Tejas

Richards

The day shaped up pretty nicely—started off real windy probably looking at 35-45 mile an hour gusts this morning. It has mellowed out so tomorrow might be the possible summit day. A Japanese team went up to work a little maintenance on the weather station at 19,000ft, by Zebra Rock, and they punched a trail in across the Autobahn. So, we're thinking that's going to be safe from avalanching—knock on wood.

Scott Darsney's group is going to be coming up tomorrow and hopefully they'll get a shot at the summit during this small weather window that's opened up for us.

Also with me tonight, another guide for RMI, Tap, is here and he'd like to say a few words as well:
Hi There Mountain Zone, this Tap Richards and crew from 17.2. We've been tagging alongside Vern here for the past week or 10 days, moved up here yesterday and are looking to get a nice day, hopefully, here tomorrow or in the next couple days to go tag the top. It's been a great trip and nice to see all the folks up here in Alaska, 'the great white north,' is as beautiful as it ever was. Thanks again Mountain Zone and thanks for clicking on. See ya, bye.

Vernon here again, I just want to say my people are all really excited. We're all going to bed early tonight. It's only 8:30 but we're tucking in so we're ready for a big day, going to the summit tomorrow. It should take us anywhere from 12 to 14 hours round trip. So we're hoping the wind abates somewhat and the sun stays out and everybody's just totally psyched. So wish us luck.

This is, signing off, Vernon Tejas at 17,200ft, Denali.

— Alpine Ascents Guide Vern Tejas, MountainZone.com Correspondent

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