Entries from Mt. McKinley

Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Base Camp to 7,800’ Camp

May 31, 2018

Posted by: Tyler Jones, Bryan Mazaika, Nick Scott

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,800'

May 31, 2018 - 5:28 pm PT Less than twelve hours after arriving at Kahiltna Base Camp, we woke early, ready for the first leg of our ascent. After quickly breaking down camp and eating an even quicker breakfast, we loaded the last of our gear into our already over burdened expedition sleds and began the walk down heart break hill towards the vastness of the Kahiltna Glacier. The morning was cold and crisp. Perfect conditions for the route to our camp at 7,800 feet. Snowshoes would not be necessary today as the snow was firm and smooth. The skies were clear with only minimal clouds capping the summit of Mount Foraker to the west and a bit of haze blocking our view of Denali to the north. Our group of hopeful climbers looked like a freight train as our three rope teams chugged along with our sleds in tow towards our objective for the day, moving one step closer to the slopes of the West Buttress. After several hours of hard walking, we arrived in camp at the base of Ski Hill and set up our temporary homes for the next few days. Today was easy compared to what lies ahead, but our group of climbers looks strong and ready for the challenge. RMI Guide Tyler Jones

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Denali Expedition: Walter & Team Sit Tight at 14,000’ Camp

May 31, 2018

Posted by: Mike Walter, Robby Young, Alan Davis

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

Thursday, May 31, 2018 - 1:11 PM PT We woke early this morning and fired up the stoves, intent on moving to high camp today. But as the morning progressed, lenticular clouds formed over the Alaska Range, clouds increased, and we could see winds coming off of the West Buttress above us . With a good weather forecast into next week, we decided that we'd sit this one out and try again tomorrow. We're sitting in great shape and lined up for the upcoming goo weather window. And spending another night at 14,000' Camp will make our team stronger for our bid up high. Hopefully our next dispatch will come from High Camp tomorrow. RMI Guide Mike Walter

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Dave and Shane…So close!!!!!! I know you guys will Summit.!!! I hope everyone is well. We are preying for good weather and an easy climb back down!!! It looks beautiful. Thanks for the updates. Those of us at home love hearing the news. Travel safe. Love ya bunches. Mom and Ken

Posted by: Dean Peterson on 6/2/2018 at 9:57 am

You guys got this! Stay safe! We can’t wait to hear about your summit! We know you’re going to make it! We love you Alex and Tom!

Posted by: Casey & Nick on 6/2/2018 at 7:52 am

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Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Take Full Rest Day at 11,000’ Camp

May 31, 2018

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Jess Matthews, Taylor Bickford

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - 10:53 PM PT After yesterday's big effort, it took some snow and evidence of wind at Windy Corner to decide to take a full chill day at our 11,000' Camp today. Food, movies, books, and naps filled the time, and left little room for anything else. We are feeling good about a move to 14,000 ft Camp tomorrow, and after today, everyone is excited for a change in scenery. RMI Guides Pete, Jess, Taylor, and team

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Rich aka dad,

You’re almost there! Keep it up. Been enjoying watching the blog and your climb. Love you and can’t wait to hear all about it!!

Posted by: Eleni Lewis on 6/5/2018 at 6:13 am

Way to go Rich and team-have a good rest and safe ascent!

Posted by: Keith Salzman on 6/1/2018 at 4:53 pm

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Denali Expedition: Hailes & Team Move to 11,000 ft Camp

May 31, 2018

Posted by: Walter Hailes, JM Gorum

Categories: Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - 10:19 PM PT We awoke to falling snow and a whiteout this morning. Luckily, the temperatures were cold enough that everything stayed dry, and we were able to pack up camp and move uphill to 11,000' Camp. We walked through the clouds with near zero visibility until we got above the weather, and pulled into camp around 1 PM. We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing and snacking. We're enjoying our new home, and the sunshine that has come with it. The team is feeling great. Everyone sends their best. RMI Guide Walter Hailes

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Awesome job everyone! Keep it up! Happy Bday Chip!!!

All the best - David O.

Posted by: David Ohm on 6/1/2018 at 6:39 am

Happy 29th Birthday CHIP!

Susie, Charlie, Lauren, Max and Donner

Posted by: Susie Lindstrom on 5/31/2018 at 7:06 pm

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Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Land on the Kahiltna Glacier

May 31, 2018

Posted by: Tyler Jones, Bryan Mazaika, Nick Scott

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,300'

Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - 11:40 PM PT Today we got a nice breakfast in town and headed over to the hanger for a final bit of packing. The weather turned out to be a bit fickle so we started some training to pass the time and our fingers were crossed for improving weather. We went to our lunch break and just when the rain started in town the mountains opened and we got the word we would try to fly on the glacier. We’re finally here at Base Camp and will make our first move early in the morning toward 7,800 camp at the base of Ski Hill. We enjoyed our first dinner as the skies were clearing and caught a glimpse of Denali in the distance! RMI Guides Tyler Jones, Bryan Mazaika and Nick Scott

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Thank you for all of the updates. We are praying for good weather and for your safety on this incredible adventure! Love you Tyler, mom and dad

Posted by: donna shearburn on 6/1/2018 at 6:33 am

Glad you guys made it to base camp Shawn! It looks beautiful up there. I will be checking in daily. Mom and I miss you already! Take care, we love you! Kam

Posted by: Kam on 5/31/2018 at 2:05 pm

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Denali Expedition: Walter & Team Enjoy a Rest Day at 14K Camp

May 30, 2018

Posted by: Mike Walter, Robby Young, Alan Davis

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - 1:50 pm PT Our team is taking another planned rest day today, the first multiple rest day stint of our trip. The weather at 14,200' right now is chilly with very light snow. This unsettled weather is forecasted to last into tomorrow before clearer weather moves in through the weekend. We are hopeful the weather will allow us to move to high camp tomorrow so that we can take advantage of a potentially good weather window (Fri/Sat/Sun) for a summit attempt. We're all doing well, and optimistic that our chance to tag the top is right around the corner. Until then, we'll be resting and getting stronger. RMI Guide Mike Walter

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Dave and Shane….. you guys are so close now. Great progress and great weather is seems.

May the Sun shine for you each day and the winds blow gentle.

Love,

Dad

Posted by: George Head on 5/31/2018 at 11:59 am

Dave and Shane…wow…almost there. I can’t believe you are almost at the summit. We can’t wait to hear ALL about this adventure. We hope you are all feeling well. Miss you to pieces. Have a great day!! Love, Mom and Ken

Posted by: Dean and Ken on 5/31/2018 at 7:01 am

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Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Cache Gear at 14,000’ Camp

May 30, 2018

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Jess Matthews, Taylor Bickford

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

Tuesday, May 29, 2018 - 11:38 PM PT It was another pretty perfect morning on Denali, so we made hay. We started off a bit earlier with a smoked salmon and bagel breakfast, then loaded up most of our food and fuel, strapped on crampons for the first time, and started up Motorcycle Hill. The was a slight breeze to keep things cool, and a few moments of windy corner were cold enough to elicit brain freeze, but everything went incredibly smoothly. So smoothly that we decided to keep going all the way to Mike Walter and team's Camp at 14. They were nice enough to let us stash our load in their camp and keep an eye on it. We spent an hour visiting with friends and enjoying the new scene before we had back for our own Camp at 11. With our stuff up high, we're ready to move up at the next opportunity! RMI Guides Pete, Jess, Taylor, and team

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hey Rich

Wow! Amazing photos! Wishing you all great weather and good times! Kids send their love!

Posted by: Susie and the Kids on 5/31/2018 at 5:18 pm

The pictures look amazing, thanks for posting them! Congrats on your successes so far and best of luck to the top!! #teamdietz

Posted by: Susan Dietz on 5/31/2018 at 12:59 pm

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Denali Expedition: Hailes & Team Camp at 9,800’

May 29, 2018

Posted by: Walter Hailes, JM Gorum

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 9,800'

Tuesday, May 29, 2018 - 9:08 pm PT We had our first overcast day today and it was a nice break from the intense sunshine. Temperatures were much cooler under the cloud cover and that made the climbing more pleasant for us all. After an early dinner we all kicked back in the cook tent and enjoyed movie night. Tonight's feature was "The brothers grimsby". Back to climbing in the morning when we head to Camp at 11,200 ft. RMI Guide Walter Hailes

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Go Old Guard.

Posted by: Jason taormino on 5/30/2018 at 6:37 pm

Tyler - Family is excited to track your adventure/progress -looks like great weather & hope it continues for you & your team . The pics are amazing & the commentary gives us a tiny window into your Denali experience !!
Love -Dadio

Posted by: Kim Shearburn on 5/30/2018 at 3:46 pm

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Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Arrive in Talkeetna, Organize Gear

May 29, 2018

Posted by: Tyler Jones, Bryan Mazaika, Nick Scott

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 348'

Tuesday, May 29, 2018 - 5:27 PM PT Hello from the RMI Denali Expedition, Team Jones! Last evening we all met in Anchorage and drove up to Talkeetna early enough to enjoy our first dinner in town and begin to get to know one another. Today, we started with an early breakfast knowing we had a lot of preparations to do in hopes of flying onto the Kahiltna Glacier tomorrow. We spent the day inspecting our gear, organizing our packs and reviewing some mountain skills like setting up our tents and how to rig our sleds we will be towing the beginning of our expedition. It’s been a busy day but the group has been managing the time well and we are ready to go! Thanks for reading our first blog and we look forward to sharing our adventure as we move along the next couple weeks! RMI Guides Tyler Jones, Bryan Mazaika and Nick Scott

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hello Nick(olas) and Team!!

Girls and I will be following along this latest adventure, Nicholas. We love you! Be safe. Blow Kenna a kiss from us, when you reach the summit!

Posted by: Elisa Moss on 5/31/2018 at 6:59 am

JEALOUS
Yes you guys rock. I wish I could have joined you. Ahh alas if you need to warm up…. join me in Fiji sailing.
Be unstoppable to the summit. Sorry Alden I’m sure you get a lot of that.

Posted by: Saxby on 5/30/2018 at 5:06 pm

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Denali Expedition: Walter & Team Place Cache and Take Rest Day

May 29, 2018

Posted by: Mike Walter, Robby Young, Alan Davis

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Tuesday, May 29, 2018 - 5:01 PM PT Today is a rest day for our team after good long day yesterday establishing a cache at 17,200 ft. We woke early yesterday to a clear but bitterly cold morning (~ -20F), ate breakfast, packed our packs and launched. We were the first team to leave camp and the only team to continue all the way to High Camp (17,200') to establish our cache. The weather and climbing conditions were excellent, and the views were unmatched. Now we're resting, acclimating, and getting stronger in preparation for our summit bid. The weather forecast looks promising and we will likely move to High Camp in the next day or two. We will keep you posted with the latest. RMI Guide Mike Walter

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

OMG you are really getting up there. Luckily beautiful weather! Stay safe, and stay warm…..

Posted by: Marilyn Riede on 5/30/2018 at 9:42 am

What amazing luck with the weather and views! Thank you for this great update and we are happy to hear everyone is doing well! Fingers are crossed for continued great weather and a safe summit climb! Tom M, Myrna and Sheila are enjoying the updates! Be safe and we are sending big hugs!
Susan
Larkspur, CA

Posted by: Susan on 5/30/2018 at 7:21 am

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Entries from Mt. McKinley

Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Base Camp to 7,800’ Camp

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Walter & Team Sit Tight at 14,000’ Camp

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Take Full Rest Day at 11,000’ Camp

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Hailes & Team Move to 11,000 ft Camp

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Land on the Kahiltna Glacier

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Walter & Team Enjoy a Rest Day at 14K Camp

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Cache Gear at 14,000’ Camp

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Denali Expedition: Hailes & Team Camp at 9,800’

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Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Arrive in Talkeetna, Organize Gear

Denali Expedition: Walter & Team Place Cache and Take Rest Day

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