At the Airstrip!

Bill left the following message a few hours ago, from KIA (Kahiltna International Airport), otherwise known as Base Camp:

Back at Base Camp!

The team made their way down the front (east) side of Crosson yesterday and then hiked across the Kahiltna Glacier and up the seemingly never-ending rise in the Southeast Fork called Heartbreak Hill.

They were pretty tuckered, but nestled in at Base Camp, and are hoping to fly out today. The weather looks like it might keep them on the glacier for another day, but we are dealing with the Alaska Range, so all bets are off, and my fingers are crossed that they will load up a plane and be eating steaks at the West Rib Restaurant this afternoon.

We'll post photos after they get back and the guides will post their re-caps of the expedition, so please stay tuned!

Podcast from Mt Crosson

Billmeier called in with a report that I apologize for not getting up on the blog sooner. This came in during the wee hours of the morning yesterday:

Still stuck on the ridge.

The team checked in Tues. evening to report white out conditions. High winds, blowing snow, and white out do not make for reasonable travel on a narrow ridge. The team is tucked into a nice camp between Mounts Foraker & Crosson. They have plenty of food and fuel and remain quite comfortable.

Think warm calm thoughts.

Difficult weather!

The team checked in late last night. They had just arrived back at their High Camp at the base of the Sultana Ridge. They were forced to turn around at about 16,500 ft due to the weather window closing down. Everyone was in good health and spirits. The guys gave it a great shot. There are many things we have no control over in the mountains, the weather certainly being one of them.

We are super proud of this crew and wish them a long comfy night's sleep and safe return back to civilization. They planned to sleep in today then begin making their way back toward Mount. Crosson and finally on to Basecamp. We look forward to seeing them in Talkeetna within a few days.

We'll continue to keep you posted until everyone is safely returned to Talkeetna. Thanks again for following the guys on their amazing journey up a remarkable climb.

Happy Trails!

Try for the summit today!

Billmeier called last night to check in. They spent the day preping for a summit bit today. Everyone is ready and well fueled. The Talkeetna Air Taxi web cam of the AK Range shows blue bird sky's this morning and apparently quite favorable conditions for climbing.

We will post as soon as we hear anything from this crew. They were not certain what time they would set off this morning. Please keep in mind this is a very long (5000 vertical feet) summit day. It would not be uncommon for them to be out for upwards of 20 plus hours.

The climb from here is up a very broad ridge. Navigation can be tricky in less than clear visibility. Fortunately for our guys, it is looks to be a perfect day.

Until next time...happy trails!

Message from the team at the base of the Sultana