Entries from Mt. McKinley

Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Headed Home

June 21, 2018

Posted by: Tyler Jones, Bryan Mazaika, Nick Scott

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

RMI Guides Tyler Jones, Bryan Mazaika and Nick Scott, along with their expedition team flew off of Denali on June 20th. They will be headed home from Anchorage in the next couple of days.

Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Move to 11,000’ Camp

June 21, 2018

Posted by: Mike Haugen, Hannah McGowan, Gloria Roe

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

Wednesday, June 20, 2018 -- 11:14 PM PT As it turns out, the sun does still exist!! We saw it last night— well actually just the cold sunlight that reflected off the moon— but it was surrounded by bright blue sky and we finally got to see the gorgeousness of the landscape we’ve been inhabiting for days. We woke in a white out but made the move to 11,000' Camp anyway, with the thought that we must be right at the top of the clouds. Sure enough, we were right! Our new home at 11,000' welcomed us with sunshine to dry out our gear and allow for lounging not in a tent. After a big burrito dinner we are fat and happy back in our sleeping bags, but this time they’re dry and our alarms aren’t set to wake up every hour for shoveling. Much love to all of you who care enough to listen in! Sending special birthday wishes to Cody, Lindsey’s brother! With love, RMI Super Crew

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I know the sunshine must have brightened your spirits and renewed your energy to keep on climbing.. Sounds like you all have a great, strong team.. Can hardly wait to hear from you again, you’re a fantastic group…. Love to you Lindsay and Matt..

Grams

Posted by: Barbara Jones on 6/22/2018 at 12:27 pm

Sorry we couldn’t connect yesterday, Glo! But so glad you are steadily getting higher. We had a solstice fire and we all thought of you on the cold and now sunny mountain. Love you to pieces.

Mom

Posted by: michelle on 6/22/2018 at 10:22 am

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Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Fly to Kahiltna Base Camp

June 21, 2018

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello, Nikki Champion

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,300'

Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - 9:52 PM PT This is one lucky team of climbers. We woke in Talkeetna under cloudy skies... pretty much the same cloudy skies that had kept anybody else from flying during the past six days. It sprinkled rain on us as we ventured out for breakfast but by the time we’d eaten, our pilots surprised us by announcing that basecamp was in the clear and that it was time to fly. We geared up, loaded the planes and lifted off by 9:15. The ski equipped DeHaviland Otters got us through to Kahiltna Base Camp by about 10 AM. Views while flying weren’t stupendous since there was still plenty of cloud hiding the big peaks, but as we got into the center of the range, the lower parts of the big peaks were stupendous enough in their own rite. Basecamp at 10 AM was a very busy and bustling place after a week of no-fly days. Tyler Jones and his RMI team loaded onto the planes we vacated. They’d finished a storm plagued trip and hadn’t been able to move to high camp or summit but they appeared happy and healthy just the same. We built camp and spent the day reviewing glacier travel techniques and sorting gear and supplies. The team seems pretty at home in this world already. We’re hopeful this break in the weather will last... that said, now -at 9 PM- it is snowing lightly. So much recent snow has sure been a good thing for healing up the lower glacier. Word is that open crevasses are few and far between and sketchy bridges are scarce. Best Regards RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Hi sue. Watching your climb! You go girl. Jim and patty

Posted by: Patty on 6/24/2018 at 1:24 pm

Job and Margaret, everyone back home is pulling for the two of you! God speed!

Posted by: Frank Romano on 6/22/2018 at 6:51 am

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Denali Expedition: King & Team Went for a Walk Today

June 20, 2018

Posted by: Mike King, JT Schmitt, Ben Ammon

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Wednesday, June 20th - 8:18 pm PT We woke to clouds and snow at 14K Camp today. We were hoping for clear weather to make a carry to 17K Camp; unfortunately, the winds up high prevented us from getting on the fixed lines. We eventually went for a walk up towards 15,000' to stretch our legs and lungs. The Team got a spectacular view of Genet Basin and the lower Kahiltna Glacier. We are back in camp now and continue to hang out at 14K. The forecast has been accurate for 17K and above but not so for 14K Camp. We'll need to see decreasing winds up high to make our move and if we don't get that in a few days the only option will be to descend. RMI Guide Mike King

Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Arrive at Base Camp

June 20, 2018

Posted by: Tyler Jones, Bryan Mazaika, Nick Scott

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,300'

Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - 3:09 AM PT Today we woke to more winter with the wind blowing in our faces as we crawled from our tents. We did an Alaska leisure start. This is when you wake up and wish the weather was better but... will pack slowly. So we crept through the white, snow blowing all around us, and trail blazed through the deep snow. After many hours we arrived in Base Camp in dashing style. The evening was caped with more quesadillas than we could eat and a celebratory beverage. As we nestle in our sleeping bags for what we hope is the last night, we dream of burgers and beverages on the other side..... it’s snowing now, of course. Don’t fret we have had a blast on this adventure though we are bitter with the weather. We will out chill Denali. You can count on it. RMI Guides Tyler Jones, Bryan Mazaika and Nick Scott

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Marc - super glad you are headed back to record setting heat here in sunny Las Vegas!! We are all looking forward to hearing your stories, seeing your pics, and having you back!!! Safe travels!! Denette

Posted by: Denette on 6/21/2018 at 11:00 am

Best news I’ve heard in days - Base Camp! May the rest of journey home be an easy one! You are all rock stars in my book for battling the elements and coming out on top! Well done! Coeli. P.S. Nick, you know who your second phone call better be to?! I’ll let Sabina have your first. :)

Posted by: Coeli Scott on 6/21/2018 at 8:40 am

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Denali Expedition: King & Team Hanging at 14,000’ Camp

June 20, 2018

Posted by: Mike King

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

We turned in last night expecting another pulse of wind and snow from the large storm stalled out in Bristol Bay. Instead we slept well through a calm night with little in the way of wind and only minimal snow drift. The West Buttress was windy as noted by the plumes of snow being blown into the atmosphere. We decided to stay in camp should the storm send more weather our way. After a leisurely breakfast of pancakes there was a swell of climbers headed up to 17. Some to pull caches for a descent to Basecamp and some just to stretch the legs and lungs after sitting for several days. Choosing not to get in a traffic jam we decided to stay put. Tomorrow if we are fortunate we'll head up the fixed lines and hopefully to 17 so we can get some climbing in. Unfortunately we still need a larger window of improving weather to move camp to 17. The forecasts are improving when compared to what we actually experience in camp. Fingers crossed we get 3-4 days of low winds above for a summi t bid. Thanks for following along. RMI Guide Mike King

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Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Waiting out the Weather

June 20, 2018

Posted by: Mike Haugen, Hannah McGowan, Gloria Roe

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 9,600'

If you were wondering what kind of scenery you can see while climbing Denali, don't ask us because we haven't seen anything in days! We are living in a giant ping pong ball where white snow meets white clouds. We high fived Tyler Jones's RMI team as they made their way down through the muck headed towards Basecamp. All we need is a short break in the weather and a small assurance that the next camp will not be any worse than here. We are hoping that tomorrow morning gives us what we need. The team really is in good spirits considering the amount of tent time that has been logged during this storm and we are not even really on the mountain yet! There has been nothing but positivity and hard work from our Super Crew. So proud! RMI Guide Mike Haugen

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hi Hannah!
I’m glad you’re up above the snow and out of the ping pong ball.
Happy first day of summer, at the top of the world!
Sending a warm patronus with special attention for toes.
I love you, I’ll see you in our dreams,
Mom
PS Tommy sent me the sweetest post card!

Posted by: Lisa Nezwazky on 6/21/2018 at 10:13 am

Happy Birthday, Josh. We love your spirit and determination. See you soon. All our love. Mom and Dad

Posted by: David Levy on 6/21/2018 at 6:12 am

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Denali Expedition: Dave Hahn & Team Arrive in Talkeetna, Alaska

June 19, 2018

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello, Nikki Champion

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 348'

Tuesday, June 19, 2018 - 12:29 AM PT Victory!! Eight climbers and four guides made their way -with heaps of luggage- from various far away places in the “lower 48” to Talkeetna, Alaska. We met this afternoon down in the Anchorage airport and boarded the venerable Denali Overland van for a three hour commute to Talkeetna. Of course we broke things up a bit with a last stop for provisions in Wasilla. Not much in the way of spectacular views today as the Alaska Range was cloaked in cloud, but there was plenty of pretty scenery a little lower down and closer in to the highway. We’ll dial down on lots of details tomorrow as we get oriented, prepped and packed for Denali. Best Regards RMI Guide Dave Hahn

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

The Curtes Crew is with you in spirit every step of the way. Go Hirschy and Magpie - We love you guys!

Posted by: Jay Curtes on 6/20/2018 at 5:32 pm

Wishes for a safe climb for your entire team. Special shout out to Margaret & Jon, keep your eye on the prize! Praying the weather clears for you!

Posted by: Donna Elmer Weber on 6/20/2018 at 4:34 pm

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Denali Expedition: Jones & Team At 11,000’ With Wild Snow and Wind

June 19, 2018

Posted by: Tyler Jones, Bryan Mazaika, Nick Scott

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,000'

Monday, June 18, 2018 - 9:50 PM PT Hi all - We spent a very blustery and snowy day at 11,000 ft Camp. We had wind gusts in the upper forty’s and nearly two feet of snow on top of the more than three feet we walked through yesterday. The team spent most of the day hiding from Denali’s cold breath of winter. We’re hanging in there and crossing our fingers for a break to go to the airstrip. RMI Guide Tyler Jones and Team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Praying for safe passage for the team ❤️
Elisa, Dayton and Elliotte.
We miss you Nicholas!

Posted by: Elisa on 6/19/2018 at 6:26 pm

Lei and the team,
Sorry that you did not go all the way due to mood swings of the Mother Nature. But don’t for one second think that you failed. You all spent months even years training and preparing for this adventure. You survived weeks of snowy, icy, windy wilderness, which only a few can endure. You went to “ the edge of the world” and back. You are all stronger both physically and mentally. You have achieved a lot. Be proud of yourself and safe trip home!
Hao

Posted by: Hao on 6/19/2018 at 6:15 pm

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Denali Expedition: King & Team Continue to Wait for Better Weather

June 18, 2018

Posted by: Mike King, JT Schmitt, Ben Ammon

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

Monday, June 18, 2018 - 1:27 PM PT Listening to the wind run down the West Buttress sounds like a never ending wave crashing against a rocky shore. The snow is drifting 3-4 feet in places thanks to the 30 mph wind gusts. This is an actual weather day, the previous four have just been a warm up. The forecast is for more of the same. We continue to hang out in our tents and later today there is going to be a food swap so the team can get some different snack food choices. RMI Guide Mike King

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Praying the weather eases up.. I can only try to imagine what its like… You guys are amazing! Hang in there! Sending special love to JT.

Posted by: Wendy Emmer on 6/20/2018 at 6:43 am

Doing our clear skies weather dance for y’all!
We are rooting for you and keeping tabs everyday!! A big thank you to Mike for the updates.
Lissy Yeager

Posted by: Elisabeth Yeager on 6/20/2018 at 4:51 am

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Entries from Mt. McKinley

Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Headed Home

Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Move to 11,000’ Camp

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Fly to Kahiltna Base Camp

On The Map

Denali Expedition: King & Team Went for a Walk Today

Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Arrive at Base Camp

On The Map

Denali Expedition: King & Team Hanging at 14,000’ Camp

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Waiting out the Weather

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Denali Expedition: Dave Hahn & Team Arrive in Talkeetna, Alaska

Denali Expedition: Jones & Team At 11,000’ With Wild Snow and Wind

Denali Expedition: King & Team Continue to Wait for Better Weather

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