(Photo from snow cave during 2012 climb) Unfortunately, Lonnie was forced to use yesterday as a rest day once more due to high winds reaching 60mph on the mountain. He spent most of the day in white out conditions digging his Hilleberg Soulo tent deeper into the snow for extra protection. Today he is still hoping to travel back down 600ft for the rest of his gear if the winds will allow. Dupre called last night with a message from his satellite phone at 11,200ft mentioning

Last evening Dupre called in from 11,200ft. Battling winds up to 50mph, yesterday he traveled from 10,200ft to 11,200ft. Tired from the long haul, he plans on retrieving the rest of his gear 600ft below today and spending a rest day at his current camp tomorrow. With a hearty meal of mac and cheese he hit the Montbell sack with plans of waking up early today to a little Prairie Home Companion. Photo: John Walter Whittier

Dupre spent Christmas evening at 9,500ft. He treated himself with his last cup of instant coffee before the gear haul up to his current camp. Lonnie enjoyed a white Christmas, light snowfall all with great mountain views and some radio tunes to accompany. He's in great spirits and plans to begin taxiing some of his gear up to 10,000ft today.

Lonnie is continuing up the mountain today to 10,200ft with the rest of his gear for the evening. Here is a photograph of the reflective tapped wands he uses to flag his route for the taxiing journeys as well as his final descent on this trip. Dupre called this morning with a message from his satellite phone at 9,500ft :

Yesterday was spent taxiing gear up to 9,500ft and returning to last camp at 9,000ft. Lonnie called in yesterday after his seafood dinner to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. You can listen to Lonnie's satelite phone message below. Photo: Monovita