Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Denali Expedition: King & Team Stalled at 14K Camp

June 17, 2018

Posted by: Mike King, JT Schmitt, Ben Ammon

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Sunday, June 17th - 5:53 pm PT Happy Father's Day to all the Dads following along. The storm broke by mid day with views of the wind blown West Buttress. The Team spent some time walking around camp and getting to know some of the other groups at 14K Camp. We've been eating good, getting plenty of sleep and are all eagerly awaiting a window to climb to 17K Camp. The forecast is 5-6 mores days of high winds above and snow down here in Genet Basin. Books are being swapped and audio books Airdropped. That's all from 14 for now. RMI Guide Mike King

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David: Hope you and team had a safe and warm(ish) Father’s Day, daddy! We’ll get ice cream as soon as you get back to celebrate O:) Love you! ~Theresa

Posted by: Theresa Smalley on 6/18/2018 at 9:50 am

Glad to hear you are comfortable and becoming well read. Know Scott’s mom is breathing easier as you aren’t climbing in the wind. Wishes for calm winds and blue skies…good climbing when the weather is right.

Posted by: Glenda Bemis on 6/18/2018 at 6:54 am

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Mt. Rainier: Summit Climb Teams Turned Back by Weather

June 17, 2018

Posted by: Brent Okita, Tyler Reid

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 11,000'

The Four Day Summit Climb June 14 - 17 Teams were turned back by poor weather this morning. RMI Guide Brent Okita reported that the teams climbed to 11,000' feet before high winds, snow and poor visibility forced them to retreat to Camp Muir. The teams will descend to Paradise and then Rainier BaseCamp later this morning.

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To the Harts, Sorry to hear that you had to turn back. Better luck on the next one. Lol. .Mom & Dad

Posted by: David & Jonne' on 6/17/2018 at 1:44 pm

Oh Gosh Joe and Sandhya. So sorry to hear this but glad you are staying safe!

Posted by: Patricia Huff on 6/17/2018 at 11:20 am

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Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Wait out Storm

June 16, 2018

Posted by: Mike Haugen, Hannah McGowan, Gloria Roe

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 9,600'

Saturday, June 16, 2018 - 8:47 PM PT We thought we’d take advantage of the 24 hour light to catch up on our sun tans today and decided to stay put. Between the umbrellas in our Espolón drinks and the Hawaiian shirts, it was well worth it! Alright, I guess that’s only half true- we did in fact stay put, but unfortunately it was hardly a choice- strong winds and precipitation continued through the night and all day. It seems Mother Nature is in a fighting mood! It’s a good thing we built such high walls! Even still, the snow is piling up and nearly spilling over. We’ve got a whole crew of superstars though and we’ve gone all hands on deck to reinforce our camp a couple times throughout the day. Between shoveling frenzies, we spent the day laughing in the kitchen tent, napping, sport eating, and marveling at how quickly our outhouse keeps filling in with snow. Spirits are high despite the hard work required to thrive in conditions like this, and the whole team is currently snuggled up in big sleeping bags and down booties. The storm is forcasted to begin clearing tomorrow, but unfortunately that could mean anything here in Alaska. For now rest assured we’re hangin tough and taking care of each other. With love, RMI Guide Mike Haugen and the Super Crew

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Waiting is always hard but having a fun, supportive team around you makes it easier. Sounds like a lot of snow even for a Colorado transplant. All of us back home are cheering for you.

Posted by: Nancie Summerlin on 6/17/2018 at 5:32 pm

Stay strong. Enjoy each other’s company. Laugh. Work hard. Take in every moment no matter what. Be safe. Know that you are loved. Love you Shannon. Mom.

Posted by: Linda Walsh on 6/17/2018 at 4:32 pm

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Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Rapping on Denali

June 16, 2018

Posted by: Tyler Jones, Bryan Mazaika, Nick Scott

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

Saturday, June 16, 2018 - 6:02 PM PT Strolling up Denali taking a hike Day 18 brings a cyclone I don’t like Boys in the posh shoveling that snow Waiting for the weather window so we can up and go. You got DK white chocolate Dropping a sick beat waiting Patiently for his peanut butter treat Who needs any meat At 17,000 feet. All I want are my peanut butter Cups. Peanut butter cups. Your dark ridges so heavenly on my lips, Forever on my hips, Your sweet and salty, hardly ever Malty, When these mountain days look all Faulty, All you need are those glorious Peanut butt-er cuuups, To keep on the up and ups. To be continued... RMI Guide Tyler Jones & Team

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Matt Hill, Bubbles is wondering if you have seen any shopping carts on Denali. Dwight Schrute says Hi also.

Posted by: Paul Downs on 6/18/2018 at 6:32 am

Thinking of you and the team, constantly, Nicholas!
I know the weather is playing games, but the skills with the song/poem writing are really winning!
Love you so much! We’re so proud of you - always. Always.
XO,
Elisa and the Girlies

Posted by: Elisa on 6/17/2018 at 3:26 pm

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Denali Expedition: King & Team Weather the Storm

June 16, 2018

Posted by: Mike King, JT Schmitt, Ben Ammon

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Saturday, June 16, 2018 - 2:22 PM PT We had a foot of snow with enough wind to drift upwards of 3 feet in most places. We spent the morning relocating our posh due to being buried and partially collapsed. The team is putting the finishing touches on a toilet cave so they can see a man about a horse without getting a spin drift bidet in the process. Other then maintaining camp we'll eat, nap, shovel and repeat until the storm passes. Moral is still good and we are hopeful that a clearing will arrive early next week. The wind loaded slopes will pose an avalanche hazard so we'll need a few days minimum to settle the slopes leading to the fixed lines. That's all from 14 Camp. RMI Guide Mike King

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Hi dad! Happy fathers day!! I hope your day is amazing. we miss you. Please bring me back a moose! Love you!

Posted by: Adleigh Faulkenburg on 6/17/2018 at 2:02 pm

Hi dad!!! Happy father’s day! Please don’t get eaten by a bear.

Posted by: Teagan Faulkenburg on 6/17/2018 at 1:58 pm

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Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Move Up to 9600’

June 16, 2018

Posted by: Mike Haugen, Hannah McGowan, Gloria Roe

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 9600'

When the weather reports we receive include the words gentle breeze, fresh winds, and tail end of a typhoon, you know you are climbing in Alaska! We had a great trip from our camp this morning with all of our team members handling these heavy loads like champions! Since we always hope for the best, but prepare for the worst, we fortified our new camp with large snow walls to block some of the winds that may or may not be headed our way. We were so proud of our walls that Rusty even put his civil engineering stamp on them. The weather was very good before a marine type cloud layer brought some new snow and the fresh wind we were told about. It already seems to be clearing up a bit. Meanwhile, we are hunkered down eating Tasty Bites and waiting to see if hurricane Horiskey hits us. RMI Guide Mike Haugen & Super Crew 6

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“Mother Nature, please cancel my my subscription”. Thats all I got for today folks! Wishing you better weather. Keep up the GREAT TEAMWORK!

Posted by: Ellen M on 6/17/2018 at 9:24 am

Happy Father’s Day dad (David McCampbell) proud to be your daughter! Be safe talk to ya when you get back down:)

Love you,
Patti

Posted by: Patti Van Lange on 6/17/2018 at 8:42 am

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Mt. Rainier: June 16th Summit!

June 16, 2018

Posted by: Steve Gately, Jordan Cargill

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

The Four Day Summit Climb team led by RMI Guides Steve Gately and Jordan Cargill reached the Summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning. Steve reported clear skies, light winds and very cold temperatures with some thunderheads building in the east. The team will spend some time on the summit before heading back to Camp Muir. Congratulations to Today's Teams!

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Way to go, Tim and Taylor! So proud and excited for you and your team. What a great way to spend Father’s Day weekend. Love you both so much

Posted by: Kami Small on 6/16/2018 at 3:23 pm

Congratulations Tyler!!

Posted by: Tina on 6/16/2018 at 3:13 pm

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Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Write Poem at 14,000’

June 15, 2018

Posted by: Tyler Jones, Bryan Mazaika, Nick Scott

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

Friday, June 15, 2018 - 6:34 PM PT A poem written by the team: Today we had a foot race, We all died trying to keep pace, Another weather day spent playing spades Up at 14 foiled by these Pineapple Express charades The snow is getting deep and the wind getting strong We’re standing in the posh but not for very long. My feet are so cold from standing on the ice, Don’t fret for we’ll be crushing more rice. These foreseeable high winds are full, While our gastrointestinals are quite dull. Even still Spirits were high until news of a pig came before the nigh. RMI Guide Tyler Jones & Team

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Great poem! Unfortunately, it sounds like you have more than enough time to perfect your prose…
A little snow shoveling doesn’t sound bad about now as it’s a typical hot (98 degrees) and muggy day in good ole’ STL! Loving all the pictures, but a few up close of all those faces we miss, would be even better! :)). Here’s to clearing weather and a successful trip to the Summit! XO Coeli (Nick’s Mom)

Posted by: Coeli Scott on 6/16/2018 at 7:18 pm

Also, good luck to everyone else on the team! I hope you all are able to summit without complications and even if there are some, I hope you can overcome them. Fighting!

Good luck,
Sarah

Posted by: Sarah Wu on 6/15/2018 at 9:54 pm

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Alaska Alpine Climb: Elias & Team Take Advantage of a Narrow Weather Window

June 15, 2018

Posted by: Elias de Andres Martos, Chase Nelson

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska

Elevation: 348'

Friday, June 15, 2018 - 6:00 PM PT And it is a wrap up! The Alaska Alpine Climbing program came to an end. After 7 days of straight climbing with no rest or weather days, we flew out on time to beat the bad weather without risking getting stuck on the glacier. All in all, success all around! A changing weather morning made us pack up quick and the word was out from our pilots at K2 Aviation that heavy winds might delay our pick up; other areas were shut down for flying! In a record time we dismantled our camp and we were pulling our last load into the Pika Glacier Runway as the plane showed above us. A bumpy ride to Talkeetna brought us to the land of beer and pizza (and showers!) and after unpacking and cleaning our gear, the team enjoyed a nice meal as we shared the best moments of the trip. We already made it to Anchorage, and everyone is off to home. As for the guides, we're already looking forward to our next expedition in 2019! RMI Guide Elías de Andrés Martos

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Denali Expedition: King & Team Stack Walls at 14,000’ Camp

June 15, 2018

Posted by: Mike King, JT Schmitt, Ben Ammon

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Friday, June 15, 2018 - 5:50 PM PT Today was a prime lesson in the Three Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf. We got some comments and stares yesterday while building 7 foot walls around our Camp with such blue skies and warm temps. This morning we got even more remarks from people as we continued to build. By 4 pm the winds had picked up to 30+ mph gusts and the Pigs who had built their homes from straw were in full scramble mode while our Pigs rested in their tents surrounded by snow bricks. We practiced some skills for climbing the fixed lines, they gets us higher on the West Buttress and will hang out while Denali does what Denali wants to. Currently it's demanding that we, "respect it's authority". RMI Guide Mike King

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Hey Scott! Totally echo what Julie said (except for the “babe” part). Good luck with the weather—pretty much rounds out everything you can possibly come across on the mountain, doesn’t it? Hang in there bud. Hope you brought a good book.

~Chris

Hi Scott. Perseverance - the secret of all triumphs. Kick some booty. Wishing you safe steps and glorious sunrises. - Judy

Posted by: Chris Beaudette on 6/16/2018 at 1:52 pm

Scott-looks like you and team my be stuck at 14,000 for a while due to weather! Not as cold as last time! Maybe guys can get caught up with all the amazing comments people have been sending! You’ve got this babe! Keep warm, hang tight, and then just HOP up to the summit in time! Love you!
Julie

Posted by: Julie Faulkenburg on 6/16/2018 at 9:28 am

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Entries from Expedition Dispatches

Denali Expedition: King & Team Stalled at 14K Camp

On The Map

Mt. Rainier: Summit Climb Teams Turned Back by Weather

Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Wait out Storm

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Rapping on Denali

On The Map

Denali Expedition: King & Team Weather the Storm

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Move Up to 9600’

Mt. Rainier: June 16th Summit!

Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Write Poem at 14,000’

On The Map

Alaska Alpine Climb: Elias & Team Take Advantage of a Narrow Weather Window

On The Map

Denali Expedition: King & Team Stack Walls at 14,000’ Camp

On The Map

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