May 16, 2007 - UPDATE

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2007

May 16, 2007 - UPDATE

The team climbed to the top of the headwall today at 16,200 feet to retrieve their cache. Two of the team members, Don and Jesus became sick from the altitude. Don, Wes, Jesus and their guide Pablo came back down to 14,200 medical camp. The rest of the team has gone up to 17,000 feet. Both Don and Jesus are fine. Don said he is exhausted and feels sick but is doing okay. The four of them will probably come off the mountain on Friday or Saturday. They aren't sure yet. I think it depends on what the rest of the team is doing and what the weather is like. They will have about a 16 hour hike out so they need to get their rest and strength back. There is another big snowstorm coming in tonight. Wes said two nights ago it hit 35 below zero with 40 mph winds. It was 50 below on the summit with 80 to 100 mph winds. The two teams that were unaccounted for at 17,000 feet have come back down. They were at 17,000 for seven days and were never able to attempt the summit because of the snowstorms. The weather has been really bad. Denali only received three inches of snow all winter. Since Wes and Don have been on the mountain there has been approximately 15 feet of new snow. No one has been able to summit in the last two weeks. The last people to summit were three French guys. They are now paying the price. All have frostbite and will be losing some of their fingers. One of the guys is going to lose his foot. We are thankful that no one has frostbite on the team. This has been a wonderful adventure for everyone. We are all looking forward to Wes and Don coming back safely.