Day 12 Denali- 70lb pack, toughest day, move to 17000ft High Camp

June 27,2021

They did say it would be the worst day. They did say we would carry a 70 lbs pack. They did say it would last 7 hours. It was all true. The move from 14000 to 17000 feet, the last camp on Denali was every bit as challenging as everyone said. It’s difficult to explain how strenuous it is pulling yourself up on a fix rope for a full hour and then climbing a ridge with 40% incline carrying the famous pack at an altitude of 16000 feet/5000m. In some parts we were climbing on hands and knees; and although the wind was generally light, the occasional gust almost threw us off the mountain. We were slow, but thanks God for all the training with my climbing partner this winter. Probably the toughest day I had on a mountain so far. From here is the summit and then down. Tomorrow is rest day though - and we need it.

PS: wrong instructions meant I collected 10+ carabiners from the fix line. My guide was not happy!!!!

PPS: Bob went to bed at 7 without dinner.