Up the fixed lines to 16,400'

The crew made a carry of equipment and supplies up the steepest section of the route to 16,400 feet (5000 m) yesterday (Friday). The weather was pretty good, with high winds ripping above them. They are probably going to make a push up to High Camp today.

The route up from Camp 3 to their cache site ascends moderately steep snow to a 40 degree ice slope. 600 feet (270 m) of rope is hung down this stretch. The climbers attach an ascender to the rope to protect themselves in the event of slipping. This bit tends to be fairly slow going, but you're gaining elevation rather quickly, and really feel like you're "climbing!"

At the top of the fixed lines, the team took a hard right and climbed up through some rocks, and up another moderately steep bit of snow (with big exposure) as they climbed the ridgeline which leads up to High Camp at 17,200' (5242 m). They probably dug a hole in the snow at a spot that we traditionally use to place our caches, buried their kit to protect it from the ubiquitous raves, and descended the fixed lines back to Camp 3 for somegrilled cheese sandwiches or papperoni pizza.

Good work everyone!

Today's weather looks pretty favorable for them to make a puch up to High Camp, but it is snowing at Camp 3, so we'll see how the day progresses.