A snowy start

The Climb Against the Odds 2010 team set out from the Mt. Shasta trailhead (Bunny Flat, 6,860 feet) at 10:30 this morning. The reports of snow at Bunny Flat are all true!

After last-minute boot re-lacings, pack re-packings and hugs from family and friends, they set out in teams of five to six climbers on an unprecedented (for the Breast Cancer Fund climb) snow-covered trail.

Word from the trail is that Horse Camp, the lowest camp site on the mountain, is under 10 to 12 feet of snow and the Sierra Club hut on the site is buried up to the first half of the roof. Wow!

And now we've heard that the first two teams are at about 9,000 feet, approaching the Hidden Valley base camp at 9,280 feet. Hidden Valley will be their home-away-from-home the next two nights as they make their summit attempt.

Watch them depart right here!

Team Northwest:

Team Bay Area:

Team Central:

We didn't get a clip of Team East Coast, unfortunately. But our Bay Area team offered a few words of wisdom and reassurance for those back home:

Comments

[Tammy Moratto]

Hi Elizabeth and Leslie, we our so proud of you every one here at Villa Capri says HI we miss you keep up your amzaing journey
love ya

[Lizzard]

CT and Cheetah - we saw your cute mugs on the video taking off. Climb safe and strong, we're very proud of you.
Love you - Lizzard and Lau

[kristina]

Whitney...Auntie is up and thinking of you getting up and starting your trek. I am so proud of you....be safe, be warm, and be ready for lots of hugs and love. Don't know if I'll sleep...I'll be there with you in thought as you step in the dark, see the sun rise on the snow staircase and climb to your summit. Can't wait to hear ALL the details....Auntie K

[Jeanne Rizzo]

Amazing! I am with you all in spirit and following your amazing journey.
Keep climbing with love,
Jeanne