We have some disappointing news to break. John Mosler, the instigator and driving force behind Team TT suffered an injury to a calf muscle and was forced to descend to Base Camp.
While moving to Camp 2 a few days ago, John felt a disconcerting "pop" in his right calf and the associated pain and instability left him with no other choice but to return to Base Camp. One of the ethical codes amongst climbers is that they take care of their own, and true to the indomitable spirit of mountaineers, the entire Team TT assisted John as he limped the 8 miles back to the airstrip.
David and Geoff have returned to Camp 2 at 11,200 feet with Chris and Michael. They made a carry around Windy Corner to about 13,500' today. Camp 2 is located in a glaciated bowl with huge seracs (ice cliffs) flanking the south side of camp. The route from the tents climbs a slope known as Motorcycle Hill to the windswept terrain leading up to the notorious Windy Corner.
Tomorrow they plan to move camp around Windy Corner to the well supplied Camp 3 at 14,200 feet.
John's calf muscle worsened after flying off the mountain and he has returned home. This is one of those "no-brainer" decisions that are painful to make, but have no other option. I have a feeling that John will be back up on the snowy glaciers of Alaska before too long. We're all sorry that your calf blew out, but we enjoyed your company and contagious energy. Geoff and David- you go boys!
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3 comments:
I'm really sorry to hear about John. You guys are good friends to hike back down. Good luck the rest of the way... Karen says, "They're so close!!!"
As a mother of a young guide there on Denali I am always impressed with the ethical "Climber's Code". What great friends John Mosler has to see their friend back down the mountain...disappointing for sure, but memories are made summit or not and friendships deepened. Good Luck to Team TT...bring home the pics!
Even to have gone as far as you did and to have made this come true is no small task John. To the two friends who brought my brother back down from the mountain, thank you for being there for him, and Good Luck to you both and the rest on Team TT!
M
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