Entries from Mt. McKinley

Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team Carry and Rest

May 26, 2013

Posted by: Brent Okita, Leah Fisher

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

Sunday, May 26, 2013 Bagels fried in butter, slathered in cream cheese and accompanied with smoked salmon and bacon. It was the perfect fuel to start us out on the perfect day. Clear, calm skies prevailed over the Alaska Range once again and shortly after 9:30 we were hoofing it down to pick up our cache at 9500'. Everyone cruised up and down, allowing us a quasi rest day upon our return to camp around 1:00. A little afternoon training with our crampons and ice axes will serve us well as we start climbing some steeper terrain tomorrow. Motorcycle Hill, Squirrel Hill, the Polo Field and Windy Corner will be some of the areas we'll climb through on our way to caching a bunch of food and supplies at 13,500'. We're looking forward to an exciting and challenging day. As we were preparing to settle in for our dinner of burritos we got a pleasant surprise when the first RMI trip arrived in camp after summiting on a perfect day yesterday. It is exciting to see our friends, and certainly gets us stoked for the climbing to come. We're hoping for some similar conditions when it comes our turn to go for the summit. But for now, we'll just concentrate on the matter at hand. Getting our cache to 13,500'. We'll be getting up fairly early in order to get back to camp with time to relax and prepare for the next day. Until then ... RMI Guides Brent, Logan, Leah

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I think George is jealous about your trip. Next time take him too…

Posted by: susan birnbaum on 5/28/2013 at 3:17 pm

Razzle-dazzle & Ray Ray,

What an amazing experience! I remember you telling me about the fried bagels as we sat in the sun trying to imagine what your climb would be like. Can’t believe it’s really happening. Be in every moment, absorb it all: the sound of the snow, your heightened sense of awareness, the way you can read the terrain… It’s you and the mountain.
Miss you, love you,
-E

Posted by: Eva on 5/27/2013 at 10:25 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team Summit!

May 26, 2013

Posted by: Mike Walter, Solveig Waterfall, Ben Liken

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 20,320'

Saturday, May 25, 2013: Hi All! Our team is safely back at high camp after a successful summit bid today! Our entire team made it to the top and we enjoyed near perfect weather and route conditions! We left camp at 9:30 this morning and were standing on the roof of North America at 4:45 pm. After taking photos, exchanging high fives and hugs, and enjoying amazing views we descended towards camp in the evening glow of Alaska sunshine and with the anticipation of hot tea and a warm dinner. We are all excited to begin our decent tomorrow and look forward to talking to all our friends and family in a few days! Cheers! RMI Guides Solveig, Mike, Ben, and the McKinley Team

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Congratulations! Villy you made it! Greetings to everyone! Have a save trip home. We are looking forward to a thrilling report.
Tina & Klaus

Posted by: Tina on 5/26/2013 at 12:51 pm

Congratulations to Solveig and the entire team

Posted by: Tom Waterfall on 5/26/2013 at 10:35 am

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Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team Move Into 11K Camp

May 25, 2013

Posted by: Brent Okita, Leah Fisher

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

The sun doesn't set at 11,200' camp until after 9:30 sometime. Then it just passes behind a mountain to cast shadows on this place that we're now calling home. And we're soaking it all up after another nice day of climbing. Today we made it to camp in under four hours, and for the first time had pretty reasonable sized packs. A cool down-glacier breeze offered us a change of pace from the sweat fest of the lower glacier, and I think most of the team welcomed the drop in temperature. Pulling into camp in the early afternoon allowed us to walk into a vacated camp spot and relieved us of the tough work of building walls and excavating tent platforms. Most of us relaxed and enjoyed a well deserved break from our toils. Another first for the trip: we enjoyed a fine meal from the comfort of our Posh House. This is a tent like thing that allows us all to sit, cook and eat, protected from the elements like the wind, cold, snow or even sun. It's cozy and makes it fun to just linger over a couple of hot drinks and enjoy each others company. Tomorrow we'll be doing a back carry to pick up the cache we left there this morning. We're looking forward to a fairly easy day, and hopefully another great day of weather. Before we sign off, Ayla wants to give a big shout out to her sister. Happy Birthday Eva! (By the way, your sister Ayla is a rock star - she's doing great.) Until tomorrow ... RMI Guide Brent Okita

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Hi to Jeff Hooper from sis - I think this is the right team! Hope you are having a great time, looks cold! Take care, thinking of you. Jill and Dad (via phone)

Posted by: Jill Cathey on 5/26/2013 at 7:59 pm

Hello Monica,
Wow the pictures are beautiful! Kathy,Maribeth and I are so proud of your accomplishments!
Praying for you,

Jimmy Rx

Posted by: Jim Gentle on 5/26/2013 at 6:44 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team Bring Cache From 13,600’

May 25, 2013

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Kel Rossiter

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

First and foremost, the biggest event of the day was Pete's birthday--14K on a sunny day is not a bad place for a party. Today was a bit a work and a bit of play, or rest anyway. We started by moving the 13,600' cache. We moved the cache and carried the cache to 14K. Resting at the cache spot before our carry, we could hear the water flowing underground, deep under the glacier. The trip back to camp was smooth and everyone arrived back far from flippy-floppy. We enjoyed a relaxing afternoon in the peaceful oasis of our surroundings. Though we all could certainly get used to that lifestyle, we're also eager to make the most of this weather and the team's strength, so we're heading off to bed soon to get ready for tomorrow's carry up the fixed lines. RMI Guide Kel Rossiter

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Understand you are going to the top Monday Yahoo have a good day. Almost there.
Sending lots of luck to all of you.

Posted by: Judy Blaisdell on 5/26/2013 at 9:40 pm

Hey Bob,

Can’t wait to see those pics. Enjoy every minute and be careful. Love Ya

Posted by: Judy Blaisdell on 5/26/2013 at 8:38 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team’s Hard Work Pays Off with a Reward

May 25, 2013

Posted by: Billy Nugent, Kel Rossiter

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Billy here checking in from Camp IV at 14,200' after a strong showing from our team on a big move up. We enjoyed mostly clear skies and incredibly strong sun on the way up from our previous camp at 11,000'. In fact, the sun was a little too strong; while the ambient temperature hovered in the teens we felt like we were boiling for the majority of our climb. It's amazing what a little radiation can do. After all our hard work we were rewarded with an easy move-in to Mike Walter's recently vacated camp. Sometimes you just get lucky. The high pressure is supposed to stick around through the extended forecast so we aim to keep on chipping away... Wulpseeya! RMI Guide Billy Nugent

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Go Derek!! Myself and Jr are so proud of you!!mom and pop are praying for ye every day xxx

Posted by: Lisa oz on 5/25/2013 at 7:54 pm

I’m so proud! Yall are gettin it done.

Posted by: Kristen on 5/25/2013 at 7:00 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team in Position for Summit Bid

May 25, 2013

Posted by: Mike Walter, Solveig Waterfall, Ben Liken

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,200'

We woke early this morning, hours before the sun came up and warmed up our camp. After packing up camp in the shade, we made our way up to the head wall towards high camp. The sun finally warmed us up as we started ascending the fixed ropes up to the the top of the West Buttress. Then we ascended the beautiful and exposed snow covered granite ridge into high camp. The weather was amazing, as were the views: 3000' feet down to our last camp in Genet Basin to our south and the same relief down to the Peters Glacier to our north. We arrived at high camp (17,200') shortly after 3pm. We're all well rested and we're hoping for good weather tomorrow for a shot at the summit. We'll let you know how it shakes out. RMI Guide Mike Walter

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Get ‘er done!

Posted by: K2 on 5/25/2013 at 9:20 am

Hey, all the best for the last bit! And have a save descent! Michael

Posted by: Michael on 5/25/2013 at 8:57 am

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Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team Establish Camp at 9,500’

May 24, 2013

Posted by: Brent Okita, Leah Fisher

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 9,500'

Weary though we were last night, everyone bounced back after a good nights sleep. Looking up at Ski Hill and knowing we needed to haul these loads up it had us a little anxious in the morning, but we all found the strength and spirit and we made it up to camp at 9,500' by 3:00 p.m.. We were pretty happy and relieved to get here, and it was wonderful to have another perfect day for it. We've been enjoying the warmth of the afternoon to make camp, and perhaps more importantly, to relax a bit and even get out of our boots. Tomorrow we start ferrying loads up the mountain, moving only half our gear at a time. This means that we'll be spending at least two days at a time at each camp. Tomorrows plan is to pack up camp and bring just a few days of food and fuel with us, caching the rest here in a deep hole and away from the ravens who have developed a taste for candy and ramen. We'll make camp at 11,200', then come back the next day with empty packs to bring up what we left. What does all this mean? Light packs! Ok, perhaps I should be realistic and call them 'lighter pack.' Anyways, we're firing on all cylinders here and things couldn't be much better. What a treat it is to climb with a fun, strong team. We'll talk again tomorrow. RMI Guides Brent Okita, Logan Randolph and Leah Fisher

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Off to a good start!
Ferry away and get set for all. Joe (USFS Ranger) is hoping to see you. Carry on….
M&M

Posted by: Mike and Karen Fisher on 5/25/2013 at 8:48 pm

Good luck guys! Those sleds look fun!

Posted by: Jack on 5/25/2013 at 7:15 am

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Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team Rest at 14,200’ Camp

May 24, 2013

Posted by: Ben Liken, Mike Walter, Solveig Waterfall

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Our team slept in this morning and got some much needed rest for our upcoming summit bid. Tomorrow we plan to wake early, pack up camp, and move to our high camp at 17,200'. The weather is perfect, and so is the forecast. We hope the meteorologists in Fairbanks are correct, as they are predicting good weather for the next few days. But, as always, we're focusing on one day at a time. And if the weather is good tomorrow, that focus will be climbing efficiently from our current camp at 14,200' up to high camp at 17,200', and establishing ourselves up high for a summit bid. Stay tuned and wish us luck... RMI Guide Mike Walter

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Eric,
We have enjoyed reading the updates as your group has climbed. We wish you and all your fellow climbers the best of luck for a safe summit. We know that this has been an awesome experience for you and we look forward to hearing all about it when you get home! Love, Mom and Dad

Posted by: Lori on 5/24/2013 at 5:35 pm

Eric, We have enjoyed reading the updates as your group has climbed. We are wishing you and your fellow climbers the best of luck for a safe summit. We know that this has been an awesome experience for you and we look forward to hearing all about it when you get home. Love, Mom and Dad

Posted by: Lori Agoglia on 5/24/2013 at 5:28 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team Carry to 13,600’

May 24, 2013

Posted by:

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

We woke today to a blend of blue and white swirls, but with more blue above and more white down low--And with our team still charging strong--we made the push to cache food and gear at 13,600'. This trek takes us onto a different aspect of the mountain, with views over to the "Father and Sons Wall" and the glaciers to the west, which feed north to the Bering Strait. Pushing upward to 13,000' we could see the tops of Foraker (17,000') and Crosson (12,000') poking out above a thick sea of clouds around 11k--we were happy to be above it all. After caching our gear we headed down (a much quicker trip!) and we're now back at camp just as the sun has begun burning through the clouds--perfect timing! RMI Guide Kel Rossiter

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go pete and the team! barb and I are praying for you in this awesome adventure!

Posted by: mike tubbs on 5/25/2013 at 8:58 am

Happy birthday Pete! I baked you a huge cake but I guess I’ll just eat it myself. Hope the trek continues well!

Posted by: Dan bos on 5/25/2013 at 7:36 am

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Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team Ready in Talkeetna

May 24, 2013

Posted by: Brent Okita, Leah Fisher

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Hello from Talkeetna, Alaska The result of a day of hard work sorting and packing stuff we'll live with for the next two or three weeks. With a little luck we might be flying onto the glacier in a couple of hours or so. The weather looks promising here, but of course it could be completely different on the mountain. We're all set and doing great. But first, breakfast at the Roadhouse ... RMI Guide Brent Okita

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have fun daddy! i miss you more and more everyday. i hope you have fun up there! be safe and come visit me soon! love you forever, like you for always as long as your living my daddy you will be

Posted by: Cory on 5/25/2013 at 10:59 am

Good luck on your hiking trip! I also hope you have good weather. All the snow on the mountain makes me feel very cold in Georgia. Ally Mac, your hiking gear and food look very very heavy. You must have strong arms for this trip.
Cheers to all!!!

Posted by: GrampZ & Grandmom on 5/24/2013 at 11:50 pm

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Entries from Mt. McKinley

Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team Carry and Rest

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team Summit!

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team Move Into 11K Camp

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team Bring Cache From 13,600’

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team’s Hard Work Pays Off with a Reward

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team in Position for Summit Bid

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team Establish Camp at 9,500’

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team Rest at 14,200’ Camp

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team Carry to 13,600’

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team Ready in Talkeetna

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