Denali Expedition: Smith & Team Depart 14,000’ Camp and return to Talkeetna to Complete Trip
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Kiira Antenucci, Daniel May
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Denali
Elevation: 348'
Monday, June 27, 2022 - 8:14 am PT
Good morning all!
What a walk we had! Leaving 14,000' Camp with sights on basecamp is a long journey. We woke at 10pm, packed our things, and were on the downward trend by midnight. It felt good to be walking downhill but pulling a sled was less than desirable. But with so much motivation it made it possible. With the help from another RMI team, who dug up our 11,000' cache, we made fast work reorganizing and moving on. The glacier down below has changed a little. We zig and zagged left and right to avoid big crevasses. Hours went by, miles gained, elevation lost. As we got near basecamp we did a quick crevasse rescue scenario, before making our last uphill walk. Heart break hill is truly heartbreaking with tired legs, tired bodies, and tired minds. But as usual the team dug real deep and blew up it.
After a few hours napping at base and some luck the clouds parted in Talkeetna and the pilot took off. The sounds of those Otter planes were glorious music to our ears! A shower, a toilet, a beer, food, and sleep never felt or sounded so good. The team earned every amenity possible from such a long hard day. I am thoroughly impressed and proud of all the team members. It has been a fantastic journey. One for the books! Here's to healing sunburns, chapped lips, and sore muscles.
Congrats team, you made it!
RMI Guides Hannah, Kiira, and Dan
Comments (5)
Congratulations!!! Very strong work! So happy for you all!
Posted by: Gina on
Awesome Job Hannah and Team! Thank you for the posts it was great following along!
Posted by: Dave Kestel on
Congratulations on a job well done and many thanks to your superb guides for leading this amazing adventure and bringing the team safely back!!!
IngaLisa’s Mom
Posted by: Irene Wickstrom on
Congratulations team! What an awesome achievement!
Big L., Good job! I’m extremely excited and happy for you!
Posted by: Big Cat on
Congratulations! I know the feeling of shower, toilet, bed, food, and libations!!! So glad the plane was able to come - hope he had noseplugs.
Posted by: Eloise on