Entries from Mt. McKinley

Denali Expedition: Beren & Team Move to 14,000’ Camp

June 7, 2017

Posted by: Jake Beren, Steve Gately, Megan Budge

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Jake Beren & Team checking in. We moved to 14.000' Camp on Denali yesterday. Today we are busy building walls and fortifying our camp and getting settled in. We will spend tomorrow training and are enjoying the thinner air. All is well!

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14000 - awesome! Stay Strong everyone!
Go Steve!

Mike and Pat

Posted by: Mike and Pat Lurakis on 6/8/2017 at 8:18 am

happy birthday to ken at 14000! love from your wife and family.

Posted by: anne lawler on 6/7/2017 at 9:27 pm

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Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Building Walls at 14,000’ Camp

June 7, 2017

Posted by: Tyler Jones, JM Gorum, Bryan Mazaika

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

June 6, 2017 Today we woke up to the expected winds on the upper mountain. The temperatures are creeping up slowly but the winds are keeping us low for a day, or a few. This means we acclimate by doing light activity and a bit of lifting. We started with a hot drink and traveled back to the edge of the world to outstanding views. Afterwords, the team all piled into the cook tent for a round of blueberry pancakes. Building walls around our camp, creating a mountain castle, filled the next few hours as we fortified our outpost. We now have the best walls and the best views in camp! A fellow RMI team lead by Jake, Steve, and Megan arrived at 14 today, and our group was happy to lend them a hand setting up camp. We are now surrounded by friends in a beautiful camp. Everything is in its place, and we are ready to move uphill when the mountain allows it. RMI Guide Tyler Jones

On The Map

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Fingers crossed for clear weather and being able to push ahead at the soonest opportunity.

Go John and the rest of the team!

Posted by: SoCal Gunns on 6/8/2017 at 9:56 am

Hi Dear Amir and Hi to all team members,
Hope all is OK with you and you have a pleasant and safe climbing. You are just at it!! You are on a hard journey. Years ahead you look back and you enjoy remembering an unforgettable, amazing and exciting experience in fighting physically and spirituallly against hard rock stones in your way up. Your ascent is symbolising how you need to move forward and pass the barriers patiently and humbly but resolutely. Tomorrow morning I will be climbing Claun Bastami at 4300 meter height, beginning at 4 am and coming down in the afternoon.
Please take good care of yourself, preserve your skin from the intensity of sun and stay well!
Hadi, Mitra’s dad

Posted by: Hadi on 6/8/2017 at 6:51 am

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Denali Expedition: Okita & Team Waiting for Better Weather

June 7, 2017

Posted by: Brent Okita, Christina Dale, JT Schmitt

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,000'

June 6, 2017 The cocoon of warmth and comfort provided by our sleeping bags is tough to leave sometimes, especially when the mercury is hovering well below zero outside. But starting at 6:30am that is my job: to look outside and check the climbing conditions for summit worthy weather. The winds around camp had settled a little, but blowing snow was obvious above us around Denali Pass. Although better than yesterday, I was still rather leery of bringing the team into conditions like that. With improvement by 7:30 we had hots on for breakfast and the team prepared all they could by being all dressed and ready to go, but hanging out in their tents and staying warm. At decision time there was still blowing snow off the higher ridges and the Pass, and I made another tough decision not to go for the summit, As soon as it warmed up a bit we continued with the home improvements started yesterday and are now proud owners of a roofed and enclosed bathroom. Ok, basically it's just a place for us to pee and poop, but we'll now have some privacy and a little protection from the gusts of wind and snow we've had to deal with the past few days. Up here, it's the little things that help make this tough life at 17,200' just a little nicer. It was good for all of us to move and work a bit, and many blocks of snow were cut in the construction of our masterpiece. I believe we impressed our neighbors to no end, with many people coming over to garner building tips for making on of their own, or just taking pictures and marveling at the energy we put in to our humble commode. As these days pass by even the most patient of us are getting antsy for the summit, but there's one thing we don't have control of is the weather. So, we just make the most of what we have. Life on this beautiful mountain in the company of some pretty cool people. Things could be a lot worse. Bye for now. RMI Guides Brent, Christina and JT

On The Map

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Hi Bill and team,

I admire your perseverance with the waiting game, undoubtably the hardest part of the climb. Camp construction and naps are a great way to pass the time. I’ve been checking the weather periodically and trying to guess as to when you all might head for the summit. Fingers crossed for warmer weather when that finally does happen! Sending great thoughts for a safe summit bid!!

Love,
K

Posted by: Kristen Kelliher on 6/8/2017 at 6:11 am

You Guys have an AWESOME Camp!!! Climb Strong!!

Posted by: Dave Kestel on 6/8/2017 at 3:47 am

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Denali Expedition: Beren & Team Take a Rest Day at 11,000’ Camp

June 6, 2017

Posted by: Jake Beren, Steve Gately, Megan Budge

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,000'

June 5, 2017 Today the team woke to find a fresh coat of feather light snow over camp, with more coming down. We were content to snuggle back into our sleeping bags for a few more hours before the sun finally appeared. After a satisfying breakfast of granola with fresh blueberries, we spent the morning practicing ascending fixed lines in preparation for when we move from 14,000' Camp to 17,000'. We followed up our training with a delicious potluck lunch. Now we are getting ready for bed with full bellies and well rested legs. If weather allows, we will try move up to 14,000' Camp tomorrow. Good night from 11,000'! RMI Guide Jake Beren

On The Map

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Patients, patients, patients- would have thought you would have had plenty of them over the years Steve - oh sorry wrong kind - well praying for patience for all! Hang in there and enjoy every moment of this epic adventure! Pat :)

Posted by: Mike and Pat Lurakis on 6/7/2017 at 3:26 pm

Happy birthday to Ken Lawler! Hopefully you guys are up at 14 camp at this point and ready to take on the buttress. Good luck, sending good SoCal weather your way.

Posted by: Brad Lawler on 6/7/2017 at 12:52 pm

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Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Take Well Deserved Rest Day

June 6, 2017

Posted by: Tyler Jones, JM Gorum, Bryan Mazaika

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

June 5, 2017 After our cache to 17,200' Camp yesterday, our team had earned a well deserved rest day. We cooked up some breakfast burritos this morning for brunch which included eggs, bacon and hash browns. After digesting our breakfast, we stretched out our legs by walking to the Edge of the World. Each team member was belayed out to the edge which drops some 5,000 ft to the Northeast Fork and provides some great photos to bring home. The weather outlook is calling for some windy and cold days ahead so the team may be sticking it out here at 14k camp but when our time comes we will be rested and ready to climb! RMI Guide Tyler Jones

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Trip Conclusion

June 5, 2017

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Jess Matthews, Jenny Konway

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

We last gave a shout from 7,600’ at the base of Ski Hill on our descent. It was a long day, beginning with the sun hitting 17 Camp, where we packed up all of our belongings, and headed back down the West Buttress. Conditions couldn’t have been better, and before long we were shedding layers as quickly as we could as we walked into the heat of 14 Camp. An hour of repacking and grabbing more of our gear that we had cached there as well as visiting with RMI Guide Tyler Jones’ team had us ready to move out again. By 11, the air felt thick and the temps were even warmer. RMI Guide Jake Beren and team had been nice enough to dig up our cache, so once more we repacked, adjusted our sleds, traded crampons for snowshoes, and kept beat footing our way down the mountain. We rolled into 7,600 at 10 pm, and though there was a lot of discussion of just continuing on to Base Camp, we decided to throw up the tents for a few hours. We were rewarded with spectacular light as the sun dipped behind the surrounding peaks, and it was a special last night on the glacier. By 4 am we were up and walking again. The few hours of sleep had added some spring to everyones’ step and we flew down glacier, reaching Base Camp in 2.5 hours. We parked next to the runway just as the sun hit. At 9 am on the dot, our good friends from K2 Aviation showed up in three Otters to pick up ourselves and Mike Walter’s team, and by 10 we were in flip-flops back in Talkeetna. Everyone enjoyed the ensuing leisurely day of sorting gear, showers, ice cream, coffee, a celebratory dinner, and a few hours in the classic Fairview Inn. Everyone has split now, finishing plane journey’s back home to loved ones. Thanks so much to our team. They climbed in great style, were equal to the task when things got difficult, put up with a lot of tent time and waiting, and ultimately were able to power through a move to 17 and a summit day without having carried there. We summited an hour or so after Mike Walter’s group (the first guide service summit of the year), on the first viable summit day that had presented itself during our entire stint on the mountain. We were rewarded with incredibly clear views, warm temps, and an overall fantastic day. The views on the way out were pretty stunning as well. Thanks also to all of you for following along. Sore feet and legs are fading away but folks are already talking of their next climbs to come. We look forward to it! Best, RMI Guides Pete, Jess, and Jenny.

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Congrats for making it to the summit Rachel ! :) Pallavi.

Posted by: Pallavi Chahal on 6/8/2017 at 12:46 am

Congratulations Rachel Calvert, Pete and team! Have been following the blog and was so pleased to hear all made the summit safely and saw the beautiful Alaska range on a clear sunny day.
Rachel - will have to catch up with you and see your photos when you are back in Australia.
Renee Duvoisin (2015 summit team)

Posted by: Renee Duvoisin on 6/6/2017 at 4:18 pm

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Denali Expedition: Okita & Team Prepare for Summit Bid

June 5, 2017

Posted by: Brent Okita, Christina Dale, JT Schmitt

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,200'

June 4, 2017 Excitement, nervousness and apprehension are some of the emotions running through the group right now as we try to relax and get some sleep before going for the summit in the morning. The sky is clear, winds are light and it's warm right now as the sun is still shining at 9:30pm. The morning will be quite different though. Sub zero temps will make getting out of these tents hard at best. No need for an alpine start here on Denali. We'll rise around 7:00-7:30am since we really don't need to stop get back to camp early like on normal alpine climbs. The crew is ready, and so are we! Wish us luck. RMI Guides Brent, Christina and JT

On The Map

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Wishing the team good weather for
The summit.
Stunning pictures
Love to Tommy and Alex and Italian feast waiting for you.
Aunt Elisa and Uncle Garrick

Posted by: Elisa and Garrick on 6/5/2017 at 4:24 pm

Wishing you all a successful, safe and amazing journey.
Nearly there!!!!
Xxxxx

Posted by: Sheryl Hawkins on 6/5/2017 at 11:05 am

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Denali Expedition: Walter & Team Return to Talkeetna

June 5, 2017

Posted by: Mike Walter, Robby Young, Lucas Haaland

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 348'

I just wanted to touch base with everyone that has followed our expedition. We flew off of the mountain yesterday, June 3rd, and we're working our way back to our normal lives. We reached the summit on June 1, the first guide service of the season to step on top of Denali! The weather could not have been better, and we took advantage of it by spending nearly an hour on top of the highest point in North America. We endured lots of weather during our trip, but we endured and got it done. It was a super rewarding summit with dedicated climbers. We're already planning our next trip! RMI Guide Mike Walter

Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Carry Supplies to 17,200’ Camp

June 4, 2017

Posted by: Tyler Jones, JM Gorum, Bryan Mazaika

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,200'

June 4, 2017 Today was our hardest day yet! The team did another outstanding job on our climb up to High Camp at 17,200 ft. The crew also managed to return the favor to Brent's climb by bumping the last of their equipment and food from 16,600' as well as prep their arrival to high camp un-burying their caches from a few days ago. We had perfect weather and amazing views of the whole south side of the Alaska range. The descent was a bit of a traffic jam but all went well and the snow has begun as we arrived back to our tents in 14,000' Camp. Our plan for now is to rest and recover tomorrow. Then we will just wait for our summit opportunity! Fingers crossed for nice weather Tuesday and beyond! RMI Guide Tyler Jones

On The Map

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Great progress John (and team). We can’t wait to hear your first hand account. Truly the adventure of a lifetime. We’re all so proud.

Posted by: SoCal Gunns on 6/6/2017 at 7:30 am

Amir: René told me about this latest adventure. Wow, this must be such an amazing experience (but, reading about the mountain a bit, I’m glad it’s you on the mountain and not me)! You never cease to amaze me with the goals you set and your tenacity in pursuing them. I wish you and the team a successful completion of the expedition and look forward to hearing all about it when you return! You make us proud! All the best! Martin

Posted by: Martin Fischer on 6/6/2017 at 1:04 am

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Denali Expedition: Beren & Team Carry to 14,000’

June 4, 2017

Posted by: Jake Beren, Steve Gately, Megan Budge

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

June 4, 2017 Anticipating a long hard day we woke the team and fired stoves at 5AM. After a hearty breakfast of toasted bagels, cream cheese, smoked salmon and capers the team quickly assembled for the climb. Skies were clear when we left camp and the temps quite cool, great for climbing! The plan for the day was to carry a cache of gear to 14k Camp to both lessen the burden of weight when we eventually move and to acclimate to a new altitude. We climb through several iconic features on the way including Motorcycle Hill, Squirrel Hill, The Polo Fields and finally Windy Corner. The team did great and were psyched to leave the sleds and snowshoes behind for crampons and an ice axe! Clouds started billowing in just as we reached 14k camp so we dug our cache spent a few moments to refuel, re-hydrate and breathe the new air at 14,000'. The team is all now back at camp and doing great. Tomorrows agenda is unknown, a lot depends on the weather forecast. We may take a rest day or we may move camp up to 14k. You'll just have to tune in tomorrow to find out! Thanks for following along everybody. RMI Guide Steve Gately & Team

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Excellent progress Lindsay! Rooting for you. Go, go, go!!!

Posted by: Patty on 6/5/2017 at 10:49 pm

Che-che! Have the best time, everything will be waiting for you when you get back. Only better. :)

Posted by: e on 6/5/2017 at 12:46 pm

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Entries from Mt. McKinley

Denali Expedition: Beren & Team Move to 14,000’ Camp

Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Building Walls at 14,000’ Camp

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Okita & Team Waiting for Better Weather

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Beren & Team Take a Rest Day at 11,000’ Camp

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Take Well Deserved Rest Day

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Trip Conclusion

Denali Expedition: Okita & Team Prepare for Summit Bid

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Walter & Team Return to Talkeetna

Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Carry Supplies to 17,200’ Camp

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Beren & Team Carry to 14,000’

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