Back in touch

Dave called last night after a day out of touch to report that all is well with his group, even with today's communication abilities it is not common for an expedition to have a day out of touch with the Mountain Trip office and it isn't cause for worry, as they say, 'no news is good news'. Dave and company backcarried to 13.5 from 14 camp to pick up their supplies and take advantage of a short travel day to review some skills needed for the upper mountain. The group will learn techniques to climb the fixed lines and review running protection (we call it simulclimbing) while in camp. The team will be moving up ropes anchored to the ice by the National Park Service to safeguard one steep and icy section, and once above the fixed lines the guides will be placing their own snow/rock and/or ice protection that will allow the teams to move steadily but still be anchored to the slope in the event of a slip or stumble. Learning how to add and remove rope ascenders from an icy rope or clip the travel rope through carabiners, all with mittens on, takes some practice; the team spent a few hours rehearsing these skills and enjoying the flat terrain of 14 camp. The plan called for a rest day today, so the expedition will be well rested for the first move onto the upper mountain tomorrow if the weather allows.