Graeme

Hi Robin, came back off Denali this week. Weather very sketchy this year. 6 major storm systems and summit was -58 to -66 C for our window. Quite a way colder than K2 and Everest at the time. Team got up to high camp but weather meant we stopped short of summmit. Challenging conditions- multiple rescues by rangers of teams with HACE/ frost bite who fancied their chances. Luckily we descended in one go and got the last flight off the glacier. Still no flights operating nearly a week later.

Just to say a huge thanks for the training last month. Out of 7 team members, I was one of only two who didn’t fall into a crevasse. Each resolved through a bit of muscle power verses group system. No injuries. My sled fell down cracks at various points on the way. Our training gave me the confidence to handle it without a problem. I practiced what you taught me and nailed the fixed lines and running belay….

Many memorable moments: helped rescue Norwegian team with HAPE, navigating crevassed slope in whitehout, big slab avalanche just near us. Incredible….

Thanks again, and hope to climb with you in future (keen to get into a bit of ice climbing next).

Graeme

Expedition Training, May 23