Blown Away...

Although today's summit climb didn't reach the top of Rainier, everyone on the climb is relaxing here at Basecamp in high spirits!  

The 4-day climb began with great weather and clear views of Rainier on their snow school up in Paradise.  Yesterday, the weather deteriorated and they were greeted with a misty fog for the majority of their climb up to Muir.  RMI guide, Chad Peele said they popped out of the fog and into the warm sunshine around 8000' on the Snowfield.  Upon retreating to bed early that evening, the winds at Camp Muir began to increase.  Chad said the winds were rocking Muir all night - making it difficult to sleep.  When the climbers awoke to begin their summit climb, they found that the winds had not dissipated at all.  They began their journey across the Cowlitz glacier and up Cathedral Gap with the relentless wind knocking climbers and guides off the trail.  Once they arrived at their first break at 11,200' on the Ingraham Flats, they held a group discussion and ultimately everyone came to the conclusion that the conditions were extremely difficult and it was unsafe to continue.  They quickly retreated back to Camp Muir where they were temporarily housed by shelter out of the wind before heading down the Muir Snowfield back to Paradise.  Chad said the Muir Snowfield was in great shape for their descent, as it was early enough in the day that the snow was still firm instead of slushy.  

Overall, it was a great mountain adventure and everyone is psyched on their experience!