RMI Expeditions Blog

Mt. Rainier: Emmons Seminar Team Reaches Summit

June 20, 2018

Posted by: Andy Bond, Alan Davis, Bryce Foster, Jenny Konway

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

The Expedition Skills Seminar - Emmons June 16 - 21, 2018 led by RMI Guides Andy Bond, Alan Davis, Bryce Foster and Jenny Konway reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning via the Emmons Glacier route. Andy reported a beautiful day with low winds. They will return to Camp Schurman for a final night on the mountain. Congratulations to the Emmons Seminar team!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Congratulations Barry- you did it!!!! SO exciting!! You’re an inspiration to so many! -xK

Posted by: Kathryn McRitchie on 6/21/2018 at 8:31 am

Congratulations Noah! This is absolutely amazing. What an accomplishment! I’m inspired!

Posted by: Noah on 6/20/2018 at 1:35 pm

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Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Prep in Talkeenta, Ready to Fly

June 20, 2018

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello, Nikki Champion

Categories:

Elevation: 348'

Tuesday, June 19, 2018 - 11:28 PM PT It was a full and busy day for our gang in Talkeetna. We met for the traditional breakfast at the Roadhouse where formal introductions were made and the plan and possibilities for the next few days were discussed. Then it was over to the Talkeetna Ranger Station where we greeted longtime friends in the National Park Service. Roger Robinson -who has been active on Denali since 1975- gave our safety briefing and orientation slideshow. We then made our way across town to the airstrip and the hangars of K2 Aviation, our flight service. Skies were cloudy, and we hear that it is still blowing and snowing hard all up and down Denali, but in town today, life wasn’t too bad. It never rained and there were even some spells of blue sky and sunshine in the afternoon. We spent almost the entire afternoon in the hangar though, conducting equipment checks and sorting tents, stoves, ropes, pots, pans, shovels and piles upon piles of food and clothing. By 5 PM it was all in order, weighed and inventoried... ready to be loaded on planes in the morning. The team got together one more time, for a relaxing dinner at the Twister Creek brew pub. After dinner, we strolled over to the river bank to watch the mighty Susitna boiling past town and to look over to where Denali was hiding in the storm. We broke up for the evening, with everybody intent on taking advantage of a final night -we hope- of Internet, telephone and comfy beds. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Time to nail this one Sue. We will be rooting for you and the team from ringside!

Posted by: Russ Frederickson on 6/21/2018 at 4:22 am

Tom it looks like you are with an Awesome strong group of climbers. Climb high ! Climb Strong Brother!
Dave

Posted by: Dave Kestel on 6/20/2018 at 6:28 pm

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Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Arrive at Base Camp

June 20, 2018

Posted by: Tyler Jones, Bryan Mazaika, Nick Scott

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,300'

Wednesday, June 20, 2018 - 3:09 AM PT Today we woke to more winter with the wind blowing in our faces as we crawled from our tents. We did an Alaska leisure start. This is when you wake up and wish the weather was better but... will pack slowly. So we crept through the white, snow blowing all around us, and trail blazed through the deep snow. After many hours we arrived in Base Camp in dashing style. The evening was caped with more quesadillas than we could eat and a celebratory beverage. As we nestle in our sleeping bags for what we hope is the last night, we dream of burgers and beverages on the other side..... it’s snowing now, of course. Don’t fret we have had a blast on this adventure though we are bitter with the weather. We will out chill Denali. You can count on it. RMI Guides Tyler Jones, Bryan Mazaika and Nick Scott

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Marc - super glad you are headed back to record setting heat here in sunny Las Vegas!! We are all looking forward to hearing your stories, seeing your pics, and having you back!!! Safe travels!! Denette

Posted by: Denette on 6/21/2018 at 11:00 am

Best news I’ve heard in days - Base Camp! May the rest of journey home be an easy one! You are all rock stars in my book for battling the elements and coming out on top! Well done! Coeli. P.S. Nick, you know who your second phone call better be to?! I’ll let Sabina have your first. :)

Posted by: Coeli Scott on 6/21/2018 at 8:40 am

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

June 20, 2018

Posted by: Mike King

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

We turned in last night expecting another pulse of wind and snow from the large storm stalled out in Bristol Bay. Instead we slept well through a calm night with little in the way of wind and only minimal snow drift. The West Buttress was windy as noted by the plumes of snow being blown into the atmosphere. We decided to stay in camp should the storm send more weather our way. After a leisurely breakfast of pancakes there was a swell of climbers headed up to 17. Some to pull caches for a descent to Basecamp and some just to stretch the legs and lungs after sitting for several days. Choosing not to get in a traffic jam we decided to stay put. Tomorrow if we are fortunate we'll head up the fixed lines and hopefully to 17 so we can get some climbing in. Unfortunately we still need a larger window of improving weather to move camp to 17. The forecasts are improving when compared to what we actually experience in camp. Fingers crossed we get 3-4 days of low winds above for a summi t bid. Thanks for following along. RMI Guide Mike King

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Waiting out the Weather

June 20, 2018

Posted by: Mike Haugen, Hannah McGowan, Gloria Roe

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 9,600'

If you were wondering what kind of scenery you can see while climbing Denali, don't ask us because we haven't seen anything in days! We are living in a giant ping pong ball where white snow meets white clouds. We high fived Tyler Jones's RMI team as they made their way down through the muck headed towards Basecamp. All we need is a short break in the weather and a small assurance that the next camp will not be any worse than here. We are hoping that tomorrow morning gives us what we need. The team really is in good spirits considering the amount of tent time that has been logged during this storm and we are not even really on the mountain yet! There has been nothing but positivity and hard work from our Super Crew. So proud! RMI Guide Mike Haugen

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hi Hannah!
I’m glad you’re up above the snow and out of the ping pong ball.
Happy first day of summer, at the top of the world!
Sending a warm patronus with special attention for toes.
I love you, I’ll see you in our dreams,
Mom
PS Tommy sent me the sweetest post card!

Posted by: Lisa Nezwazky on 6/21/2018 at 10:13 am

Happy Birthday, Josh. We love your spirit and determination. See you soon. All our love. Mom and Dad

Posted by: David Levy on 6/21/2018 at 6:12 am

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Mt. Rainier: Four Day Summit Climb Teams Reach Summit

June 20, 2018

Posted by: Zeb Blais, Kel Rossiter

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

RMI Guides Zeb Blais and Kel Rossiter led their Four Day Summit Climb June 17 - 20 teams to the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. Kel reported light winds for their climb and a beautiful morning on the mountain. Congratulations to today's Summit Climb Teams!

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What An amazing view and even more amazing accomplishment!! Congratulations to the team! Shar I knew you could do it! We’re so proud of you

Posted by: Tina on 6/20/2018 at 2:47 pm

Wow! this must be one of the most demanding activities one can undertake…both physically and mentally…Congrats to all on your courage and determination.
(So proud of you Shar! You rock!)

Posted by: Alex & Suzi Mikaelian on 6/20/2018 at 2:28 pm

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Denali Expedition: Dave Hahn & Team Arrive in Talkeetna, Alaska

June 19, 2018

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello, Nikki Champion

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 348'

Tuesday, June 19, 2018 - 12:29 AM PT Victory!! Eight climbers and four guides made their way -with heaps of luggage- from various far away places in the “lower 48” to Talkeetna, Alaska. We met this afternoon down in the Anchorage airport and boarded the venerable Denali Overland van for a three hour commute to Talkeetna. Of course we broke things up a bit with a last stop for provisions in Wasilla. Not much in the way of spectacular views today as the Alaska Range was cloaked in cloud, but there was plenty of pretty scenery a little lower down and closer in to the highway. We’ll dial down on lots of details tomorrow as we get oriented, prepped and packed for Denali. Best Regards RMI Guide Dave Hahn

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

The Curtes Crew is with you in spirit every step of the way. Go Hirschy and Magpie - We love you guys!

Posted by: Jay Curtes on 6/20/2018 at 5:32 pm

Wishes for a safe climb for your entire team. Special shout out to Margaret & Jon, keep your eye on the prize! Praying the weather clears for you!

Posted by: Donna Elmer Weber on 6/20/2018 at 4:34 pm

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Denali Expedition: Jones & Team At 11,000’ With Wild Snow and Wind

June 19, 2018

Posted by: Tyler Jones, Bryan Mazaika, Nick Scott

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,000'

Monday, June 18, 2018 - 9:50 PM PT Hi all - We spent a very blustery and snowy day at 11,000 ft Camp. We had wind gusts in the upper forty’s and nearly two feet of snow on top of the more than three feet we walked through yesterday. The team spent most of the day hiding from Denali’s cold breath of winter. We’re hanging in there and crossing our fingers for a break to go to the airstrip. RMI Guide Tyler Jones and Team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Praying for safe passage for the team ❤️
Elisa, Dayton and Elliotte.
We miss you Nicholas!

Posted by: Elisa on 6/19/2018 at 6:26 pm

Lei and the team,
Sorry that you did not go all the way due to mood swings of the Mother Nature. But don’t for one second think that you failed. You all spent months even years training and preparing for this adventure. You survived weeks of snowy, icy, windy wilderness, which only a few can endure. You went to “ the edge of the world” and back. You are all stronger both physically and mentally. You have achieved a lot. Be proud of yourself and safe trip home!
Hao

Posted by: Hao on 6/19/2018 at 6:15 pm

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Mt. Rainier: Five Day Summit Climb Teams Reach Summit

June 19, 2018

Posted by: Casey Grom, Chris Ebeling

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

The Five Day Summit Climb June 15 - 19, 2018 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning led by RMI Guides Casey Grom and Chris Ebeling. Chris reported good clear weather with no winds. The team will spend return to Camp Muir and then continue their descent to Paradise. Congratulations to today's climbers!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Way to go Kari!! We are so proud of you and happy for you. We love you!

Tim, Shannon, and Stone

Posted by: Tim Henry on 6/20/2018 at 1:45 pm

My guys rock! Congratulations Shane and McKay!
Love you two!!!

Posted by: Mama Janet on 6/19/2018 at 4:28 pm

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Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Take the Storm in Stride

June 18, 2018

Posted by: Mike Haugen, Hannah McGowan, Gloria Roe

Categories:

Elevation: 9,600'

Monday, June 18, 2018 - 8:18 PM PT Just when we were beginning to think the worst of the storm had passed, Hurricane Horiskey came back with a vengeance. We spent the night trying to keep afloat by shoveling every hour on the hour. As the winds increased and the snow continued to fall we rallied the troops and began a train of shoveling in 30 minute shifts. This train of shoveling has lasted all day! And after a brief interlude for a warming Ramen dinner we are back at it. Although Hurricane Horiskey is a bit more intense than we would have preferred we are taking this opportunity to keep our shoveling arms strong and work on one of mountaineering's most important skills, patience. As you may imagine our Super Crew is crushing it and taking the weather in stride. When else would they have a chance to catch up on Breaking Bad or finish the Lord of the Rings Audiobook?? We are crossing our fingers that the weather will mellow a bit come tomorrow but until then continue to shovel as if we were headed for China. Pray for good weather! RMI Guide Mike Haugen and Super Crew!

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hang in there Gloria and crew. thinking of you all today and hoping you get to move out tomorrow.
Love ya
MA

Posted by: Mary Ann on 6/20/2018 at 9:29 am

Gloria and crew
Stay warm and strong!
Love ya
Ma and pa

Posted by: Mary Ann on 6/19/2018 at 9:08 pm

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