Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team at 14,000’

May 21, 2012

Posted by: Mike Walter

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

Hello everyone from the 14,000' camp on Denali. We're taking a rest day today, in order to acclimate and get strong for our forays up higher on the mountain. After a breakfast involving lots of coffee and the universal favorite--bacon, we spent some time finishing off our snow walls at camp. The rest of the day was spent preparing gear for caching up high on the mountain tomorrow, as well as lounging around, reading, and eating. We're planning to carry supplies up high on the West Buttress tomorrow, in preparation for our move to high camp and subsequent summit bid. We'll be in touch again soon. RMI Guide Mike Walter

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Rich, thinking of you every moment. Go get ‘em. XO

Posted by: Christina Doren on 5/21/2012 at 4:30 pm

Hi Mike M!! Still rooting for you….and all your team!! Following your trek on the blog! Kick butt and take names!! Can’t wait to see the view from the top!

Posted by: Annette on 5/21/2012 at 2:12 pm

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Alaska Seminar: Back to Basecamp

May 21, 2012

Posted by: Eric Frank

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 9,500'

The objective for the day was Kahiltna Dome. We woke up early and quickly prepared. An hour's walk took us across the glacier to the first hill, and warm morning sun. Unfortunately several stretches into the climb we encountered challenging conditions and decided to head back to our camp at 9,500 ft. The team broke camp in an impressive hour and a half and then made the 9-mile trip back to basecamp. Throughout the walk back, we saw lenticular clouds forming hanging over peaks in the area. Despite the sunny weather, they let us know that keeping our Gore-tex in the top of our packs was a good idea. RMI Guide Jason Thompson

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Mt. Rainier: Stormy Weather Summit

May 20, 2012

Posted by: Brent Okita

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

Despite stormy conditions, a small summit climb team reached the summit today led by Brent Okita. The team did not linger on the summit before beginning their descent at 8:00 a.m. The climbs are back to Paradise and are currently on their way to Rainier Basecamp in Ashford. Congratulations!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Gary, We are so excited for you! Ian and I love you very much! Ang

Posted by: Angela Rennie on 5/24/2012 at 12:01 pm

Congratulations Brad and Dave! We can’t wait to hear the story….

Love,
Rachel

Posted by: Rachel on 5/20/2012 at 9:08 pm

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Mt. Everest Expedition: It’s Go Time!

May 20, 2012

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Melissa Arnot, Mark Tucker

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest

Elevation: 17,575'

Things are looking good for the team. The wait should prove itself worth it, the weather window and the overall health of the team is like having the pole position at the Indy 500. An early breakfast, and six plus hours of climbing should put the team at Camp 2 tomorrow. We enjoyed a great pizza dinner send off tonight. Some last minute packing, and early to bed. Go team go! RMI Guide & Everest Basecamp Manager Mark Tucker

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Happy Bithday Mark.
Be safe, but hurry up and summit. Surf is up and the Black Ball is coming. Are you in for Father’s Day Golf?

Posted by: Kent Tucker on 5/21/2012 at 9:08 am

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK!
Dalton, Nicole, and Hailey all went through cllege graduation ceramonies this weekend.
Boy, you are getting old!
Have a snow cone on me.

Posted by: Craig Tucker on 5/20/2012 at 7:58 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team Move to 9,600’ Camp

May 20, 2012

Posted by: Billy Nugent

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 9,600'

Today's walk was pleasantly uneventful and brought us from Camp 1 at 7,800' up to Camp 2 on top of Ski Hill at 9,600'. Clouds came in and out along with some intermittent flurries which broke up the heat from the direct sun. Walking temperatures were actually much more comfortable than yesterday's constant, direct sun. The team dined on some delicious cheese quesadillas with grilled onions, peppers, and chicken before retiring to our tents. It pays to be in the sack before the shadow and chilly temperatures descended upon camp. High pressure is supposed to build again for tomorrow and we aim to take advantage by pushing our camp up to 11,000' before crummy weather sets in half way through next week. All for now, RMI Guide Billy Nugent

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Elizabeth and team, so happy to hear all is well and you are getting higher and higher.. Stay focused, eat lots, rest and enjoy the beauty and each other.
Miss you and our emails. Emily’s concert was fantastic. Love you tons. Mom

Posted by: Maureen Bartron on 5/23/2012 at 8:22 am

Hi dad, it’s the last day of school. We bought an iPad and downloaded lots of games. We are having an end of the year party on Thursday, right after the last day of school. I love you and miss you. Stay safe.
-Laura

Posted by: Laura on 5/23/2012 at 7:22 am

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Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team Retrieve Cache and Build Comforts at 14K Camp

May 19, 2012

Posted by: Mike Walter

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

We had a great, mellow day today at the 14k foot camp. After going back to our cache at Windy Corner, we spent the rest of the day building snow walls around our camp to protect us from any wind. We also spent time making our cook tent more comfortable, as well as creating a luxurious bathroom (the little things make a big difference up here!). Now we're getting ready to feast on some tasty chicken quesadillas, with fresh veggies (to be honest, the fresh veggies froze on day one of the trip...but they are thawed out now, and they will be delicious). We're planning to take a full rest day tomorrow, in order to acclimate and get strong for carrying supplies up high on the West Buttress. The weather has been nice and sunny with virtually no wind, and we hope that it persists as we prepare for moving up to high camp and on to the summit. Thanks for all the blog comments. We'll touch base again tomorrow. RMI Guide Mike Walter

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

HI Mai, I hope you had a spectacular Birthday! It is amazing that I can follow you on this incredible adventure via the lovely internet. Be Safe. I Love You - Jill

Posted by: JILL CARR on 5/21/2012 at 8:24 pm

How lucky for you all to have the great views and weather to enjoy on a rest day! At 14k no less. Mai would you consider taking a love grown wrapper to the summit (if you should be so fortunate)? I think Maddy would appreciate it. Hi Mike!
Cheers, B&R

Posted by: Bob & Ruth Wade on 5/21/2012 at 8:06 am

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Alaska Seminar: Ready to Tackle Kahiltna Dome

May 19, 2012

Posted by: Eric Frank

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 9,600'

Hello all. We moved our camp up to about 9,600 ft. Temperatures were perfect for us during the walk. It just started to get hot as we pulled into camp. Everyone did great today. We built a fortress of a camp constructed with cohesive blocks of snow. We used them for walls around our camp to shield us from the wind. Light snow began falling this afternoon but we are hoping to wake up to blue skies and stable weather for our climb on Kahiltna Dome tomorrow. That's all for now. RMI Guide Jason Thompson

Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team Set up 14,000’ Camp

May 19, 2012

Posted by: Mike Walter, Pete Van Deventer

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

Hey all! Greetings from 14,000 ft. Yesterday was a busy day as several teams including ourselves, packed up camp at 11k and headed for our advanced basecamp at 14k. Temperatures were cool and the sky was bluebird, making ideal conditions for climbing. Windy Corner gave us a little taste with a chilly breeze blowing as we approached. As soon as we rounded it, however, the breeze died and the sun turned on the microwave. Move days are hard work. Not only do you have a long day with heavy packs, but at the end of it you have to spend several hours reestablishing camp. The team did great and we moved into a quite comfortable camp; important because this is where we will stage from and wait for our weather window to head for the summit. Today we will head down to retrieve our cache at 13k, and spend the rest of the day fortifying camp with large snow walls so that we are prepared for a storm. We want to wish Maile a super happy birthday, and we're glad she's up here celebrating it with us! Hasta luego, RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer and team

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Happy Birthday Mai!!! We had a cold beer in your honor! Glad you guys made it to 14 camp—looks incredible! Safe climbing! xo

Posted by: Jenny on 5/20/2012 at 7:10 am

Glad you’re having great weather and time. Not so great here (weather wise). Missed Mike at Torch Run today. I ran with CJ this year and Officer Umbs beat us. Furry kids up to their same old tricks and more…

Posted by: Kym on 5/20/2012 at 1:07 am

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Mt. Rainier: Four Day Summit Climb 100% on Top!

May 19, 2012

Posted by: JJ Justman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

100% to the Top…JJ Justman and his entire Four Day Summit Climb team reached the summit of Mt. Rainier today. The skies are crystal blue and the team is making their way down to Camp Muir. Congratulations to all the team members!

Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team Settled in at the Base of Ski Hill

May 18, 2012

Posted by: Billy Nugent

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,800'

Whew. Heavy loads today! Despite the burden the crew enjoyed a second great day in the Alaska Range under blue skies and warm temperatures. Today's walk was a long haul but the crew did great on our first physical portion of the expedition. We've settled into a new camp at the base of Ski Hill which is approximately 7,800'. Not much else to report other than tired legs and full bellies as we snug up for the night after a great meal. Hasta mañana. RMI Guide Billy Nugent and the gang

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Great job guys…remember its the miles before the elevation. Keep up the good work and fingers crossed for good weather. Best wishes Brother Paul

Posted by: John Fletcher on 5/20/2012 at 5:52 am

Brandi & Elizabeth, I wanted to send you a nice bottle of wine to congratulate you on your “little hike” As much as I searched i could not find a hotel listing for 7800 up Mt Mckinley, let alone the number for room service :-)

Posted by: MS on 5/19/2012 at 9:26 pm

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Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team at 14,000’

On The Map

Alaska Seminar: Back to Basecamp

On The Map

Mt. Rainier: Stormy Weather Summit

Mt. Everest Expedition: It’s Go Time!

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team Move to 9,600’ Camp

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team Retrieve Cache and Build Comforts at 14K Camp

On The Map

Alaska Seminar: Ready to Tackle Kahiltna Dome

Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team Set up 14,000’ Camp

On The Map

Mt. Rainier: Four Day Summit Climb 100% on Top!

Mt. McKinley: Nugent & Team Settled in at the Base of Ski Hill

On The Map

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