Yea he’s doing *&%$#! brilliant!! A crazy run of clear weather out west this summer has no doubt helped a little, but mannn that’s one heck of a grind so far. I think it’s easy to focus on the physical challenge, but I’m personally more impressed with the mental stamina. Spending that much time alone in remote places, putting in very long and tiresome days back to back is an example of huge emotional resilience.
As far as I’m aware, he had hoped to go in along the range return sometime around now (maybe on this Fed Peak trip) but didn’t get approval (fair enough) from PWS. The plan for reopening was stated as late autumn, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that gets pushed back later. Would be a rough blow to not quite get the full 158 in his planned timeframe after such a haul..but I think we can see by now that it’s not by inability! The track will reopen when it’s ready I guess..I think respecting this until PWS has dealt with the potential root rot impact is super important for all aspiring Abelists. The mountains aren’t going anwhere anytime soon