Entries from Mt. McKinley

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

June 7, 2019

Posted by: Robby Young, Nick Scott, Joe Hoch

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

Thursday, June 6, 2019 10:06 PM PT Greetings from 14,000’! For the first time all trip, the weather was better than forecasted! We took full advantage early this morning, walking into the clouds for only a brief time before we were basking in the sun above 12,000’. It was a smooth move day up here to 14 Camp. We arrived early afternoon with plenty of time to completely set up camp, take naps, and then indulge in a veggie curry dinner. It was great to see our RMI friends JM and company as well as a plethora of other guides from other walks of life. It’s truly a city of friends up here at 14 Camp and our team is ecstatic to be here, especially given the squirrelly weather we’ve had over the last week. We’re all in the sleeping bags now, as it gets cold quickly up here; but we’re amped and ready to go back and pick up our windy corner cache tomorrow morning and be reunited with all of delicious lunch food and larger huge variety of meals. We’ll keep you posted on our progress. Robby, Nick, Joe and Team ‘Clean Plate Club’

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

So glad weather improved! Good luck all! Step safe

Posted by: Susan Moore on 6/7/2019 at 9:18 pm

Baldock…. go get it! DAs Office following you guys up!

Posted by: Marja on 6/7/2019 at 4:20 pm

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Denali Expedition: King & Team Cache Supplies at 9,300

June 6, 2019

Posted by: Mike King, Avery Parrinello, Dominic Cifelli

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,800'

Thursday, June 6, 2019 - 5:04 PM PT There was a light breeze that rattled the tents last night. The first few nights away from a comfortable bed can be an adjustment. The Team woke to a cold and mostly clear morning. We pumped the brakes a bit to let the air warm up and see what the clouds were doing North of us in the interior. After breakfast the clouds lifted and we launched to take advantage of the clear skies before forecasted thunderstorms and snow arrived. Our route to the cache at 9,300’ takes us up Ski Hill (it’s got the grade of a ski hill) and along the flanks of Kahiltna Dome. The pack loads are heavy but the Team handled it with mostly smiles while taking the time to enjoy the scenic down glacier vistas. We have to cache our food and fuel in the snow so ravens do not dig it up, this typically requires a 1 meter deep hole. We are back in a white out at 7800’ Camp hanging in tents enjoying the solar and having some lunch. Tomorrow we hope to get clear skies and a cold/early start to beat the weather into 11,200’ Camp. Thanks for following along. Everyone is healthy and happy. RMI Guide Mike King

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Following the blog. Have an amazing time and stay safe, enjoy the adventure
Love marie

Posted by: Marie Pope on 6/7/2019 at 1:55 pm

We’re following you and your team. What an amazing adventure! The photos are gorgeous. Stay safe and have a fantastic time!

Posted by: Stephanie Smith on 6/7/2019 at 4:38 am

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Denali Expedition: King & Team Fly to Glacier, Move to Camp 1

June 6, 2019

Posted by: Mike King, Avery Parrinello, Dominic Cifelli

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,800'

Wednesday, June 5, 2019 - 10:39 PM PT Wow! We got a little bit of every weather pattern today on our move to Camp 1 located at 7,800’. It was overcast, hot, cold, windy, calm, thunder and we got two different rounds of snow. Back to the beginning of the day, our flight into the Alaska Range was spectacular. After a quick breakfast, K2 Aviation told us to suit up and put boots on, we were going flying. The Team did well with the heavy packs and sleds. We got into camp after seven hours and while the tents are bombproof, the rest is like that pig who made his house out of straw. Tomorrow we hope to carry half our camp up to 10,000’ but we might get weathered in. Regardless we’ll check in and look forward to another day on Denali. RMI Guide Mike King

On The Map

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Great photo of you all!

Posted by: Susan Rogers on 6/7/2019 at 8:31 am

Good luck y’all! Great shot, and great way to begin your journey. Have and step safe!

Posted by: Susan Moore on 6/6/2019 at 10:18 pm

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Denali Expedition: Young & Team Able to Make Carry to 13,000’

June 6, 2019

Posted by: Robby Young, Nick Scott, Joe Hoch

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,000'

Wednesday, June 5, 2019 - 9:30 PM PT We had it all today. Sunshine, snow, raging snow, more sun, and even some thunderstorms...aka thunder snow. Regardless, our team snuck in our carry to Windy Corner at 13,000’. Progress! It was really nice to make some progress after a couple days of rest here at 11,000' Camp. The forecast is calling for more of the same for remainder of the week, so we’ll do what we’ve been doing everyday, we’ll wake up and stick our heads out of the tent early, and see if the mountain will allow us to make our move to 14,000’ Camp tomorrow. Fingers crossed! RMI Guides Robby, Nick, Joe and Team Mountain Zen

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Expect to see some great pictures from the Summit!

Posted by: Thomas Keating on 6/7/2019 at 1:10 pm

Hey Steve congratulations on 14,000 ft camp! Stay strong you got this! Wishing you safety and good weather.

Posted by: Thomas Keating on 6/7/2019 at 1:05 pm

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Denali Expedition: Gorum & Team Make an Attempt at the Summit

June 5, 2019

Posted by: JM Gorum, JT Schmitt, Dustin Wittmier

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,200'

Wednesday, June 5, 2019 - 4:43 PM PT Well, if it’s not one thing it’s another. The wind finally died down for us, and we had a beautiful start to our summit attempt. As we neared Denali pass and the top of the Autobahn, thunder started rumbling in the distance. In a matter of minutes we were underneath the leading edge of a 30,000 foot anvil. We tucked tail and ran back to camp, threading through climbers intent on continuing uphill. We can deal with cold, snow, and wind, but the only cure I know for lightning is distance. All in all it was a good day, considering we are all still healthy and happy. We’re going to regroup this afternoon, consider the forecast, and come up with a plan for the next few days. RMI Guide JM Gorum

On The Map

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Sending you all our love from Idaho, Brit and team! Glad you are all in this together :)

Posted by: Kat on 6/7/2019 at 8:23 am

Good luck Kirk, I hope the weather holds out for you.

Posted by: Tony and Carrie on 6/6/2019 at 8:44 pm

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Denali Expedition: Young & Team Getting Well Rested at 11,000’ Camp

June 5, 2019

Posted by: Robby Young, Nick Scott, Joe Hoch

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,000'

Tuesday, June 4, 2019 - 9:29 PM PT The mountain was surly this morning. Winds were cold and strong when we woke up to attempt a carry to a cache at 13,600’. So we did what all smart climbers would do, and we stayed put and enjoyed warm down sleeping bags and snack food. We put in some serious chill time today, while the mountain continued move the air around until early afternoon. We are definitely feeling rested at this point after two full rest days here at 11,000' Camp, and are looking forward to getting up and attem and moving uphill tomorrow if the improved forecast comes to fruition. Not only are we rested, but we’re also full of macaroni and cheese and bacon from this evenings dinner. Here’s to putting that fuel to work tomorrow! RMI Guides Robby, Nick, Joe and Team ‘All the Cheese’

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Well hope rest time is over and you are continuing your climb
Stay strong and climb safe

❤️❤️

Posted by: John Zabinski on 6/6/2019 at 5:09 am

Allan!!
We love you so much and we are so proud of you. Keep up the awesome climbing! We loved seeing the map that was posted. Holy cow! That’s a long way! So amazing!!!

Love your little sis, Wayne, Chris and Robert

Posted by: Corrine on 6/5/2019 at 4:44 pm

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Denali Expedition: King & Team Arrive Talkeetna, Prepare for Expedition

June 4, 2019

Posted by: Mike King, Avery Parrinello, Dominic Cifelli

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 348'

Tuesday, June 4, 2019 - 6:41 PM PT The Team arrived in Anchorage yesterday and we had a nice drive to the little hamlet of Talkeetna. Today we woke up and got a good breakfast on board before diving into an extensive gear check and packing session. The Team members got to know one another as they sifted through Oreos, nuts, candy and all sorts of other gear we will need to climb this mountain over the next three weeks. Once we were packed and weighed in for our flight there was some down time before dinner. Getting out of Talkeetna is always a bit of a scramble but the process of packing for a big expedition is essential to being organized and prepared for the weather and terrain that lie ahead. Everyone is excited and a little nervous to get started and rightfully so, this really is an experience of a lifetime! 3 weeks in the Alaska Range, traveling among giants to attempt the 20,320’ summit of Denali. We will be checking in daily, thanks for following along. RMI Guide Mike King

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Enjoying following the blog. Safe trip and have an amazing time love marie xx

Posted by: Marie Pope on 6/6/2019 at 12:48 pm

GoodLuck! to all the team as you start your Alaskan adventure on Denali. Sue and John Rogers.

Posted by: Susan Rogers on 6/5/2019 at 12:15 pm

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Denali Expedition: Gorum & Team Keep Waiting The Winds Out

June 4, 2019

Posted by: JM Gorum, JT Schmitt, Dustin Wittmier

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,200'

Tuesday, June 4, 2019 - 6:16 PM PT Last night was probably the least comfortable night of the trip. We had strong gusts throughout the night that rattled our tents, and kept us all far from sleep. We spent the morning hiding from the cold and sipping on hot drinks. The winds were too high to make a summit attempt. Eventually things calmed down, and we ventured forth into the world. It has turned into quite a nice day up here, with winds near the summit diminishing as well. We’ve had some amazing views looking down at our previous camps and the Kahiltna glacier winding out of sight. The forecast looks promising for tomorrow. Once again, we’ll wake up in the morning and see what the mountain gives us. RMI Guide JM Gorum

On The Map

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Holding you all in warm hug, especially Mogens! I know this mountain has already gifted you all, looking forward to the stories!
Sally

Posted by: Sally on 6/6/2019 at 9:08 am

We’re all in for your humble conquest of goals. Onward and upward, to the summit… Great care!! Scott

Posted by: scott otoole on 6/5/2019 at 1:32 pm

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Denali Expedition: Young & Team Rest at 11,000’ Camp

June 4, 2019

Posted by: Robby Young, Nick Scott, Joe Hoch

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,000'

Monday, June 3, 2019 - 9:11 PM PT And on the sixth day, we rested. Boy it felt good to just stay in one place for a day. We woke up to some winds and a little bit of snow, and we were due for our annual rest day here at 11,000' Camp, so we took full advantage. There was no up and attem this morning, as we let our bodies sleep, and waited until 9am to indulge in a eggs and hashers feast. We had a little bit of sun midday, but most of the day the mountain seemed to spit snow and coat us in clouds as we practiced some climbing skills that are pivotal for the coming days. Not much else to report from a day of rest, and that’s a beautiful thing. We’re hopeful to carry tomorrow to a cache site at 13,600’, but the mountain will make the call in the morning. Until then, stay tuned. RMI Guides Robby, Nick, Joe, and Team Tasty Bite

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You need to rest, boys! Steve, thinking about you everyday; following the blog on the website-it’s great. Well, get some rest, you’ll all be climbing like a bunch of monkeys soon !
Love , Mike and Ruth

Posted by: Mike and Ruth on 6/5/2019 at 3:40 pm

We continue to pray for you Steve. We are at Omaha Beach because Pat’s dad was here 75 years ago and survived to come home. Very emotional day for us but we are remembering you on that mountain and praying you will achieve your goal.

Posted by: Mike and Pat Lurakis on 6/5/2019 at 9:24 am

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Denali Expedition: Gorum & Team Wait For Calmer Winds

June 3, 2019

Posted by: JM Gorum, JT Schmitt, Dustin Wittmier

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,200'

Monday, June 3, 2019 - 5:49 PM PT When we poked our heads out of the tent this morning, we hoped to see sunny, calm skies beckoning us to climb this mountain. It was definitely sunny, but winds up high were blowing snow into the stratosphere. As much as we hoped to climb today, it was an easy decision to stay put here at 17 Camp. We slept in, reinforced our camp with some big snow walls, told some jokes, and talked about the beach. Fortunately it hasn’t been too windy here in camp. We’ve been able to get out and stretch our legs from time to time, inspect other camps for architectural inspiration, and chat with the neighbors. We can see the tundra from up here, the only green in sight, 15,000 feet below us. We’ll do an early dinner again, and get organized in hopes of climbing tomorrow. At this point it all just depends on what the winds do. RMI Guide JM Gorum

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Good luck, Pops! You’ll be on top of the world in no time!

Posted by: Jillian Ludwig on 6/4/2019 at 12:33 pm

Praying for cooperative weather in coming days. You are strong!! Our new baby BOY is rooting for you too. Go team!!
- Sam, Brandon, and Logan

Posted by: Sam Wolff on 6/4/2019 at 5:52 am

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Entries from Mt. McKinley

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

Denali Expedition: King & Team Cache Supplies at 9,300

On The Map

Denali Expedition: King & Team Fly to Glacier, Move to Camp 1

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Young & Team Able to Make Carry to 13,000’

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Gorum & Team Make an Attempt at the Summit

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Young & Team Getting Well Rested at 11,000’ Camp

On The Map

Denali Expedition: King & Team Arrive Talkeetna, Prepare for Expedition

Denali Expedition: Gorum & Team Keep Waiting The Winds Out

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Young & Team Rest at 11,000’ Camp

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Gorum & Team Wait For Calmer Winds

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