The team was dropped at basecamp midday by Talkeetna Air Taxi. They later called in and reported they had made camp for the night at the base of the icefall, which they plan to move through tomorrow if weather conditions hold. Stay tuned to the website, Facebook and Instagram for updates~ Special thanks to our expeditions sponsors: Granite Gear​, PrimaLoft​, Hilleberg the Tentmaker​, Midwest Mountaineering​, Wintergreen Northern Wear​, Spot LLC, & Cocoon. Upward! Image: Bryce Brown

The cabin is yet again a heap of gear, clothes and equipment basically looking like an un-organized garage sale. The annual sweet smell of homemade maple glazed beef jerky radiates from the oven. Why am I doing this again? Another winter mountaineering climb. It is not like I need to go winter camping in minus 40 again, or need some alone time, or an epic adventure to save the planet. Somehow I feel the need to just do something challenging, something uncomfortable. I don’t mean in a “I want to suffer” kind of way; it is more for the healthy mental state one gets from being alone in nature. Being tougher, faster, better has never been for me. When there is any competition I tend to shy aw