Entries from Locations

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!

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

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

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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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

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

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

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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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!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

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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Denali Expedition: Young & Team Cache Gear, Prepare to Move to 11,000 ft Camp

June 1, 2019

Posted by: Robby Young, Nick Scott, Joe Hoch

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska

Elevation: 7,800'

Friday, May 31, 2019 - 9:41 PM PT What a great day it’s been! We were optimistic when our alarms went off at 4 am that very little snow slid off the top of our tent. The snowfall forecasts under produced and we were up and attem and out of Camp by 6:30 am getting a carry and cache in at the 10,000’ corner. Light snow and clouds kept us cool and happy all day, and despite the lack of views, we were treated to some amazing light on the surrounding glaciers off and on all day. We made it back to camp in time for some afternoon naps and finished our day with a Nick Scott Quesadilla Fiesta for the ages. Gourmet salsas, perfectly hydrated beans, and chicken pepper combos were the rage. Seconds were in high demand. Good conversations were had and then it was time to hit the hay for what looks to be a good day to move camp to 11,000’ tomorrow. Until then, have a great night and we’ll let you know how it goes tomorrow. RMI Guides Robby, Nick, Joe and Team Quesadilla Fiesta

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Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

I’d love to be there just to taste Nick’s fabulous sounding food. Keep up your safe efforts, and enjoy all you can. Step safe y’all! Positive thoughts for fair to great weather, as well as reaching that beautiful summit!

Posted by: Susan Moore on 6/1/2019 at 11:48 pm

Steve, keep it up and be safe! Charlie insists we toast your progress with a few glasses everyday! Cheers. Fred

Posted by: Fred Dalzell on 6/1/2019 at 7:05 pm

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Alaska Seminar: Smith & Team Practice Rest Day Patience

June 1, 2019

Posted by: Hannah Smith, Lucas Haaland, Luke Wilhelm

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska Seminar

Elevation: 7,300'

Friday, May 31, 2019 - 9:22 PM PT Today we practiced the rest day. A day full of reading, listening to music, watching TV shows, sporting eating, napping or whatever you can come up with to occupy your time. Being able to entertain yourself all day while it snows outside is an important skill to have on big mountains. It was a light snow today with limited visibility. But the sun's heat made it through the clouds making it rather toasty in the tents. You mix heat and being on the glacier for nine days, you get a pretty stinky tent. Lucky for us though showers are in our near future with a potential for flying off the glacier tomorrow. The forecast is looking better, so hopefully we can here the otters in the morning and catch a ride. Otherwise we will continue to practice resting for another day. Let's hope for blue skies, RMI Guide Hannah Smith and team

Denali Expedition: Gorum & Team Take a Cache to 16,600’

May 31, 2019

Posted by: JM Gorum, JT Schmitt, Dustin Wittmier

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Friday, May 31, 2019 7:58 PM PT Today we woke to relatively warm temperatures and light snow. As we looked up to the ridge of the West Buttress there didn’t appear to be any winds, although a bit of snow continued to fall. After a speedy breakfast we decided to make moves and head on up the mountain to cache gear somewhere above the fixed lines. Throughout the first few hours of the day we progressed apprehensively, wary of some menacing looking clouds that were lingering higher up on the mountain, but as we cruised up the fixed lines we were treated with warm temperatures and light winds. This enabled us to progress to 16,600 feet to dig a cache to store some gear to support ourselves for our summit bid. After a quick break we turned around and headed back down to 14 Camp where we are now relaxing and waiting to eat some dinner! Spirits are high and we are all looking forward to a rest day tomorrow. RMI Guide JT Schmitt

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

The updates and beautiful pictures are greatly appreciated! Such a strong, amazing team! Sending love and prayers! Little 18 month old today Cutest says “auntie, mountain.”

Posted by: Jennifer Adams on 6/1/2019 at 1:39 pm

My god, you’re on top of the world!

Posted by: Jane Baxter on 6/1/2019 at 6:08 am

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Entries from Locations

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

Denali Expedition: Young & Team Cache Gear, Prepare to Move to 11,000 ft Camp

On The Map

Alaska Seminar: Smith & Team Practice Rest Day Patience

Denali Expedition: Gorum & Team Take a Cache to 16,600’

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