Apologies for the lack of blogs due to Jason being stuck in the storm with very little coverage.
Jason Black has encountered a number of challenges in his attempt to scale Mt McKinley.
Alaskan rangers have reported that the weather that this snow storm has brought is the worst they’ve seen in over 20 years.
On Thursday 29th May, Jason made his way back to camp 1 in an effort to await better weather conditions.
After a grueling 8 days waiting between Camp2 & Camp1, Jason eventually ran out of food and fuel supplies.
On Sunday 1st June, Jason sent a message home saying “l’ve been under so much bad weather pressure that I’m out of food at camp 1.
“I’m going back down to base camp for food I left for way out.
“Going to head back in for 1 final attempt.
“Times really against me and it is unreal and hard to believe, it’s super tough.
“It isnt the mountain ahead that wears me out its the pebble in my shoe.
“I haven’t seen darkness since entering Artic circle, bright 24/7.
“Love to all J.
In another message Jason said ”I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my wife Sharon and manager Philip Ward together with all staff for affording me this opportunity to follow my dream by covering my ass at work while i’m away.
A huge thanks also to all those who sponsored me as without your generous support this expedition would not have been possible.
Clicking the following web address link will direct you to Jason’s Route Tracker https://share.delorme.com/jasonblack
Jason’s most recent blog below, was posted on June 4th.
Mother nature takes its toll on Mt McKinle
Mt McKinley you are making my life hell and back.
After everything endured & a break in weather we give the grueling West Rib a final stab. 7hrs of -15 freezing temperatures.
We scaled 3000ft through dreaded death valley by now loaded seracs peer down.
I travelled as freezing temps holds avalanche creep.
At arriving at the head of the glacier , climbing was so difficult as soon as we tackled the Blue lce Head Wall -100s meters straight up & the gateway to the rib ridge within the eery silence it became obvious it was not passable and within a deadly assassin ready to strike.
The severe weeks snow storms took its tole , leaving us to retreat with its West Rib approach to the summit.
Returning down to camp 1 frustrated after 11 painful hours breaking deep snow trail & climbing focused on success.
Need to sleep now & see tomorrow’s plan.
Sorry for the pain i feel it big time.
Obstacle needs a solution. No mountain too high , no problem too big to conquer. Love you all , J x’
“Had a good sleep & realistic talk with myself , the only option available now is the West Buttress.
Not what i came here to do, factors at this stage to consider is weather, clear till Wednesday.
Snow on its way again, I still need to build time 2 allow acclimatize as I climb & time before flights out of here.summit success needs all these perfect with no glitches.
For now thats it grim outlook but positive & strong.
Food today has helped aid recovery.
Arctic has proved a real test this expedition has thrown everything it possibly could at me the big one being 20yr record snows trapping me for 8 days then allowing 2 days for avalanche settle i guess same as life and real world.
Life in this world tests your real self belief & applying life skills seldom used daily back home a resilience we have all built in. J’
Tags: