Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Mt. McKinley Expedition: Walter & Team Caching Gear

May 9, 2011

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

After a calm night and a good night's sleep at Camp 3, we're packing our backpacks and getting ready to head out to take a cache of gear to 13,500'. The weather is beautiful, sunny with no wind...but the temps are still cold! We'll be in touch tonight or tomorrow and let everyone know how our day went. RMI Guide Mike Walter

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Just want to wish the team in Mt Mckinley the best. Have fun be safe. And want to send my love to Jerald AKA Monkey…..Love you!

“Look With Wonder At That Which Is Before You”

Carolyn

Posted by: Carolyn Tomlinson on 5/9/2011 at 7:47 pm

Hi Jeff! I got your post card today - it absolutely made my day! Can’t wait to fill you in on all of the exciting things going on back here :)
Love you always,
Erica

Posted by: Erica on 5/9/2011 at 5:50 pm

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Mt. McKinley Expedition: Walter & Team Reach 11,200’

May 8, 2011

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

First things first: Happy Mother's Day from our Denali climbing team! Yesterday we woke to clear skies and cool temperatures at Camp 2, and we packed up camp and moved up to Camp 3 at 11,200'. The snow conditions were excellent for traveling, and the temps were cool but comfortable, and perfect for climbing . After good day of climbing, and a few hours of establishing camp, we settled in to the comfort of our cook tent to enjoy a delicious meal of chicken quesadillas. Today we are resting, hydrating, and acclimating to this new altitude. After a huge breakfast of eggs and bacon, we have begun to fortify our camp- reinforcing our snow walls and our tent anchors. This afternoon we will spend time sorting our gear in preparation for taking a cache to 13,500'. Everyone is doing well, and we're hoping for good weather tomorrow to get our cache in place. We will check in again tomorrow, and let you know what we're up to. Mike

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Fantastic!

Posted by: David Hampton on 5/9/2011 at 7:16 am

Congrats to the team on making it to camp 3 - glad everyone is in good spirits! Jeff - hope you are hydrating and eating lots! We all miss and love you.

Erica

Posted by: Erica on 5/9/2011 at 7:06 am

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Mt. McKinley: Viesturs & Waterfall Team Enjoy Rest Day

May 8, 2011

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,220'

Hello from 11,200' on Mt. McKinley. Our team is wishing all moms a Happy Mother's Day. We're having a nice rest day in a little bit of a storm. Our tents are nice and toasty though and we'll be all set to carry a load to 13,500' tomorrow if the weather allows.

Mt. Everest Expedition: Team Reaches Camp 2

May 8, 2011

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest

Elevation: 21,000'

Yesterday we left off with the group of Dave, Linden and Sara "hunkerin' down" at Camp I for the night, and, given what happened last night, we are sure glad that they did. Our climbing team was hit by huge winds last night at Camp I. In fact, the entire mountain (all the camps) was blasted with extremely high winds and frigid cold. Many tents were lost in the upper camps. Our team survived the night by 1) checking and re-checking the tents to make sure they were secure, 2) eating a big freezed-dried meal for dinner, and then 3) diving into their extremely warm sleeping bags. Sara, who was sleeping in her own tent, radioed me this morning after the winds subsided and said that she sure missed me last night because a couple of times she thought that the tent was going to blow away, and my extra weight would have been helpful. So, to be clear, my daughter missed me for my weight. So touching. After the sun came up the winds died down considerably and the team was able to move from Camp I to Camp II by noon today. Before leaving Camp I they took down the two tents and stuffed them in duffel bags and stored them away (just in case another big "blow" comes along). The entire team is healthy and happy resting at Camp 2 for a big day tomorrow. Assuming the weather cooperates, the team is going to move up to Camp 3 to sleep. Their sleep at Camp 3 will be assisted by bottled oxygen. Then on Tuesday (the 10th) they are going to wake up and walk up toward Camp IV using oxygen, and then return all the way down to Camp 2. The goal is for the team to be back at Base Camp on the 11th, and to beready for a summit bid starting May 18th. Bill M

RMI Guide Dave Hahn checks in from Camp 2 (ABC).

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SARA my sweet little baby!!! Katherine and I were just flipping through your pictures and we miss you so much!! We can’t wait to see you and I want you to tell me everything about your trip!! Be safe and have fun, love you!

Posted by: Kathryn M on 5/11/2011 at 5:38 am

SARA!!!!!!!!!! you are doing awesome! I am so proud of you!!!!! I think about you everyday. I can not wait till the summer so we can rewatch all of the seasons of laguna beach! Atlanta is pretty boring besides the fact that exams are coming up and everyone has a ton of work. I know these past week have been an incredible experience and a lot of hard work. Keep it up and everyone is praying for you everyday. I know you can do it!!!! get this mountain DUNZO, so I can see you!! I have already said this but I miss you so much, and you are truly amazing. Cant wait to see you soon, you little mountain climber.

Lots of Love,
Spencer

Posted by: spencer on 5/9/2011 at 5:11 pm

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Mt. McKinley Expedition: Team Settles in at 11,200’

May 8, 2011

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

We're at 11,200 feet! The camp is quite the scene as there are at least 6 nationalities represented. The weather today was stellar and we moved smoothly into camp. We're all set up for a few days here, and tomorrow we plan to take a well deserved rest day. RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

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Thank you for the updates! You have all been in the Symphony’s thoughts!

Posted by: Amy on 5/16/2011 at 10:43 am

Glad to hear you are doing well. My prayers are with you. Tell Jim that I missed him at the concertlast night. Jeff Beck was fantastic!

Love,
Ann

Posted by: Ann Boyko on 5/8/2011 at 4:49 pm

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Mt. Everest Expedition: Team Departs Base Camp for Final Rotation

May 7, 2011

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest

Elevation: 20,000

Today Dave Hahn, Linden Mallory and Sara McGahan woke up at 4:30 a.m. for a 5 a.m. departure for Camp 1. After a hearty breakfast of rice pudding (not a huge fan, but Linden and Dave are) cheese omlettes, toast and Lucky Charms (Sara always has the Lucky Charms) the team paid its respects' at our camp's Stupa before departing. How they paid their respects was by circling the Stupa in a clockwise rotation on their way out, and taking a moment at the front of the Stupa (which faces the ice fall) to pause/reflect/pray, and to also breathe in the burning juniper that had been lit. On a lighter note, the team also took a moment to each throw a horseshoe while walking out. No ringers or leaner's were recorded (not even close). The walk up the icefall began as the sun was beginning its rise over Everest and Lhotse. The trail has gone through some changes over the past week as the Khumbu Icefall continues its movements. The team encountered several new challenges, including one spot in which a crevasse had opened up. There was no ladder around, so the team had to jump over the gap. Sara broke out her skills from junior high field day and long jumped over a crevasse. Well done. And some people say that they never learn meaningful skills in school! The team was able to make it up to Camp 1 just before 10 am. Dave reported that it is very quiet at Camp 1. Hardly any people at all. It seems that most of the teams are now down at Base Camp beginning to rest for their summit pushes over the next few weeks. Our team spent most of the afternoon resting and napping, which, of course, is one of our teams' strengths! Three other members of our climbing team - Tsering Dorje, Dawa, Yubarj and Kaji (all except Lam Babu) - climbed to Camp 2 today with our South Col equipment, including oxygen tanks, masks, and regulators. This gear will be used by the entire team when they arrive at Camp 3 in a few days. They will be breathing oxygen at night and wearing the masks during their climb up toward the Col the following day. The grand plan is to return to Base Camp on the 11th and then rest for a week. If everything goes well, we hope for a summit bid to start around the 18th. Life at Base Camp continues. Today our neighbor Hamid, who is from Iran, came over with some written questions for Sara. Hamid is involved with a Children's Hospital that treats kids with Cancer. He is climbing to benefit the charity. He requested that Sara answer some questions (which are questions like "how did you get into climbing?" etc..) so that they can publish an article in their hospital newsletter. He also invited Sara to Iran to visit this summer. He is extremely nice (and has a daughter the same age as Sara) and he is VERY impressed with Sara. So, in summary, the goals of the day (Camp 1, Camp 2, etc...) were all accomplished, and everyone feels well. As we say in Georgia, we are hunkerin' down for a cold night and we will be up an at 'em early tomorrow. Bill M.

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Sayyyyyy!!! SOOO PROUD OF YOU FOR BEATING YOUR RECORD, THATS CRAZYYY!!! I’m so happy to hear your doing well and each person that blogs about ya’lls trek gives the impression that your just rocking it, not even phased by the huge mountain your defeating!!! “HOOSERS” said heard you were going up again today & that made me soo happy cause I know your doing amazing! Sounds like your doing a great job avoiding the weather thank goodness! And I actually cant wait to hear about all the cool things you’ve gotten to see, like did you get to see an avalanche?!?! Also, I’ve decided when you come home not only are we gonna have to throw amazingly fun parties for you, but im gonna make it my business to ensure you have the greatest food supply ever!! Reading your food each day makes me wish so badly i could just send you cookies or something because (i know this is lame) im even proud of you for being able to eat the meals you’re given without even letting it bother you! Basically everything you’re doing im just astounded by and am eagerly waiting to hear more about your trip!!! Hahahah laughed when i heard you were taking a lot of naps because sense spring break im addicted! Also, please be a little more studly…jumping over crevasses? COULDN’T BE COOLER!!!! And continuing the theme that your impressing and inspiring everyone who reads this blog and knows you, if you get the article in the children’s hospital newspaper pleaseeeee bring it back to atlanta so everyone can read it! Not only are you encouraging your friends and family, your journey goes far beyond that to inspire kids in Iran! Truly Sara, your a hero! I love and miss you sooo much and continue to be amazed by your hard work and perseverance even without your dad! Tell your team that they have our prayers and that everyone is pulling for ya’ll! <3 Kmy

Posted by: katherine on 5/8/2011 at 9:05 am

GO Sara GO!!!! Thanks Bill for all the news! We are all pulling for the team!

The Boys Lax Cats beat St. Pius last night 13-7 in an upset. Chris Reagan played awesome defense. Michael Thomas and Jimbo Izlar were on fire! Varsity Girls Lax beat Blessed Trinity this afternoon soundly. It was 13-3 when I left. Baley Pope and Anna Jump and Taylor Kaplan and Eve Knapp were leading scorers. Ansley Walker played amazing! Tell Sara that Taylor Bremer and Caroline Heys had lots of playing time.

Boys Varsity Soccer won tonight away in a playoff game and the Girls Varsity Soccer won last night down near Savannah. Varsity Baseball lost today. Boys Varsity Tennis WON State today! Banner day for Westminster Sports!!!
The Ensemble Concert was tonight with Womens and Mens A Cappella. Gracie had a solo!
Hugs to all from the Caswell Family! XOXOX Nancy

Posted by: Nancy Caswell on 5/7/2011 at 8:22 pm

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Mt. McKinley Expedition: Mike Walter & Team at Camp 2

May 6, 2011

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 9,500'

Yesterday we flew in to Kahiltna Base Camp to start our climb. The weather was beautiful, and everyone enjoyed the spectacular flight from Talkeetna; flying over the tundra and then into the Alaska Range; seeing the extensive span of mountains, with the dominating presence of Hunter, Foraker, and our objective, Denali; passing the Pika and the Ruth Glaciers then over the Kahiltna and landing on the glacier. We arrived at Base Camp early, and took advantage of the good weather to pack our equipment and move to Camp 1 at the base of Ski Hill. Today we moved up to Camp 2 pulling our sleds loaded down with equipment, food and fuel for the next couple of weeks. The conditions have been great for traveling and the weather cooperative. Some clouds moved in this afternoon and very light snow started as we got to camp. The forecast looks good, with some light snow tonight and tomorrow; we should be able to get to Camp 3 (11,200') tomorrow. Everyone is doing well. We'll be in touch again soon. Cheers, RMI Guide Mike Walter

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A big hello from Chicago! Please tell Jeff that we are all so proud of him and can’t wait to hear more updates. I saw your mom, Alyssa and family yesterday and they send their best. Bulls series is tied now 2-2, we lost tonight. Lakers lost in 4 to Dallas. Miss you and thinking of you always.

Erica

Posted by: Erica on 5/8/2011 at 7:42 pm

Hi Dave I will try to keep all the UPS drivers updated on your insane journey. Be careful

Posted by: nava on 5/8/2011 at 9:05 am

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Mt. McKinley Expedition: Moving Up Hill

May 6, 2011

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 9,300'

Today we moved to 9,300' on Mt. McKinley. We had great weather on the trail. As we reached the top of Ski Hill it started to snow so we set up camp and hunkered in for the evening. We are all settled in and are resting for another great day tomorrow. We will keep you posted on our progress. RMI Guide Seth Waterfall

Mt. Everest Expedition: Sara’s Thoughts on the Final Round

May 6, 2011

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest

Elevation: 17,575'

As I prepare myself for this last rotation up the mountain, I know I will be faced with huge challenges. For one, climbing up to stay at Camp 3 in three days will be physically exhausting, but for the first time in my life I will be climbing without the support of my dad. Although I respect and admire his decision, and I know it was the right one for both him and the team, I am really bummed he won’t be up there with us. It will be the hardest for me when the times are tough, and not having him there mentally will take a huge toll on me. But I am excited about the next rotation, and about a chance at a summit bid. As hard as these next three weeks will be, I know that I will give it my all and I’ll be back home in just a matter of weeks. So, while the climbs will be intense, and the environment will be extreme, I will be home soon to enjoy the month of June. Lastly, one of the highlights of my day is when I get to read the blog comments, so thank you all for your support. It means so much to me and the rest of the team. Sara McGahan

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Sara,
For weeks I’ve been clicking on this box and trying to come up with something inspiring or helpful to say to you. Unfortunately, surprise, I’ve realized that there probably isn’t that one perfect thing that’s going to help you through this but I can say this: If there was anyone in the world that I would say could climb mount Everest and make it to the top (I know, i don’t have the climbing lingo down yet) it would be you. Not only are you strong (I mean, we’ve all seen those chiseled abs hehe) but you’re also brave, sweet and amazingly humble. Heck, if I were climbing mount Everest, they’d probably have to get an extra harness for my big fat egotistical head! hehe. Though I have to say, just bragging about how I have a friend as cool as you is enough for me. But really, I look up to you Sara, you’re everything a person could want to be and I know it’s getting hard and it’s probably only harder from here, but remember that you’re already remarkable no matter what happens. And as much as I’d like to fly up there with a cosmo and a beach towel in hand, all I can really say is that I wish you the best, you’re one of the most astonishing people I know, and from my heart to yours, I know you can do this.

With love always,
Gigi

Posted by: Gigi Abcarian on 5/13/2011 at 1:58 am

SAYYYSS!! I can’t stop thinking about you!! every step is closer to your dream and closer to coming back to us!! so hunker down and stay strong. WE ALL LOVE YOU SO MUCH

Posted by: Ans on 5/9/2011 at 7:57 am

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Mt. Everest Expedition: Readying for Final Rotation

May 6, 2011

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest

Elevation: 17,575'

The arrival of May has brought a flurry of activity here on Mt. Everest. The number of climbers making their way up the Lhotse Face grew during the last few days of our second rotation as the route was pushed up from Camp 3 to the South Col and Camp 4 was established. The morning broke clear yesterday, suggesting a warm Cinco de Mayo, but by noon a small bank of clouds blew in spitting snow on us. Thankfully the clouds cleared and the sun returned, providing a clear afternoon for the first team of climbers, made up of Sherpas and guides from several teams, that was attempting to climb to the summit. Breaking through the fresh snow on Everest’s upper reaches, left by the brief but frequent afternoon weather systems we saw over the past few weeks, the team of Sherpas and Westerners established the route for this season. At 4 o’clock we listened to the radio crackle with cheers and hollers as they called down from the summit, marking the first climbers to reach the summit of the 2011 season. Although most teams are a week or more away from making their summit bids, we will begin to see more climbers making attempts for the summit over the coming days and weeks. For us, our third and final rotation begins tomorrow. Over the next few days we aim to climb back into the Western Cwm and up the Lhotse Face to our Camp 3 at 24,000’, pushing to our highest altitudes yet of the trip. This rotation is our final acclimatization round during which we will expose our bodies to even higher altitudes before returning to Base Camp for an extended rest period before our summit bid. This rotation will give us another chance to spend time climbing on the Lhotse Face, getting more efficient on the steep icy slopes and moving along the fixed lines at high altitudes. We will also break out our oxygen systems for the first time during this rotation. We plan to use the “O’s” on a low flow rate to sleep at Camp 3 before climbing a bit further up the Lhotse Face above Camp 3 the following morning. The benefits of climbing with oxygen above Camp 3 are equally psychological as physical – like most activities, adding new gear and equipment takes added practice and climbing with the mask obscuring our feet, the respiration fogging our eye wear, the bottle weighing down the pack all takes getting used to. The chance to run through these discomforts before summit day is a huge benefit for us. Yesterday we pulled out a bottle of oxygen and went through a trial run, practicing attaching our regulators, adjusting the masks, and walking with the system. Once Sara strapped on her mask and goggles she looked as though she has stepped out of Top Gun, a pilot walking around the tents of Base Camp. Today marks a month since our expedition first arrived at Base Camp. It is exciting to watch the transition of sentiment on the mountain and around Base Camp in recent days as teams begin to shift from a focus on acclimatization towards preparing for the summit bid itself. Although we still have a few more days of hard work before we can make that transition ourselves, the buildup is contagious. This excitement has been accompanied by a warming of the weather and it has been a warm (at least for around here) several days of rest here at Base Camp. Every morning once the sun crests over Lho La Pass, we pull out our chairs and stare up at the mountain, occasionally watching climbers in the Khumbu Ice fall through the spotting scope. As the morning grows warmer the ice beneath camp begins to melt, little rivulets of water running between the rocks, the surface of the camp gradually but perceptibly shifting as the rocks settle on the melting ice. All of these changes point towards the arrival of the final stretch of climbing for us. Bill has been very supportive in our preparations for the last rotation and Dave, Sara, and I are excited to headed up in a few hours. RMI Guide Linden Mallory

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sara—stay strong and focused. that’s all there is to it. i know you must be bummed, but of all the people to be with you in spirit, it is your dad. of course, you have all the rest of us armchair adventurers too, but we won’t be waiting for you at 17,000 feet. we are at home in front of the computer following your moves. a completely different story, huh?! just stay focused on that mountain. it will be summer when you come home, so it will then be playtime in the summer sun…. love ya, aunt mary.

Posted by: aunt mary on 5/6/2011 at 3:48 pm

Bill, ForEX in NY has been alerted to expect activity from Everest now that your games are abount to begin.
Sara, I have everything crossed for your climb.
Aunt Marie

Posted by: Aunt Marie on 5/6/2011 at 3:42 pm

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Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Mt. McKinley Expedition: Walter & Team Caching Gear

Mt. McKinley Expedition: Walter & Team Reach 11,200’

Mt. McKinley: Viesturs & Waterfall Team Enjoy Rest Day

Mt. Everest Expedition: Team Reaches Camp 2

Mt. McKinley Expedition: Team Settles in at 11,200’

Mt. Everest Expedition: Team Departs Base Camp for Final Rotation

Mt. McKinley Expedition: Mike Walter & Team at Camp 2

Mt. McKinley Expedition: Moving Up Hill

Mt. Everest Expedition: Sara’s Thoughts on the Final Round

Mt. Everest Expedition: Readying for Final Rotation

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