Day 1 – Kahiltna Base Camp

by Lou Dawson
written by Lou Dawson


The approach

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

Filling fuel bottles

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16 comments

Bill Bostick June 1, 2010 - 6:20 am

Best wishes for a great climb. It’s wonderful to be able to participate from here in Marcellus, NY

Sam, Cheryl and Cullen June 1, 2010 - 6:24 am

Good luck to everyone! Ty and Colby, we miss you and can’t wait to hear the stories in person.

ken reiche June 1, 2010 - 7:09 am

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!!!

Aaron Reed June 1, 2010 - 7:34 am

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

Craig B June 1, 2010 - 8:04 am

Thanks for sharing, rehabing the knee here in Crested Butte and living vicariously thru y’all. Good Luck!!!

Mammam June 1, 2010 - 9:21 am

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOUIS 3..WHAT A WAY TO CELEBRATE TURNING 20.
BE SAFE. I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH, MAMMAM

Tuck June 1, 2010 - 10:16 am

Godspeed, guys.

Geoff and Lindy June 1, 2010 - 10:50 am

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” ?

david church June 1, 2010 - 11:20 am

Colby & Trav,
I am traveling along with you via theater of my mind. Awesome adventure. Wishing you an exciting, safe incredibly journey.

Amanda Ramsay June 1, 2010 - 11:37 am

Nice pad! The view looks incredible! Enjoying your posts, please keep them coming! Missing you Colb.

Dana, Renee, Sage, Skye and Sydney June 1, 2010 - 1:51 pm

“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!

Jim, Melanie, Brendan and Colin June 1, 2010 - 2:28 pm

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.

Mark W June 1, 2010 - 2:58 pm

Stunning starting place!

C Berg June 1, 2010 - 4:48 pm

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.

Shannon williams June 1, 2010 - 9:48 pm

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!

Lisa June 2, 2010 - 5:02 am

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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