RMI Expeditions Blog

Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Waiting It Out at 11,200’

July 4, 2013

Posted by: Dave Hahn

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

Thursday, July 4, 2013 Groundhog Day at 11,000 ft on Mt. McKinley. Another storm day from start to finish. Moderate winds, light but steady snow falling, poor visibility. Our POSH tent is a well dug-in fortress; essentially a covered pit in which we've cut benches for people and shelves for stoves. It provided excellent shelter today. Obviously, we drag out the meals for several hours, eating and talking and talking some more so as to avoid going back into our sleeping tents too soon and for too long. We each put in a few sessions of digging out the tents during the day, which is good for the tents, but also for our muscles and our brains. In late afternoon, the team assembled for a lesson in how we'll climb the "fixed ropes" section of the route between 15,000 and 16,000 ft. Then it was time for dinner, more talking in the POSH, and finally bed once again. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Awesome news! We heard from Anders by Satellite phone that the weather broke and the guys were able to climb up past Windy Corner to cache some gear yesterday (July 5th) around 13K. Then they descended back to sleep at their now very familiar Camp three. Just posting this so other families get the news in case you don’t get to update the RMI blog soon. We were thrilled to hear you guys were able to do some climbing and make some progress! We look forward to reading Dave Hahn’s recap of the day, and hope you get another lucky weather break.

Posted by: judy christofferson on 7/6/2013 at 7:15 am

OK, enough already with the snow! Surely you guys have suffered enough and have earned a chance to get up that big hill! We are doing weather dances here on a frequent basis and hope that your weather fortunes soon improve.

Be sure to have Anders tell you about his love of penguins!

Posted by: Randy Christofferson on 7/5/2013 at 2:09 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Haugen & Team Still Chillin at Basecamp

July 4, 2013

Posted by: Mike Haugen, Mike Uchal

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,300'

Thursday, July 4, 2013 It has been like a sunny beach vacation...except if it were sunny we would have flown far away from this particular snowy beach days ago. The snow keeps coming a bit harder and the forecast says through Sunday now. Could be worse; we have plenty of food, fuel, and great conversations! RMI Guide Mike Uchal made almost five hours worth of pancakes in a continuous stream for most of the camp. We have a small backlog of climbers around us. There are not many new climbers in basecamp since the weather has prohibited much movement on the mountain from any of the different camps. RMI Mt. McKinley Summit Team 6

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Hopeful for your getaway very soon! Keep us posted. Love, Mom and Dad Haugen

Posted by: Cindy Haugen on 7/6/2013 at 6:15 am

Missing you more every day. Good to hear your spirits are ok. Can’t wait to hear that planes can make it in. Got 3 holes in one today. Hug, mom and the guys. Ps did you put smiley faces on the pancakes?

Posted by: KAC on 7/5/2013 at 9:17 pm

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Mt. Elbrus: Tucker & Team Arrive in the Baksan Valley

July 4, 2013

Posted by: Mark Tucker

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Southside

Elevation: 5,500'

We had a smooth departure from Moscow. We took a short flight which lands us in the district of Mineralnye Vody, well known for it's abundance of mineral springs, sorry team no spa time just yet. Situated far right of the picture is our local mountain guide Johnny who will be assisting me throughout or adventure. We are here in the Baksan Valley at 5,500 ft. this begins our adjustment period to altitude before the summit push. We are staying in a nice chalet, used for skiers in the winter, now a very comfortable Basecamp for climbers from here and abroad. A few clouds around but not bad in the weather department. Tomorrow we will ride a couple chairlifts to gain altitude then take a nice hike up to around 11,000 ft. Then we will return to our chalet for a second night. It is very nice to be here and out of the big city. RMI Guide Mark Tucker

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Mt. McKinley: Van Deventer & Team Rest at 17 Camp

July 4, 2013

Posted by:

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,200'

Thursday, July 4, 2013 Whulp, the weather gods didn't smile on us today. We went to bed under clear, calm skies, and high hopes for today, but when we awoke, it was to snow, blowing snow, and wind, and next to no visibility. It wasn't a hard choice to sit tight in camp today, rest up, and hope that the next few days bring our chance! Everybody is in high spirits, albeit ancy and ready to go. Hopefully we'll check in tomorrow or Saturday from the top! Happy Fourth of July to everybody out there. RMI Guides Pete, Geoff, Robby, and team

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Hats off to you all….it’s been a blast following this trek and moments where we wish we could be there with you b/c VERY hot here in upstate NY…travel mercies on the descent. Gil:I’ve been keeping Chandler in line. ~(:)

Posted by: Dana Holly Troy on 7/7/2013 at 8:16 am

Hola Guapo,
I have to assume you are summiting since there has been no news for two days!
We are munching nervously on the rest of your Kit Kat bars…..“oh my goodness!”
Forest Gump would say: “Run Guapo Ruuuun”!
Can’t wait to hear!
Lots Love!!

Posted by: marion and maya on 7/6/2013 at 7:13 am

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Cotopaxi Express: Summit Day!

July 4, 2013

Posted by: Mike Walter

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador

Elevation: 19,348'

Thursday, July 4, 2013 RMI Guide Mike Walter checked in at 10:50 am PT from the summit of Cotopaxi. The entire team had reached the summit of Cotopaxi and was enjoying beautiful weather with scattered clouds and no wind. The team will descend completely today and drive to the Hosteria La Cienega for a well deserved dinner and spend the night. Congratulations to the team!

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Mt. Elbrus: Justman & Team Enjoy Hike on Peak Cheget

July 4, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Elbrus Southside

Hello from the base of Mt. Elbrus, We are enjoying our time in Cheget, located at the base of Mt. Elbrus. Today it was nice to stretch the legs. We climbed up Peak Cheget at 11,000 feet. The weather was nice and the views were incredible. We had a fantastic day in the mountains surrounding Elbrus. The team is doing great and having fun! Enjoy the video. RMI Guide JJ Justman

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LOL. That was supposed to be “KEEP ROCKIN’”

Posted by: Julie Marx on 7/5/2013 at 5:48 am

Keep rockin’! Looking forward to “watching” you summit.

Posted by: Julie Marx on 7/5/2013 at 5:47 am

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Mt. McKinley: Van Deventer & Team Move to 17,000’!

July 4, 2013

Posted by: Geoff Schellens, Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,200'

Wednesday, July 3, 2013 Hello all from 17 thousand feet! We made our move today through a whole mix of weather, though overall, it was a really pleasant day on the West Buttress. We left later than most groups, waiting to have some sun and warmth before we launched. As luck would have it we missed all the crowds on the fixed lines, and cruised to our cache at the base of Washburns Thumb. With our cache on board, it was one more mellow stretch, and we were rolling into camp at the perfect hour. A big dinner and hot drinks, and now we're tucking in for the night, hoping to wake up and see our summit day tomorrow! Keep your fingers crossed for good weather! Best from here, RMI Guides Pete, Geoff, Robby, and team

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Derek - I hope you and the team are safe and will finally make summit in honor of the 4th of July!!
Love, Aunt Rita

Posted by: Rita DeCamp on 7/4/2013 at 4:02 pm

So excited for you to reach the summit!
We are roasting to death in this humidity…you are far better off there!
I told you that you could make it to the top!
We can’t wait to hear all about it!
Lots Love and hugs
Guapa and Duckie

Posted by: marion and maya on 7/4/2013 at 2:37 pm

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Mt.Rainier: July 4th - Summit!

July 4, 2013

Posted by: Billy Nugent

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

Happy Independence Day! The Four Day Summit Climb July 1 - 4 teams reached the summit of Mt. Rainier today led by RMI Guide Billy Nugent. The teams enjoyed clear weather, light breeze and nice temperatures while they were on top this morning. They began their descent from the crater rim shortly after 7 am. The teams will return to Camp Muir to repack and then continue their descent to Paradise. The Expedition Skills Seminar - Kautz led by Seth Waterfall also reached the summit of Mt. Rainier today. After spending some time on top they began their descent to high camp where they will spend a final night on the mountain. Congratulations to today's summit climb teams!

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Way to go Terry!! So proud of you. See you next week in a warmer climate. Love you, Mom Mullin.

Posted by: brenda mullin on 7/5/2013 at 9:11 am

Congrats! Rainier is an amazing mountain and I’m glad you all enjoyed it! Congrats Keith!

Posted by: Melissa on 7/4/2013 at 10:29 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Haugen & Team - Ground Hog’s Day

July 4, 2013

Posted by: Mike Haugen, Mike Uchal

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,300'

Wednesday, July 3, 2013 We woke up today to more of the same conditions at McKinley Basecamp. At least with these conditions, there is no waiting around to see if we are going to fly. There is always tomorrow! We took a walk down to the lower airstrip to stretch our legs a bit. With plenty of food and gas, at least we are eating well! The morale is still good and the team is hanging in strong while missing our loved ones (and real food). RMI Mt. McKinley Summit Team 6

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Happy 4th of July To Cindee and her team! Wishing you all a safe and restful return, beers and tacos waiting for you when you get back to SF:)

Posted by: Jennifer on 7/4/2013 at 10:55 pm

The other night I had a warm peanut butter pop tart with a scoop of ice cream and some chocolate syrup. I feel sure that had pop tarts been included on this expedition, you guys would not still be snowed in.

Posted by: Lisa Mackey on 7/4/2013 at 7:01 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Train at 11,200’

July 4, 2013

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Zeb Blais

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

Wednesday, July 3, 2013 We hear that there was better weather in other places on Denali today, but not so much here at 11,000 ft. Different day, same weather. It was snow, blowing snow, cloud and blowing cloud. We made good use of an afternoon sun break to put on harnesses and crampons and go for a short walk on the lower half of "motorcycle hill" which is just above camp. It was a nice opportunity to stretch legs and review climbing techniques as well as a chance to see some cool blue crevasses. After a fine Mexican dinner, we chatted to pass the time and listened to radio traffic from around the mountain. It seems that we might have slightly better weather for a few days, at least according to our radio. We'll be ready to take advantage. There are four other guided parties waiting things out with us at 11 K and I'm certain they are ready to get moving again as well. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Glad you guys stopped lazing around in your tents and got out to get some exercise!! : ) The Christofferson family sends our love to Anders and Happy Fourth of July to you all from the Jersey Shore. Wish we could send up some of our burgers and corn on the cob!
Post Hurricane Sandy motto of the NJ Shore is “We are Stronger than the Storm” You guys are too!

Posted by: judy christofferson on 7/4/2013 at 12:00 pm

Happy 4th of July everyone!!! Hugs and kisses Will :)

Posted by: Amy Huson on 7/4/2013 at 9:51 am

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RMI Expeditions Blog

Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Waiting It Out at 11,200’

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Haugen & Team Still Chillin at Basecamp

On The Map

Mt. Elbrus: Tucker & Team Arrive in the Baksan Valley

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Mt. McKinley: Van Deventer & Team Rest at 17 Camp

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Cotopaxi Express: Summit Day!

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Mt. Elbrus: Justman & Team Enjoy Hike on Peak Cheget

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Mt. McKinley: Van Deventer & Team Move to 17,000’!

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Mt.Rainier: July 4th - Summit!

Mt. McKinley: Haugen & Team - Ground Hog’s Day

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Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Train at 11,200’

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