Group photo in the St. Mary's Glacier parking lot before the trip.
Sure, they look happy now.
Hauling the drag bags (and carrying backpacks) up St. Mary's Glacier. This will be the hauling technique used on Denali.
Part way up James Peak, they picked a place with deep snow and started digging the snow cave. It is important to pick a place that will be safe from avalanches.
First they dug down to form a platform, then they need to dig horizontally into the snow.
Video (3.4MB) - digging the snow cave
The entrance to the cave is formed like a "T". The top of the "T" will be filled in once the cave is done.
Reynald is assessing progress. Notice the "kitchen" behind and to the left of Renalds' shoulder.
Doug is putting the finishing touches on the inside of the cave that now measures about 11 feet wide, over 6 feet long and over 3 feet high.
Video (8.5MB) - inside the snow cave
Steve D. says, "We've got to be about done, but don't forget the vent holes in the roof." It took five guys more than 3 hours to complete the cave.
Video (8.5MB) - on the summit of James Peak
