Mt. McKinley: Jones & Team Make Final Preparations
June 18, 2014 - 4:51pm PT
Well, it's time to light this candle. We're getting ready to vacate the premises at 14K and head up for the thin air of 17K camp, after our extended stay here in advanced base camp.
Yesterday we put the final pieces in place, as a group of guides took on an afternoon mission to move some group gear from a cache at 16,700 up to our future high camp. The afternoon was a perfect day for fast movement and by 6pm we were comfortably situated with the food, fuel, hardware and kit that we'll need to launch for the top. Team No Troubles gets to reap the benefit of yesterday's work, as the normally heavy group load is now up high, and folks will get to move with their bad selves and a little bit of personal gear. Woot!
It's been a bit of an emotional roller coaster these last few days, wishing for good weather and then having forecasts dash our hopes. But this latest round of prognostication seems to give us the glimmer of goodness we need, opening the window just enough for us to make a tactical strike. Stoke and energy is at an all time high, and we'll channel that energy into upward movement as soon as we can in the morning.
We really appreciate the love and support - keep it coming the next few days!
Until tomorrow,
RMI Guides Tyler, Garrett, Geoff and Team No Troubles
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Comments (25)
Best of luck Dave J and the rest of the team! I’m so happy that you guys are on the way up! So excited for you all!
Posted by: Patti Templeton on
So very excited for you Jen. Proud of your patience and courage. Hang tough until the end. Love you.
Posted by: Aunt Marie on
John, I’m so excited for you and hope that all goes/went well on the trek to the top. We should have sent a flag for you to plant at the summit. We’ll work on that for next time. Good luck to the entire team and have a blast!
Posted by: Lisa Stenderup on
This waiting is killing me!!!!! As I sit , for hours, staring at the computer screen, waiting for it to give me some news from the mountain, a flashback to a different time comes to mind….. That would be my parents generation , sitting around a BIG radio, (this would be pre- television), staring at it and listening for news, of “what is happening at the front lines ” , during World War 2!!!!! The way the weather has been there, it HAS been a battle of sorts! What is happening? Where are all of you? Is it ON? Or not?
Whatever, the outcome, you gave it your ALL. No one could ever accuse any of you of not putting up a valiant effort!!! March on , be strong ,be safe, be proud of all you have accomplished! You are all greatly loved!!!!!!!!!!
I can’t wait to hug you John, and have you back in California! Your Mom
Posted by: Patty Stenderup on
Incredible! Way to go, Jen!
Posted by: Amy Breza on
Daveed. Mount that mountain and saddle your ass back here, we miss you!!!
Posted by: Amy/bud on
Hi Jen! We just wanted to let you know we have been thinking about you and following your big adventure! We are excited to hear about it and see pictures when you get back to Flag! Good luck on the trip to the top!!
Posted by: Chris on
Wow! Absolutely amazing! Thinking of you Jen! Lots of love and positive thoughts sent to you and your team!
Posted by: Amy Bouchard on
Godspeed!!! Can’t wait to see pictures and hear all about it soon. Love, Mom
Posted by: Terry on
Here’s hoping “Plan B” -joining up with the The Jones and Co. team- means that the force will be with ALL of you and success is around the corner and moving upward!!
Good thoughts, lots of prayers and love are coming your way from the “old mountains” of Western North Carolina. Oh, and by the way John… Sasha is rather jealous of all the wonderful weather you have been experiencing!
Posted by: Rita and BruceWightman on
You guys got this!!! Have fun and be safe.
Posted by: Paul Kinneberg on
Dave J, climb strong and be safe!
Posted by: Georg Zimmer on
Prayers and good thoughts for your team, Garrett.
Mom Whitaker
Posted by: Donna Whitaker on
Jen - It’s go time! Climb on, climb strong, climb safe. I’m thrilled you guys got this weather window. I can’t wait to read the next post. Your guides are so awesome for doing that move for you. Hope it eased your climb to high camp so you can save all your energy for the big day. I’m going crazy just sitting here reading these posts. I so wish I were there with you guys!!
Posted by: Nicole on
Jen, go show those boys how it’s done :) Pete and I are cheering you guys on with great pride! Wishing we could be there with you… get ‘er done, Team!
Posted by: Elisabeth Bothwell on
I’m so excited for all of you! this is it! This is the day! I will be praying for your success and safe return. Love you Jake! Can’t wait to have you back at 1000 feet! Love Mom
Posted by: Diane Wander on
God’s Speed to Tyler, Garrett, Geoff and Team No Troubles. John, remember that I am with you every step of the way. Vicariously, if you will. Onward and upward. Love, Dad
Posted by: Kent Stenderup on
John—- it was so great to hear your voice tonight. Many thanks to Geoff for the use of his phone. It will be difficult to work tomorrow,as my mind will be totally focused on what is going on,up on THAT mountain!
GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU ON THIS ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME!!!
Posted by: Patty Stenderup on
Jake & team, wishing you good weather and great climbing. Good luck! Enjoy & take care of yourself. Grandpa
Posted by: Nick Wander on
Jake- thanks for the update, everything good at home. Glad to hear the weather is finally cooperating for the team! This is where it gets fun,enjoy the experience we are all rooting you on! Onward and upward!
Posted by: Alan Wander on
The mountain gods have smiled on you. Good luck team. Say your prayers and go like hell. Love Dad.
Posted by: Nick Boekenoogen on
Guys, u are in good hands w/ Tyler and Garrett—-listen to them and have fun—-and don’t starfish—-Tyler will go nuts… good luck! Ben
Posted by: Ben Alvarez on
It’s about time. I was getting concerned that if you sat at 14k any longer you’d forget how to strap on your crampons. I hope you clients appreciate how the guides have lightened your load for the dash up to 17K. Be sure to buy them a couple of extra beers when you get back to Talkeetna. Good luck during this 3 day push. Climb safe!
-Larry Seaton
Posted by: Larry Seaton on
I was really happy to see Geoff’s name on this last update! I knew that the remainder of the Upper West Rib team was hoping to join forces with The Jones and Co. Team…. But I felt a little lost with no update posted for a few days.
Hooray! I am happy to hear that you are hoping to make a BIG Move tomorrow , upward. You all have MANY people down here cheering you on! GOOD LUCK!!!! MANY PRAYERS and POSITIVE VIBES being sent your way! I LOVE YOU JOHN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Patty Stenderup on
Punch it!!! Best of luck team!!
Posted by: Will Ivy on