Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Mt. McKinley: Van Deventer and Team Looking to Tomorrow

June 2, 2014

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young, Josh Maggard

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Sunday, June 1, 2014 11:34 pm PT The best laid plans are always subject to change. Our first view out of the tent this morning was of blue sky, but when we turned our gaze towards the summit, we found a large lenticular cloud spinning over the mountain, with jets of snow shooting up into the sky. Needless to say, we spent another day in camp. Our prospects look good for tomorrow, with a favorable forecast of high pressure for the next several days. We've said this before, and some are wondering how much longer we can wait; the team made the decision today that Tuesday would be our definitive up/down day. On the plus side, a slew of independent climbers made the jump to 17,000' today despite the winds, so that should alleviate some of the congestion tomorrow. We redecorated our posh tent today with a sun painted in Gatorade, a hockey player's face (looking towards the Stanley Cup), and the quote "we're doin' it". Spirits are still high despite the waiting, and we have a lot of hope that tomorrow will deliver for us. For now: off to bed to rest up for the fixed lines and West Buttress tomorrow! RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young, Josh Maggard, and team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hey Team Lowry might do the line dancing yet! Keeping my fingers crossed for all of you. Go go go gang.

Posted by: Frank Haasbeek on 6/3/2014 at 4:23 am

Hoping Team Lowry had the opportunity to go up…can’t wait to read your next entry and hear the good news.

Posted by: Nick Spanakis on 6/3/2014 at 4:16 am

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Mt. McKinley: Jones and Team Sitting Pretty on the Kahiltna Glacier!

June 2, 2014

Posted by: Tyler Jones

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,300'

Sunday, June 1, 2014 10:42 pm PT We went to bed last night with clear blue skies fueling hopes for a good chance of flying onto the Kahiltna glacier today. When we woke this morning, the clouds dampened our hopes, and we slowly made our way to breakfast. After another hearty round of Roadhouse delights, we made our way to the hangar and settled in for a morning of discussion. Within 2 hours, we had finished chatting and were dispersing around Talkeetna for rest and lunch. Some of us were still at the hangar when the K2 Aviation staff came out and started packing up our kit - it was on! We called the team in and got our clothes changed, boots on, and stood anxiously waiting for the green light to load and go. Soon, we were in the Otter plane and flying towards the heart of the Alaska range. We landed amid the giants of snow and rock that characterize this special range, high-fived with RMI Guide Mike Walter and his crew and waved them goodbye as they headed back to the luxuries we've left behind. The team had a good early dinner and are now in bed, resting for the work to come. Stay with us as we climb towards our goal! RMI Guides Tyler Jones, Garrett Stevens, and Bryan Hendrick

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Hi Dave!! I am following you all the way up!!! God Speed!

Posted by: Sandi on 6/5/2014 at 2:07 pm

Well it’s only been one day and I have already gone to text you three times before realizing I can’t! Be safe and have fun!
Love you Dad.
-PCK

Posted by: Paige on 6/3/2014 at 7:42 pm

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Mt. Rainier: June 2nd Summit

June 2, 2014

Posted by: Seth Waterfall

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

The Four Day Summit Climb led by RMI Guides Seth Waterfall and Pablo Puruncajas reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. The teams are descending to Camp Muir to rest and refuel before making their way to Paradise. We look forward to seeing them in Ashford later today.

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I am awestruck!!! You two rock! Stay safe!

Posted by: Debbie Reese on 6/9/2014 at 6:24 am

Goes? If so, congrats on reaching the summit. Standing by for photos and stories.

Posted by: Chris Krivonyak on 6/2/2014 at 9:33 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Frank & Team Fly to Kahiltna Basecamp

June 1, 2014

Posted by: Eric Frank, Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

The clouds parted long enough for our team to fly onto the Kahiltna Glacier today. We have been packed and ready for this day and now we are ready to climb! Once we are settled in at Kahiltna Base, we'll check in again. RMI Guides Eric Frank and Geoff Schellens

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Hope you guys made it to the landing alright… looking forward to hearing the next update! Keep it real Lt!

Posted by: Luke Gowdy on 6/2/2014 at 8:58 pm

Cheers to a safe landing on the glacier! So begins your great adventure. Happy climbing, guys!

Posted by: Kelly Gunderson on 6/2/2014 at 5:10 am

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Mt. Rainier: June 1st Summit Climb Update

June 1, 2014

Posted by: Kel Rossiter, Mark Falender

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

The Four Day Summit Climb led by Kel Rossiter and the Five Day Summit Climb led by Mark Falender reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. Kel reported calm and sunny conditions, a beautiful day on top. They are descending back to Camp Muir and we look forward to welcoming them back in Ashford later this afternoon.

Mt. McKinley: Van Deventer & Team Hoping for a Move to 17K Tomorrow

June 1, 2014

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young, Josh Maggard

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

May 31, 2014 - 11:23 pm PT The weather slowly cleared over the course of today. We woke to heavy snowfall, but calm winds, and the snow slowly eased through the day, clearing enough by the time we headed to the tents this evening to show blue sky over the West Buttress. The anticipation and excitement in the cook tent this evening was obvious, as we do plan to try to make the next jump tomorrow, climbing to 17k camp tomorrow. If all goes well, the next few days will be big, and will go by in a whirlwind. We'll keep you all updated on our progress, and wish us luck! RMI Guides Pete, Robby, Josh, and team

On The Map

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Marko..it’s only 3000 feet..get errr done brahh!

Posted by: Remi on 6/2/2014 at 10:24 am

Good Luck Marko! What an exciting adventure for all of you!

VIc

Posted by: Vickie on 6/2/2014 at 10:16 am

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Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team Ascend the Fixed Lines

June 1, 2014

Posted by: Brent Okita, Leah Fisher, Nick Hunt

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

May 31, 2014 - 11:21 pm PT The weather cooperated, sort of, for our big day climbing the infamous fixed lines to 16,200'. These are ropes fixed in place on a steep part of our route that offer security to our team as we climb it. As seen from camp this headwall is particularly impressive, and intimidating. The winds had calmed down completely by the time we got up, and the day was looking good. However by the time we actually started walking clouds had rolled in obscuring our views and the route. But the sun could be seen through this layer giving us confidence that we'd climb out of it. And we did. The headwall itself was challenging, but our training yesterday helped immeasurably. We all made it to 16,200' where we cached the supplies we carried up and took a well-deserved break. Our descent was slow on the icy terrain, but we managed it fairly well. By the time we got back to camp, the team was deservedly happy to have climbed this much anticipated part of the route. And now it's bed time. We're all looking forward to sleeping in and being lazy tomorrow. All for now from 14,200', RMI Guides Brent, Leah and Nick

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hello Team! Soooo jealous! Brent, Leah, Nick and what I read so far about the rest of the team all I can say is I’m looking forward to your summit pic’s:). Believe me anyone with any doubts dial them back YOU can do this! Just listen to Brent,Leah and Nick stay focused on the goal and sucess is soon within your reach!

All the BEST!!!!

Last year’s team memeber,

Gerald!

Posted by: Gerald Flynn on 6/2/2014 at 8:56 am

Dear Daniel and Team,

Sounds like you are making great progress and so is the weather forecast:)! With your positive team spirit and awesome strength you will be ready to summit very soon. Sooo proud of you all!

Love you lots!

Mom & Rob

Posted by: Lena Akerman on 6/2/2014 at 8:52 am

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Mt. McKinley: Frank & Team Waiting for a Break in the Weather

June 1, 2014

Posted by: Eric Frank, Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 348'

May 31, 2014 - 11:02 pm PT Not a plane was buzzing this morning when we awoke to dark skies and a slight breeze here in Talkeetna. Today was our fly day, but we are waiting out a hefty storm that has hundreds of climbers waiting on both sides of the Alaska Range. We met at the K2 hangar to wrap up some last-minute packing with high hopes for hopping on a plane; alas, we stayed stuck on the green-side, in Talkeetna along with swarms of anxious climbers. We are all psyched for tomorrow's potential - crouched and ready to jump on a plane at a moments notice. For now, we will continue to exercise our patience, a vital skill that we will need on the mountain. RMI Guide Geoff Schellens

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

SO excited for the next update! Love you, John!! Don’t be stubborn up there ;)

Posted by: McKenna Harris on 6/2/2014 at 2:25 pm

THE JOURNEY begins!! Keep your spirits UP.. Be strong , Be smart, Be safe…Be a great team!!!!!. And know that you are loved!!! GOOD LUCK !!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Patty Stenderup on 6/1/2014 at 6:04 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Jones and Team Soggy but Spirited in Talkeetna

May 31, 2014

Posted by: Tyler Jones

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

The wait continues here in the rainy village of Talkeetna. We have covered a whole gamut of skills and topics. Currently we don't have a glacier under our our feet but we have many new tricks and tips to help us when our plane's skis hit the powder-covered runway at KIA (Kahiltna International Airport), as many consider it. While the last flight in or out occurred this last Monday, our motivation is high and our spirits strong as we endure these fuzzy and rain filled skies. Maybe fishing for halibut would suit this weather well? Our afternoon will take us to the Talkeetna Ranger Station for a documentary video that outlines the process of climbing and the reality of this difficult and rewarding climb to the summit of North America! We continue to send positive thoughts to the teams on the hill, hoping to high-five with then as we land. Any high pressure you can send up here would be appreciated by all... Until tomorrow, RMI Guides Tyler Jones, Garrett Stevens, Bryan Hendrick, and team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hi Dave and team-
We will be watching your progress from Watertown. So excited you are finally beginning your adventure.
Good luck!
Julie and Karla

Posted by: Julie and Karla on 6/1/2014 at 2:19 pm

Tyler, Garrett and Paul -

Hi Guys! Well, here we all are again. Of course, I wish I was there with you getting all antsy to get up on the mountain. I see that Ben Alavarez is following along on the blog. Hi Ben!!
Hope you get that high pressure system soon.

-Larry Seaton

Posted by: Larry Seaton on 6/1/2014 at 12:14 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team Remain at Base Camp

May 31, 2014

Posted by: Mike Walter, Solveig Waterfall, Steve Gately

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

May 31, 2014, 2:11 pm PT We are still here at Kahiltna Base camp. We received another foot of new snow overnight and it shows no sign of slowing or stopping. We are all staying hopeful that the weather will break sometime in the next few days and we can finally get a big meal and that long awaited hot shower! RMI Guide Mike Walter

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Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Mt. McKinley: Van Deventer and Team Looking to Tomorrow

Mt. McKinley: Jones and Team Sitting Pretty on the Kahiltna Glacier!

Mt. Rainier: June 2nd Summit

Mt. McKinley: Frank & Team Fly to Kahiltna Basecamp

Mt. Rainier: June 1st Summit Climb Update

Mt. McKinley: Van Deventer & Team Hoping for a Move to 17K Tomorrow

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team Ascend the Fixed Lines

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Frank & Team Waiting for a Break in the Weather

Mt. McKinley: Jones and Team Soggy but Spirited in Talkeetna

Mt. McKinley: Walter & Team Remain at Base Camp

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