Wake up to a breakfast of Oatmeal only, as supplies are low. Despite that, my pack feels as heavy as ever, maybe 80 – 100lbs. We set off bushwacking through the tundra aiming for turtle hill. Most of my lunch food has been eaten (two large bags packed full of sweets and snacks for the whole trip) making refuelling difficult. After a few hours we reach Turtle Hill which sits on a ridgeline from where we the McKinley river and beyond to Wonder Lake. The river should be our final challenge covering 20 or more braids. A short descent and we re-group on the banks of the McKinley. The glacial fed river is around 1 mile wide with braid depths varying from calf to waist deep, with all seem to be moving quickly. To add to the fun, it was also my turn to carry the rope and we had to attach our sleds to our packs – I could hardly move let alone cross the river. Despite a couple of guys going for a bit of a swim we all got across in one piece. I changed into my dry trainers only to face one more stream crossing 5 minutes later, what a wasted effort! Still only a two mile trek up to Wonder lake on proper paths and we had done it! We had a proper camp pitch with toilets and running water, pure luxury. After a feast of bagels and instant noodles we turned in at 1.30am for a few hours sleep before the 6.30 am bus. Another long day but we could now relax, knowing we had done it.
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