Tent Life on Denali

The weather on Denali now includes 90 mile per hour winds. This has left us tent-bound since we can’t climb in those conditions. As you can see by the photo below, tent-bound life on Denali is not always comfortable. It is common to be stuck in your tent for days at a time while waiting out storms. During these times, we play cards, read, talk, or just stare at the ceiling of our tents. These four season tents are durable most of the time. However, you are always sitting or sleeping on snow, which requires 2 Thermarest style sleeping pads. These are to prevent your body heat from melting the snow below you throughout the night. Being stuck in your tent on storm days is part of expedition climbing. It is not a fun part but a necessary part.

As I sit here in my tent at 14,000 feet, held hostage by high winds, I think of making it to the summit. I know the summit is as few as three days of movement up the mountain ie: cache gear at 16,000 feet, move to high camp at 17,200 feet and then summit day. For now, I must wait while I try to keep my mind focused on the task at hand, and try not to think of home; homesickness will kill your motivation. I am very excited to be this far on the mountain. We look forward to good weather so the team can move higher and closer to the goal. I am feeling strong and well acclimatized to the altitude.