Team moves higher ground before summit bid

Dispatch from Dan Solmon — July 26, 1997

Our morning was spent in relaxation. We spent the afternoon moving to a higher camp and the early part of the day preparing for it. We did not leave the tent until 8:30 a.m.

Our plan was to leave the Ben Ferris Hut (or Great Cairin Hut), but there was gear to be packed and the hut was in relative disorder. We wanted it to be cleaner than when we had arrived because Bill Putnam was coming soon to complete construction of the new outhouse. The two cooking groups also organized rations and group gear for the short but strenuous move to high camp on Mount Sir Sandford.

Individually we pored over our packs, leaving all unnecessary items under a fly near the hut. Because these processes required more time than expected, we did not depart until the early afternoon.

We cleared the first part of the hike well. It had been a part of many training trips to the Sir Sandford glacier. Upon reaching it, we crossed the glacier and moved up a medial moraine to our high camp. The short trip took three and a half hours due to the steep route and heavy packs.

The site we chose was excellent. It was on a moraine covering ice, which meant flat landscaping and easy tent sites. There were enough flat rocks to make a kitchen. After camp was set up, we discussed tomorrow's climb.

The 27th and 28th were reserved for summit bids on Mount Sir Sandford. A bid could be made on the 29th, but the camp would have to be moved back to the hut on that same day.

We will attempt the summit on the first clear day at 3:30 a.m. In order to compensate for the early mornings, we try to go to bed by 6 p.m.

We are all hoping the rain and clouds will depart, and our last and greatest goal can be realized.