Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Alaska Seminar: Smith and Team Return to Talkeenta

June 3, 2019

Posted by: Hannah Smith, Lucas Haaland, Luke Wilhelm

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska Seminar

Elevation: 348'

Monday, June 3, 2019 - 7:33 AM PT It was a busy day yesterday. We woke to clear skies with great views of Foraker, Hunter, and Crosson. As we crawled out of the tent you could here the sweet sound of the planes coming in. At that moment we knew we were gonna fly out. This was not a drill, but go time. In record speed we packed up camp and dragged all our gear to the airstrip. Somewhere near 100 people stood around waiting anxiously to board a plane. Like clock work the planes landed, loaded up a team, and flew off so another plane could land and repeat. We waited our turn, a lot like waiting for your number to be called at the DMV, we waited for our name to be called. After a couple hours, it was our turn to load up the plane and hit the slide to the sky. Showers, beers, and comfy beds were in our future. After organizing and cleaning gear, we loaded into a van headed to Anchorage. We enjoyed one final dinner together, reminiscing about the fun time we all had together the last week and a half. It's been an amazing adventure with great people. Lots of laughs, lots of learning, and lots of great memories were shared by all on the team. As we all load planes going to different states to rejoin our normal routine, I wish the best of luck to the entire team on their next adventure. Till next time, RMI Guide Hannah Smith and team

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We joined the emails late but thought it was awesome to be able to hear and see some of what you experienced. Now that we know how to connect with you, we will stay tuned for more. You make us feel like we are lazy at home watching adventurous people like you having amazing experiences. Keep it up and have a great summer in the mountains. xoxo

Posted by: Sandy on 6/5/2019 at 6:28 pm

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Denali Expedition: Gorum & Team Move to 17,000’ Camp

June 3, 2019

Posted by: JM Gorum, JT Schmitt, Dustin Wittmier

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,200'

Sunday, June 2, 2019 - 11:10 PM PT We moved up to 17 Camp today. In my opinion, this is the second hardest day of the trip, but everyone handled it with style and grace. We had a perfect day moving up the West Buttress, with light winds and spectacular views. We’re all straight chillin in our tents now, eating dinner and snacks. The sun hits this camp until past our bedtime, which keeps us warm for the first few hours of sleep. We’re hoping to try for the summit tomorrow if weather allows, so we’re turning in early. We’ll let you know how we’re doing tomorrow. RMI Guide JM Gorum

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We are thinking and praying for you up in the great white north. All is fine below in the not so far north great white north. Trees finally have leaves, still no grass across the street and Jilli is sitting for her exam as I write. All the best to everyone! Much love and remember, it’s the journey!

Posted by: Beth Ludwig on 6/3/2019 at 9:50 am

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Denali Expedition: Young & Team Settle in at 11,000’ Camp

June 3, 2019

Posted by: Robby Young, Nick Scott, Joe Hoch

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,000'

Sunday, June 2, 2019 - 10:07 PM PT 11 Camp is now officially home! We back carried this morning and finally brought all of our food and gear to camp. It’s a short saunter down to our 10,000’ cache and we make quick work, two hours round trip to be exact. After some afternoon naps and much needed rest this afternoon, we were back up and attem for dinner. The Sriracha Ranch Chicken wraps were a home run! Our 5 star meal was followed up for 5-star views when, for the first time all trip, we finally had a break in the snow and had views of the incredible mountains surrounding us here in the Alaska Range. It was a day for the books. We’re settling into the routines of expedition life and all is well. Tomorrow, we have our sites set on shuttling some gear up to a cache at 13,600’, but as we do here in Alaska, we’ll pole our heads out of the tent in the morning and see what Mother Nature has in store. Until then, keep it classy out there in the real world. RMI Guides Robby, Joe, Nick and Team Sriracha

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Hey Steve hope you have good weather and are able to make a push for the summit! Good luck and stay safe!!

Posted by: Thomas Keating on 6/12/2019 at 3:00 pm

Glad you all got some views of the mountains today. Good luck on the next stretch and hope you enjoyed the ‘rest day’.

Posted by: Annie Kawasaki on 6/4/2019 at 3:34 am

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Denali Expedition: Gately & Team Descend to Kahiltna Base Camp, Fly to Talkeetna

June 2, 2019

Posted by: Steve Gately, Ben Ammon, James Bealer

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 348'

Well folks, a lot has happened over the last 48 hours and I'm sorry to have been keeping you waiting. June 1, we woke up to somewhat clearing skies at 14,000' Camp and decided to pack up and get as far downhill as we could. Aside from an interesting GPS guided tour through an area known as the "Polo Field" the weather held out and we made it all the way back to the Southeast Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier where we began our trip. We arrived just before midnight and quickly set up our tents, had a quick dinner and went to sleep with dreams of flying out the next morning. Well those dreams came true. This morning we woke to the sound of camp bustling with life when clear skies and the sound of basecamp manager Lisa's voice booming through the early morning with warnings that we should start getting ready to fly off. A few hours later we were in the sky heading towards Talkeetna. The trip has finally come to an end. It's been a fantastic three weeks here in the great Alaska Range and its bittersweet to see it end. We'll meet up for one last team dinner tonight before going our separate ways tomorrow. Thanks to everyone for following along. It's been a wild ride! RMI Guide Steve Gately

Mt. Rainier: Elias, McDowell, & Team Reach The Crater Rim

June 2, 2019

Posted by: Elias de Andres Martos, Josh McDowell

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

RMI Lead Guides Elias de Andres Martos and Josh McDowell radioed from the top of Mt. Rainier to report a successful climb. Elias reported that the weather was so good the team only needed their base layer for upper body insulation. The team will spend some time enjoying the summit before descending back to Camp Muir where they will overnight before descending back to Paradise tomorrow. Congratulations to today's team!

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Way to go team! And how spectacular and breathtaking to have such fabulous weather. So impressive to hike such a formidable mountain!

Way to go Kira Thorien. Love you and proud of you. Can’t wait to see the pics.

Mom (Jan)

Posted by: Jan Thorien on 6/3/2019 at 8:33 pm

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Denali Expedition: Walter & Team Descend to BaseCamp, Wait to Fly

June 2, 2019

Posted by: Mike Walter, Alan Davis, Alex Halliday

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,300'

Sunday, June 2, 2019 - 8:13 AM PT We took advantage of a lull in the weather to pack up our kit and descend from 14,000' to Basecamp. We encountered light snow, but generally pleasant travel conditions during our 8 hour descent. Here at Kahiltna Basecamp it is a crowded scene, as no planes have been able to land here in a few days. Hopefully the weather breaks and we can fly to Talkeetna today. That's it for now. There's still a lot of work to do organizing gear to prepare for a flight. RMI Guide Mike Walter

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We’re all relieved, knowing that you’re off the mountain and safely onto base camp! So happy for the successful team members too!! Tell Dan Koster hello from his family and friends. We can’t wait to see him soon!
-Godspeed

-Mark Koster

Posted by: Mark Koster on 6/2/2019 at 5:25 pm

So glad to hear you are all safely back at base camp and I hope the weather cooperates for you to fly out of there. Congratulations Jim and team on your successful summit - what an amazing accomplishment! Jim, we cant wait to hear more about it.

Posted by: Clare on 6/2/2019 at 8:48 am

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

June 2, 2019

Posted by: Robby Young, Nick Scott, Joe Hoch

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,000'

Saturday, June 1, 2019 - 11:00 PM PT And the train keeps on rolling! We were up and attem early again this morning, rolling out of bed at 530 am and on the trail by 730 am with all of the remainder of our food and gear on our backs. We spent about 6 hours breaking trail from 7800’ camp all the way to 11,000’ Camp, without a single other climbing team in sight. The snow and clouds kept us cool, and allowed us to make efficient work of the climb. We made it to “11” camp just in time to see our fellow RMI teams led by Mike Walter and Steve Gately before we got down to building camp, which should be our home for the next few nights. Tomorrow, we’ll ‘back-carry’ and finally get the rest of gear up here at 11,000 and be all set to start setting our sites on some of the more fun climbing of the trip. Until then, keep it real out there in the real world. We’ll keep you updated on our progress. RMI Guides Robby, Nick, Joe and Team Trail Break

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Brave team! Go ahead and enjoy this fantastic experience. Something to keep in mind forever. Kisses from Brazil family. Beijos!

Posted by: Cristina Perez on 6/3/2019 at 8:05 am

Look forward to the daily updates.
Sound like so far so good .
Pray that it continues smoothly
Team Young you are all in our prayers

Posted by: Tina’s and John zabinski on 6/3/2019 at 5:13 am

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Alaska Seminar: Smith & Team Return to Base Camp

June 1, 2019

Posted by: Hannah Smith, Lucas Haaland, Luke Wilhelm

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska Seminar

Elevation: 7,300'

Saturday, June 1, 2019 - 8:40 PM PT We are one step closer to flying of the glacier. Today we made our way back to [url=https://www.rmiguides.com/denali/alaska-mountaineering-seminar]https://www.rmiguides.com/denali/alaska-mountaineering-seminar[/url] in hopes the clouds would part and the planes could land. Unfortunately it stayed cloudy and snowy all day. Tomorrow there could be a chance the weather has some lulls and teams can fly off. Basecamp is a lot busier than when we left it a few days ago. There are many teams that came down from the summit hoping to fly. Tomorrow will be a busy one for Basecamp if the planes come in. Fingers crossed we can catch a ride and see some greenery. But until than we will keep chilling and lounging until it's our time to hit the sky. Come on mother nature, RMI Guide Hannah Smith and team

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Just read seminar description. Sounds like the clients are intelligent people. Too many head to difficult mountains without knowing even basic climbing skills. I commend each of you, and wish y’all long lives, and safe climbing experiences!

Posted by: Susan Moore on 6/1/2019 at 11:38 pm

Until it clears enough for the pilots, you can socialize and play, or learn new skills. It doesn’t sound like any seminar I’ve ever been to. Sounds like a rough day. Lol! Enjoy the views. Spectacular!

Posted by: Susan Moore on 6/1/2019 at 11:29 pm

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Denali Expedition: Gorum & Team Take Rest Day At 14,000 ft Camp

June 1, 2019

Posted by: JM Gorum, JT Schmitt, Dustin Wittmier

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Not much going on at 14,000' Camp today. We ate a late breakfast, and have been watching it snow all day. It’s pretty easy to take a rest day when the weather doesn’t permit much else. Folks have been alternating between reading, napping, and guessing what’s going on in the real world. At this point, with our cache up high, we’ve done all that we can do to prepare to summit this mountain. Now we just rest, recuperate, and wait for good weather. If the forecast holds, we might not have to wait very long, but we will see. We’ll check in again tomorrow. RMI Guide JM Gorum

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Enjoy the rest while you’re able. Lol! I’m wondering if your carb loading, e.g., Snickers, pasta, etc :) Fingers crossed for good weather!

Posted by: Susan Moore on 6/1/2019 at 8:51 pm

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Mt. Rainier: Okita, Konway, & Team Reach Columbia Crest with Beautiful Weather

June 1, 2019

Posted by: Brent Okita, Jenny Konway

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

RMI Guides Brent Okita and Jenny Konway radioed down from Columbia Crest, the true summit of Mt. Rainier, this morning to let everyone know that the team reached the summit. Brent reported clear skies, a calm breeze, and perfect weather for a day of climbing. The team began their descent from the crater rim of Mt. Rainier at about 7:30am PT and will be back in town for a celebration dinner later today. Congratulations to today's team!

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Thanks everybody had a great time! Glad we all got back down alrighty.

Posted by: Jonathan J Paige on 6/14/2019 at 9:29 am

Congratulations Jonathon! We are so proud of you. I cant wait to hear your stories.

Posted by: Emily Paige on 6/2/2019 at 6:02 am

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Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Alaska Seminar: Smith and Team Return to Talkeenta

Denali Expedition: Gorum & Team Move to 17,000’ Camp

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Young & Team Settle in at 11,000’ Camp

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Gately & Team Descend to Kahiltna Base Camp, Fly to Talkeetna

Mt. Rainier: Elias, McDowell, & Team Reach The Crater Rim

Denali Expedition: Walter & Team Descend to BaseCamp, Wait to Fly

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

On The Map

Alaska Seminar: Smith & Team Return to Base Camp

Denali Expedition: Gorum & Team Take Rest Day At 14,000 ft Camp

On The Map

Mt. Rainier: Okita, Konway, & Team Reach Columbia Crest with Beautiful Weather

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