On The Glacier

The team drove north from Anchorage to the sleepy town of Talkeetna this morning. They checked in with the National Park Service and sat through and orientation presented by Climbing Ranger Mike Shane. Mike has climbed the Sultana and had loads of good information to share with the climbers.

They then drove over to Talkeetna Air Taxi and weighed their supplies and gear in preparation for the flight to the glacier. The weather cooperated, and they made the 45 minute flight in the the Southeast Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier.

They will drop down the Southeast Fork and cross the main body of the Kahiltna tomorrow. This is a pretty moderate day, and will also help them work on rope management and glacier travel skills. From their base camp, they will assess the slopes leading up onto Mount Crosson, which is a peak they need to climb before gaining the long north ridge that leads up to Mount Foraker.

Flying into the Range is the first major hurdle in any Alaska Range expedition, so they are thrilled to have made it onto the ice.