Welcome to Climb Against the Odds

On Sunday, June 13, the Breast Cancer Fund welcomed our 26 women and men from different stretches of the United States to their final destination, a snow-covered Mt. Shasta in Northern California. Their connection as a complete team and to the mountain began almost immediately. On Sunday evening, through a seed-planting ceremony, climbers, staff and supporters reflected on the reasons for making this journey, and the family and friends who they hope to honor through Climb Against the Odds.

This morning, with a cloudless view of the mountain as a backdrop, we took group photos before breaking into rope teams for the big gear-check with the guides. Now all the climbers not only know who they’ll be climbing with the next two days, they also know what to expect from the mountain, how to deal with blisters, what quantity of food to bring and how to pack efficiently.

After a day of necessary preparation, everyone seems at ease but anxious to get started. Tuesday brings the team’s departure from Bunny Flat Trailhead (6,900 feet) for the first part of their journey to the evening’s base camp at Hidden Valley.

For the first time in Climb Against the Odds history at Mt. Shasta, snow continued to fall on the mountain until a few weeks ago. Right now Bunny Flat trailhead, from which supporters and community members will see the team off tomorrow morning, is under an amazing six feet of snow. Rather than battling rocky trails to their 9,400-foot base camp, the team will make their three-hour trek in complete snow, with possible assistance from crampons and rope teams.

Comments

[AVLC Staff- York, PA]

Best wishes to all on Summit Day. Our thoughts and prayers are with you on your amazing journey!

[Brynn Taylor Pewtherer, former BCF staff member and huge fan]

I can't get over the 6 ft of snow at Bunny Flat! What amazing weather and conditions. Thinking of you all. One step at a time - oh yes, you can.

[Mount Shasta Resort Staff]

The best of luck to all the climbers on your journey today. We are all thinking of you and will be following your progress also. You inspire us.
From the Staff at Mount Shasta Resort

[Deb Cole Climber '09 East Coast Team!!!]

Best of luck to everyone!! We'll be following your progress (and wishing we were there!) Have fun!

[Jennifer Wilson - Shasta Climber '09]

6 feet of snow!! Thinking of all of the climbers, guides, and BCF staff this week and wishing you all the best!

[Victoria: Shasta Climber 09]

May you all be well on your journey up Shasta! Can't believe there is snow at Trailhead! I bet it is gorgeous!! One Step at a time...Climb On!! Keep the blogs coming...:)