny
Who began a formidable journey
A Pole suddenly fell and all went to hell
Thank God, they did'nt need a gurney.
Holy crap, the arresters kept you well
And nary another climber fell
Jus' keep tied into those trusty ropes
And don't give up any hope
That Denali is free of other dopes!
Great to hear the Polish climber and Team Durny are all o.k.
P.S. Wow! Fantastic scene looking down the ridge from High Camp.