RMI Expeditions Blog
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.
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
Sundy, June 2, 2024 - 10:20 pm PT
Hello readers!
Welcome to RMI's Denali Expedition #5. Today is day 1 of our expedition. The team traveled from near and far to get to Anchorage. Quick introductions and a brief run down over the gear list and we were out the door and piled into a van for our drive to Talkeetna. Before arriving to Talkeetna we made a pitstop in Wasilla to purchase fresh food items like cheese, meats and breads to enjoy on the mountain. We off loaded all our duffels in the airplane hanger for tomorrow's gear check and packing, then made our way to the hotel. Tonight was informal to allow people time to relax or unwind before a busy day tomorrow. Some of the team made their way down to the river and man was it a view. The mountains were out in all their glory. Denali looks so huge, even from a far. What a good start to our trip to have such a spectacular view. As for now we are going to enjoy being in civilization and sleeping in beds. Tomorrow will be a busy day of prepping so we can (fingers crossed) fly onto the glacier on Tuesday.
Goodnight readers,
RMI Guide Hannah Smith and Team
New Post Alerts:
Denali Expedition June 2, 2024
This message is for Meganne Harvey. One of Mackenzie’s shit kids dropped an ice cube down my back today, and I realized quickly this is probably your life 24/7. Anyway you are very missed and I’m sending all the vibes to the team
Posted by: Shane Chase on 6/9/2024 at 8:01 pm
Praying you all have a wonderful enjoyable time. Stay safe Shane.
Posted by: Sonny Digiovanna on 6/4/2024 at 7:34 am
Posted by: James Bealer, Tatum Whatford, Leif Bergstrom, Calvin Jiricko, Layne Peters, Mac Nolde
Categories:
Elevation: 12,300'
June 3: The team started their descent from Camp Muir at 7:30 AM PT today. We expect them to arrive at Paradise around 10 am.
The Five Day Climb May 30 - 3 June led by RMI Guides James Bealer & Tatum Whatford reached the top of Disappointment Cleaver, 12,300', today before deteriorating weather forced them to descend. The team is enroute to Camp Muir. They will spend the night at Camp Muir tonight and descend tomorrow.
Great effort for the team in spite of the awful weather conditions this weekend. Don’t give up hope on a future summit attempt. Took me 3 times before summiting.
Posted by: Neil Schweitzer on 6/2/2024 at 12:11 pm
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!
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Daniel May, Lacie Smith
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 20,310'
Friday May 31, 2024 7:16pm PDT
On Summit!
Saturday, June 1, 2024 12:55am PDT
Returned to 17,000' Camp safely at 10pm and planning to begin descent tomorrow morning.
RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier & Team
New Post Alerts:
Denali Expedition, May 12, 2024
Sharon and Sarah,
Congratulations On quite the accomplishment. Waiting word from you to come pick you up in Talkeetna.
Hope the descent is going well.
John/Margaret
Posted by: John on 6/1/2024 at 5:48 pm
Congratulations Dustin and Team!!
That is Just Awesome!!!!
Posted by: Dave Kestel on 6/1/2024 at 12:43 pm
Posted by: Steve Gately, Sam Hoffman, Raymond Holt, Ben Siegel, Ben Thorneycroft, Avery Stolte
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb led by RMI Guides Steve Gately and Sam Hoffman reached the summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning. The team climbed with clear skies, cold temperatures, and arrived on the summit at sunrise to enjoy the views.
Congratulations Team!
Congrats to all!! Especially Jonathon for making it on his third try. And you ladies rocked it!! Proud of y’all and was happy to be a small part of the experience. There is a bar tab waiting for y’all. Enjoy and safe travels.
Tucker
Posted by: Tucker Graves on 5/31/2024 at 12:31 pm
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
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