Day 5 - 20.06.21: Denali- A long cache day.

June 20,2021

On the day of our lord we found ourselves carrying food from our 11000 feet camp to 13500 feet (that is 4000m). No sleds, only backpacks and only 5 climbers as the lady in our group has pulled out. The weather was spectacular although a bit cold to start with. No longer snow shoes but crampons and pick axes. Bob and I defended us well on the first two inclines but that is when another member of the team decided to quit. So another climber going down while 4 of us shared the remaining load. My pack must’ve been >20kg. Thanks to mummy for all the training carrying the heavy pack. The whole trip with the climb to 13500 and the return to the 11000 camp took 7hours 30min. Our longest day so far and again a very tough one. The guides say you “earn” Denali every day. Tomorrow is rest day. Pancakes for breakfast.....and we have been promised pizza for dinner.

PS: our Mexican friend is also struggling with the pace. Not sure if he will last.

PPS: this mountain would be fantastic on skis; skinning up and skiing down. Maybe something to plan with Olivia.