DENALI PARK, AK - - Yesterday's blog about climbing Denali mentioned a second team, one from Holland. The individuals from this team, three from Amsterdam and one from Arnhem, seemed more business-like than the Colorado climbers. Perhaps because they seemed to be a 'tighter' group with nearly all members the same age. And because their climbing experience includes an ascent of Aconcagua in Argentina near the border with Chile and that of Mt. Elbrus, called the Summit of Europe at 5642 meters (or about 17,000). Elbrus, in the Caucasus Mountains of Central Europe, is one of the "Seven Summits" as is Aconcagua. Those two, along with Mt. Everest, Denali and Mt. Killimanjaro make up five of the highest mountains on seven continents.
Denali presents dangers not associated with the other peaks as it is subject to sustained colder temperatures (-40 below is common at this time of year; -20 is considered balmy) than Everest and, being at lattitude 63-degrees North, also has barometric pressure challenges which make the body feel like it is at a higher elevation. The jet stream can drop onto the mountain creating a situation of intense wind and cold which could 'flash freeze' a person even with protective clothing. Still, over 1,000 people have been issued climbing permits for the season and more turned away.
According to available reports, Monday, May 7, did not clear enough for the teams to fly into base camp on the Kahitna Glacier (7,000) which leaves a short jaunt of 13,000 to the top. By one route climbers can expect 65-degree slopes covered with rock and ice.
FYI: an ascent from base camp on Mt. Everest is only 11,000 climbing feet. Of course base camp for jump-off on Everest is at 17,000.
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