Entries from Locations
Posted by: Andy Bond
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
.jpg)
The Expedition Skills Seminar - Kautz team trained all week to hone the mountaineering skills needed to qualify for a Denali, Aconcagua, and other big mountain expeditions. The team learned crevasse rescue, fixed line travel, route finding, and avalanche forecasting. Poor weather and high avalanche danger prevented the team from making a summit attempt via the Katuz Glacier, but the time spend training and learning the advanced mountain skills will benefit all team members on their next mountain adventure.
Congratulations Team!
The Four Day Climb led by RMI Guides Brent Okita, and Joe Hoch climbed to Ingraham Flats, but were unable to go further due to high avalanche risk. The team enjoyed a beautiful sunrise, and will be back to Rainier Basecamp in Ashford this afternoon.
Congratulations Team!
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Devin Guffey, Josh Geiser
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 7,800'
-640x480.jpg)
Thursday, June 6, 2024 6:11pm PDT
Hello readers!
The snow pitter pattered all night. With every tap to the side of the tent snow slides off. It was a winter wonderland. White surrounded us. You could see nothing but white. With visibility being low and tents wet, we decided to lay low and hang tight for the day. The team rested and the snow Fell most of the day. Towards the late afternoon the base of the peaks became visible. An optimistic sign that maybe the weather is letting up. We are Hopeful that we can get still move to 11k camp in an alpine start fashion much like we do on Rainier. So, after dinner we are going to rest a few hours and hopefully the weather is descent, and we can make our move.
Wish us luck and send good weather vibes.
RMI Guide Hannah Smith and Team
New Post Alerts:
Denali Expedition June 2, 2024
Hi Tommy and group, wishing you all the best of luck for better weather and a successful climb. And thank you for all the updates.
Posted by: Jen Mackenzie on 6/8/2024 at 12:18 am
Hi Tommy MacKenzie,
We love you! Michael and I say hi!
I hope you are doing well and you have good conditions.
Wishing everyone a safe and wonderful experience❤️
Posted by: Linda Barrow on 6/7/2024 at 5:53 pm
Posted by: Dominic Cifelli, Nicole De Petris, Bailey Servais, Arianna Drechsler
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 5,400'
The Expedition Skill Seminar - Emmons team May 31 - 5 June led by RMI Guide Dominic Cifelli endured some epic wet weather during their six day training and climbing program. After two days of technical training and climbing school the team headed to the White River Entrance of Mt. Rainier donned their packs and climbed to the lower Emmons Glacier. The team spent two days in rainy and snow weather before descending to the trailhead and returning to Ashford. On Wednesday the team spent another day training to complete their program.
Here's hoping for better weather next time!
Posted by: Seth Burns, Sam Hoffman, Jackson Breen, George Hedreen, Will Ambler, Raymond Holt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 11,200'
The Four Day Climb teams led by RMI Guides Seth Burns and Sam Hoffman reached Ingraham Flats, 11,200', this morning on their summit attempt. Due to unstable snow conditions the teams decided to call this their high point today and returned safely to Camp Muir. Climbers are packing up their gear and enjoying a bit more time on the mountain before starting their descent to Paradise. They will return to Rainier BaseCamp this afternoon.
I was in Sam’s, George’s and Ray’s group and I am extremely impressed and grateful for their service, professionalism and courtesy. I received more than I could have hoped for in my need for great and safe guidance in this adventure!
Posted by: John McGrath on 6/6/2024 at 2:55 pm
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Devin Guffey, Josh Geiser
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 7,800'
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 - 8:25 pm PT
Good evening everyone. Today we woke to clear skies above with clouds lingering over Denali. So it was go time to get our carry in. We knew the storm would come sooner or later so we got an early start and we walking by 5am. Fueled by bagels, cream cheese, and salmon we made our way up Ski Hill. The cool air felt good to walk in compared to the rather hot and sweaty walk yesterday. After gaining two thousand feet and the beginning of snow flurries, we decided to call 9300' our cache spot. We dug a big hole to fit all our cache items and then scurried out of there before more snow fell. The rest of the day we enjoyed a bunch of tent time which included naps, reading, watching shows, listening to music, and eating snacks. Some of the best sleep comes in the afternoon. Tomorrow we hope to move to 11,000' camp. This will depend on what the weather brings us in the morning. We may need to be patient but that's part of the Denali game. As for now, we are all settling into our sleeping bags as the snow pitter patters on our tents. It's quite relaxing. So goodnight all!
RMI Guide Hannah And team
New Post Alerts:
Denali Expedition June 2, 2024
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Devin Guffey, Josh Geiser
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 7,800'
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Hello followers!
Today was a big day! Skies were clear which meant we would be flying. The team got their last lattes and drip coffees before making their way to the hanger. The pilot told us half the team would fly then he would come back for the rest of us. This gave the team time to get dialed with sled rigging and tent set up before arriving on the glacier and for those on the glacier time to learn too. As always the flight in was amazing. The views are stunning. The peaks of the Alaska Range are rocky and snowy and big. A bumpy landing got the team all safely on the glacier. The pilots are truly amazing at what they do. After some quick work shuffling gear and rigging up we hit the Kahiltna glacier running. Well not running. Slowly waddling in our snowshoes and heavy packs. We crushed the downhill and made smooth work of the uphill. You can tell the team did great training and it sure paid off with the smooth sailing we had getting to camp. It's all a learning curve right now, trying to get in a groove setting up camp. In a couple days we will be smooth as butter at it. Pizza for dinner always makes the heart and stomach happy. Our outdoor seating had amazing views of the surrounding peaks. Tomorrow we will hopefully do a carry to 9,600' give or take. We are hoping the storm stays away or at least gives us the morning/early afternoon. As for now, we are all getting our gear organized and into our sleeping bags for a well deserved rest.
Goodnight everyone!
RMI Guide Hannah Smith
New Post Alerts:
Denali Expedition June 2, 2024
Hey Hannah!
I’m sending all the best thoughts and prayers for Perfect weather for you and your team!!!
Farmer Dave
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 6/6/2024 at 3:46 am
Great start to a great adventure! We’re so proud of you Dada! Stay safe and stay warm!
Posted by: Jessica on 6/5/2024 at 10:52 pm
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Devin Guffey, Josh Geiser
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Tuesday June 4, 2024 3:05pm PDT
Hannah Smith & Team are flying onto the glacier, and will officially start their climb!
New Post Alerts:
Denali Expedition June 2, 2024
Strive for greatness and conquer that mountain, like my GOAT LeBron James! I’ll think of you all when I’m enjoying Space Jam 2 tonight! (My personal favorite) ❤️
Posted by: Patrick on 6/5/2024 at 6:11 pm
Good luck, learn lots, and have a great time team! Meganne, you are just the most incredible badass I know, you’ve got this
Posted by: Emma Bassein on 6/5/2024 at 7:31 am
Posted by: Hannah Smith, Devin Guffey, Josh Geiser
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 348'
Monday, June 3, 2024
Hello readers,
Today was jammed pack with packing and sorting. The team went through their gear making sure they have all the crucial items to safely climb the mountain. Along with those crucial items is 22lbs of snack food. Everyone has a good mixture of salty, sweet, crunchy, chewy items to make them happy on the mountain. Once we knew we had all the right gear, we sorted it into our packs and duffles to be weighed for the plane. We ended our day with some souvenir shopping and a team dinner. The team is excited to get on the glacier and begin their expedition they have been training for. Fingers crossed the weather holds!
Goodnight,
RMI Guide Hannah Smith and Team
New Post Alerts:
Denali Expedition June 2, 2024
Posted by: Brent Okita, Leif Bergstrom, Margo Kerr, Drew O’Brien, Sam Marjerison, Claire Pennell
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 13,400'
The Four Day Climb Led by RMI Guides Brent Okita and Drew O'Brien reached 13,400' on Mt. Rainier before poor weather forced them to abort and head back towards the shelter of Camp Muir. The team is currently at Camp Muir and will start their descent to Paradise soon.
Congratulations Team!
Wow! That pic is stunning!
Bummer you weren’t able to summit, but good to be safe!
Cheers to everyone!
Posted by: Katie Hernandez on 6/7/2024 at 11:34 am
Beautiful Pic! Sorry the climb had to turn back but clearly Safety First !
Posted by: Doug Thompson on 6/7/2024 at 10:39 am
View All Comments