Still sitting pretty at 14k

Dave called this afternoon, saying everything was doing great and their strategy in waiting for the walls to clear of the recent snowfall paid off. A few slides came down yesterday as the recent snowpack stabilized. He feels that snow conditions have improved enough to move to high camp.

The day started off windy and looking cold up higher but improved as time went on; by the time the weather came around enough for good travel it was too late in the day. Moving to 17 camp can take 8-12 hours, and getting onto the fixed lines before it heats up makes for a safer and more comfortable summit day, because pulling into high camp at a late hour when temperatures are colder leaves most climbers unnecessarily fatigued; getting an early start is a good idea. Everyone in the group is motivated and feeling excited to move up to the high camp of the West Buttress, so if everything lines up tomorrow the group will rise early and move on up out of 14 camp.