McKinley Expedition: Breen & Team Make it to Camp 2
Posted by: Jackson Breen, Lacie Smith, Raymond Holt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 11,000'
Monday, June 1st - 10:40PM PST
To the 12 readers of this blog following the journey of an unlikely, but wholly likable, group of adventurers, we welcome you to day 5 - The Journey to Camp Two! Today’s harrowing tale sees our hearty heroes punching a trail they climbed two days ago to where we cached gear, and then climbing on to camp 2. The climb today felt totally different from the first time - the blue bird sky and clear vistas were replaced with low clouds, and a few inches of new snow. We heard from other teams that it cleared up once you got closer to camp 2. And boy did it! Clear skies graced us yet again along with much colder temperatures and high winds. This is the first time it really feel like we are on the mountain. Picking up our cached gear along with way puts us in an ideal position to continue up the mountain as long as the weather holds, but the added weight made a hard climb seem REALLY hard. But, we all made it in good spirits to our goal, and I’m sure the extra effort will pay dividends in the days to come.
Now the last few days of blog posts have been amazing, am I right? (Pauses for applause) but don’t think that it’s all lofty introspection out here. Many times we end up telling dad jokes to pass the time. So here is my silly list of nominations based on what I know about people so far (please note: these are subject to change by the end of the trip. The author may in no way be held liable for the accuracy of these nominations.)
Ricky: least likely to get sunburned. Don’t prove me wrong!
Alonzo: Most likely to climb all seven summits, we’re rooting for you, brother!
Matt: Most likely to become a bush pilot.
Lizzie and Pattie: most likely to be mistaken for a married couple on their next adventure (I hear SCUBA diving may be next - at least somewhere warm)
Peter: most likely to be ready, willing, and able to help a brother (or sister) out when in need.
Ray: Most likely to entertain you with lively conversation and great stories if you are lucky enough
to be walking within earshot.
Lacie: Most likely to have a shockingly good impression of everyone by the end of the trip (ooh ooh do me first!) ��
And last but certainly not least, Jackson: Most likely to get us to the top of Denali (and back down) safe and sound!
Oh, and me. I’m the most likely to try and dodge writing the daily blog even after I sort of volunteered��
To make this blog more interactive and to let you know that we read all of the comments, I want to let our dear readers know that Pattie is just as concerned about her lawn maintenance as you are and will eagerly tackle that chore just as soon as she is done submitting this beast of a mountain.
Now for the fun part: audience participation!
1. Please nominate a climber to write tomorrow’s blog. Must be someone that hasn’t written so far. Available people are Pattie, Alonzo, and Matt. First comment wins.
2. We missed the answer to last nights trivia. Can someone please let us know how many claps there are total in the Friends theme song?
We love all of your support. Now show some love to the RMI Team and Like, comment and subscribe!
- RMI Climber Dave
Comments (7)
Just a Midwestern Girl here (no mountains in sight) living vicariously on the epic adventures of those of you brave enough (and disciplined enough) to take on the mountain.
Such an awe-inspiring adventure. Thank you for sharing and letting us come along for a tiny little glimpse of your epic climb.
I assure you, your circle of influence is much larger than you think.
Safe travels to the summit!
Posted by: Stephanie Johnson on
Not to blow up the comment section, but when I’m wrong, I admit it. I listened to the actual song and it’s 4 claps.
Posted by: Amy on
I guess it depends though on TOTAL CLAPS or at one time….. hmmm
Posted by: Amy on
It’s actually 14 claps. Ask your guide Jackson. He KNOWS I KNOW!!
Posted by: Amy on
Woohoo!! Y’all rock! Ricky must have finally put some pants on to have been voted least likely to be sunburned ;-P
Stay safe and kick that mountain’s butt!
I vote Ricky to blog!
Kat
Posted by: Kat on
Whoop!!! Well done, Mr Kuhl! Phenomenal update! We’re all impressed and as always, you made us chuckle.
Without knowing the other climbers….Asher votes for Alonzo (he likes his name!!). As for total claps in the Friends theme song….what a random question to which we have no answer. Would you accept…a plethora?
Keep up the great work, team! All our love - Team Kuhl
Posted by: Team Kuhl on
Alonso wants to write tomorrow’s blog…...4 claps
Posted by: David Grove on