Kurt Wedberg, Tristan Sieleman and the entire 2015 Denali Team made the summit yesterday, June 23rd! Kurt checked in saying: “100% on top of North America! Teary eyed & psyched for this team! #Denali2015 #BestJobOnThePlanet”
Today they are descending. Kurt said they are “packing up from high camp. We’ll descend to 11000 today then travel the lower glacier tonight.”
Expect more photos and updates, as they return to civilization!
–Megan
The 2015 Denali team is still on the move.
On Motorcycle Hill above Camp 3. Camp 3 at 11,000’ is seen below us in the sun.
Today they cached a load of gear/food at 16,200 ft.
Joey Szalkiewicz is strong and keeping up just fine with the more seasoned climbers. At 17 years old, he’s already carrying a 60 lb pack successfully up the mountain.
At 12000’ on Squirrel Hill
At 12500’ traveling above Squirrel Hill towards Windy Corner
Kurt Wedberg checked in today saying that the group is about 3 to 4 days from the summit, weather permitting. “The team is strong & healthy & having a great time. Weather’s been clear lending to spectacular views of the Alaska Range. After 8 days of climbing & establishing camps we’re @C3 @14200′. 2moro we are planning on a well earned rest b4 setting our sites on moving to High Camp @17200. Thinking about our loved ones, family & friends. Thanks for all your support :)”
Our cache at 13500’ buried and marked
Stay tuned for an update on Wednesday!
–Megan
Organizing loads at Base Camp at 7200’
The 2015 Denali team is right on track and feeling good!
Leaving Base Camp with Mt. Hunter (14,570’) in the background
On Friday, they landed on the Kahiltna Glacier and began their progress.
Traveling on the Kahiltna Glacier en route to Camp 1
On Saturday, the team carried to 9500′ and on Sunday , Kurt checked in saying “4 days after landing in the Alaska Range our team has carried supplies to Camp 2 @11000′. The team’s strong & psyched! ”
On Ski Hill above Camp 1
Light snow on our tents at Camp 2 at 9500’
Today, they have already cached a load at 13,500′!
Beautiful day traveling on the Kahiltna Glacier at 10,000’ en route to Camp 3.
Taking a rest break on the Kahiltna Glacier
Stay tuned for more updates!
-Megan
Kurt Wedberg, president and lead guide at SMI, and his 2015 Denali Team found a break in the weather to fly onto the Kahiltna Glacier today from Talkeetna, AK.
This year’s team consists of SMI senior guide, Tristan “Trippy” Sieleman, mountain guide at Mountain Trip, Ben Adkinson, and friends, Bob “Ski” Szalkiewicz, Joe Szalkiewicz and Joey Szalkiewicz.
The team has been taking it easy and fueling up on the local Talkeetna fare, awaiting their window to fly out today. Oh yes, and they’ve been doing lots of gear checks and packing.
The group is currently at Base Camp 7,200 ft. Next they will be packing and prepping to make the trek to Camp 1.
Keep them in your thoughts and prayers for a happy summit and stay tuned for updates!
–Megan