A big thanks to Onx backcountry for making these post happen. Check out the Onx mapping app for your next backcountry adventure and click here to use the app to support your local avalanche forecasters
Kahiltna base camp looking east
The flight in was amazing. About 45 minutes of jaw dropping mountains. At one point you fly what seems like hundreds of feet above ice capped ridges. You land on snow, with a ski plane. The base camp manager greets you, and gives you the stove fuel you bought. You move all your junk to a location away from the airstrip, then prepare a cache with things you’ll leave here for the return. A couple of 12-packs PBR, for example, but also 5 days worth of food in case the weather strands you.
It’s about 8:00 PM, we’ll nap for a while so the snow can firm up, then travel at night. The idea is to not be miserable in the heat, but also to not fall into a crevasse through a softened snowbridge.
Filling fuel bottles
WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. He was the first person in history to ski down all 54 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks, has authored numerous books about about backcountry skiing, and has skied from the summit of Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest mountain. For more about Lou, please see his personal website at https://www.loudawson.com/ (Blogger stats: 5 foot 10 inches (178 cm) tall, 160 lbs (72574.8 grams).
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lou.dawson.writer
16 comments
Best wishes for a great climb. It’s wonderful to be able to participate from here in Marcellus, NY
Good luck to everyone! Ty and Colby, we miss you and can’t wait to hear the stories in person.
Hey Lou & Co,
Just wanted to wish all of you the very best (and safest) time on Denali. It’s been a pleasure following your trip thus far; I hope your sat-phone setup works out as planned. I’ll be keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Be well & via con Dios…
Ken
BTW gentlemen have the time of your lives!!!
Ullr is watching out for you…I know we talk…anyway travel safe, keep the posts coming.
We are keeping an eye out for you down here in the Elks…now SEND IT!
peace,
Papa Reed
Thanks for sharing, rehabing the knee here in Crested Butte and living vicariously thru y’all. Good Luck!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOUIS 3..WHAT A WAY TO CELEBRATE TURNING 20.
BE SAFE. I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH, MAMMAM
Godspeed, guys.
It’s been great to follow your posts! We hope you are having good weather and safe travels! How is it adjusting to the “midnight sun” ?
Colby & Trav,
I am traveling along with you via theater of my mind. Awesome adventure. Wishing you an exciting, safe incredibly journey.
Nice pad! The view looks incredible! Enjoying your posts, please keep them coming! Missing you Colb.
“We shall not cease from exploration and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started… and know the place for the first time.” t.s.eliot
We are watching your weather, your pathways and your energy! A fabulous trip! Look forward to hearing it all in person. Love from Syracuse!
Ty, Colby and friends: Looks like an amazing adventure … the trip of your life. Enjoy every moment! Look forward to hearing all your tales. Good luck … be safe … have fun.
Stunning starting place!
Good luck guys, be safe and we’ll all be routing for you.
Ty and Colb, I’ll buy you a few rounds at the Riverside when you get back… I bet Louis might too.
Wow- what a view! Posts and pics are pretty incredible- I look forward to reading about your adventures while lying on the beach in Hawaii! Good luck and God bless, I miss you, Ty!
Ken Reiche: Lou emails these posts and photos to us via the sat phone. Then we edit and post them. It’s working well.
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