A final message from your guides...

Congratulations from your guides:
To do what we have done requires strength, focus and good luck. No matter what your intentions prior to our mountain trip- summit Denali, climb a classic route, eat every dessert on the Glacier Brewhouse menu (after-an-already-astounding-portion) and not get sick- We have all achieved something worthwhile.
From the get-go, our team displayed a willingness to support one another in everything from equipment needs to hunger pains. This support allowed for efficient mornings, efficient glacier-travel and efficient decision-making. Without that, an expedition cannot achieve a goal as efficiently, as we did (Dave’s right).
Always as strong as our weakest member, this team did everything it takes to get everyone on top. This is a fact far more impressive than a few singular summits. You have all have achieved something worthwhile. Enjoy your luck while it’s good.
Come by for a hot drink(s!) next time your in the Alaska Range.
Congratulations & Thanks,
Dave, Jacob and Sean
Mountain Trip

A special message from Andy to Karen

Pic taken from the summit of Denali.
Click on the picture to enlarge so you can read the message.

Talkeetna for Dinner

The first of the climbers flew out this evening around 7:30 pm, and the rest are going to be out to Talkeetna within the hour.

They'll shower, eat, probably drink a beer or two, and spend the night in Talkeetna. Tomorrow they'll head on back to Anchorage, and on towards home.

Coming Down...

The team passed thru Camp 3 and were on the way down to Camp 2 at 11,200 ft to spend the night before continuing to basecamp. They plan to be in basecamp tomorrow, and hope to fly out to Talkeetna by tomorrow afternoon.

It goes pretty quick going down, they are pretty motivated to get down to cheesburgers and showers.

Back to High Camp

The team is all back in high camp after a beautiful, long summit day. There were some tired climbers last night as they got back to camp around midnight (it doesn't get dark high on Denali this time of year). They are all sleeping in this morning, and will pack up and start down the mountain a bit later.

Congratulations to the whole team!

Summit of Denali!!

Jacob just called, and the team has summitted!! The first rope team reached the top just before 8pm, and the other teams followed 30-40 minutes later. I'll get some more details later tonight or tomorrow, but it sounds like everyone reached the top, and it is a beautiful evening. They'll descend to high camp in the next few hours.

Here's a video Todd took from the summit in 2007.

Friday, Rest day

Friday was a day of rest for the crew at high camp. They woke up with some mild headaches, that is to be expected the first night at 17,200 ft, but everyone is doing great and looking forward to a potential summit chance as soon as Saturday.

It's a beautiful place to rest and acclimate.