Mt. McKinley Expedition: Wittmier & Team Check in from Camp 1
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Lacie Smith, Will Ambler
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 9,600'
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Tuesday, June 3, 2025 9:21pm PDT
Hello world! Checking in from camp.
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Patience is the name of the game up here. We’re soaking in the surroundings — even if it’s continuous snowfall and low visibility. White on white on white. Quiet and peaceful, contrasting with the surreal weather that accompanies this part of the world.
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We woke up today and had to dig ourselves out of our tents. We wandered into the kitchen tent to get caffeinated and enjoy some delicious blueberry pancakes. Since the weather has taken a bit of a turn, we got the news that we’d need to hunker down here for the second day in a row.
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Today was different from yesterday in the sense that the wind and snowfall picked up — around half an inch per hour. So, our time outside was limited.
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We spent some time clearing snow from the gear bags and around the tents, making sure it wasn’t creeping into places it shouldn’t be. A couple of us even began building what essentially became the Great Wall of Snow to protect our tents from the elements.
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To pass the time, we snacked, practiced tying knots, and, more than anything, had conversations with the team — getting to know each other better, telling stories, and understanding where everyone comes from.
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Although we all have the same goal, we come from different backgrounds. That’s the beauty of mountaineering — it brings together different souls from different walks of life.
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Tomorrow, we’re planning to carry some gear and supplies up to around 9,600 feet, then return to sleep at our current camp. Hopefully, the following day, we’ll continue moving upward.
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Spirits are high, we’re all hopeful, and we’re looking forward to having this beautiful mountain grace us with more of her presence.
- Connor Michalek
Comments (3)
Let’s go team!! Rooting for Carl and the rest of the Wittmier team to hopefully make some moves soon!! Sending best wished and crossed fingers here from Texas!!
Posted by: Sam Mehta on
Caroline so proud of you and your teammates. Tomorrow will be a perfect day for your next climb. So says my butterfly
Posted by: Page Evans on
Rock on team! Praying for good weather ahead, and a special shoutout to my sister Caroline!
Posted by: Melissa Lilley on