Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Check in from 11,200 ft Camp

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

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May 16, 2016 - 1:31 am PT Howdy to everybody from 11,200 feet! We had a great move up the Kahiltna, experiencing every type of weather along the way: smoking hot sun, thin clouds that turned on the microwave, thicker clouds that cooled us off, snow with wind, and finally snow without wind. Despite all of that, our travels were very smooth, and we walked into camp in the late afternoon. Move days are a lot of work; not just the climbing, but once at camp, we have to construct a whole new camp with platforms, walls, and kitchen. All told it's a lot of digging and a lot of snow to move, but this crew's teamwork was exemplary, and with a couple of hours of pounding away, we have a solid new place to call home for a few days. We'll say hi tomorrow, RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young, Jess Matthews and team

On The Map

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Well done team ,looks like ur making good progress moving on up to ur next plattoe it looks awesome from up there the team looks like they r enjoying this venture be safe, keep us all posted, ur friends from “The Downs"xo

Posted by: Joe&Patty; on 5/17/2016 at 3:20 am

Good job! You’ve got a lot of people rooting for the team from Denver! That’s a lot of snow. I guess you better get used to it! Keep on trekking and good luck. I know the team can accomplish its goal!

Posted by: Jamie on 5/16/2016 at 7:57 pm

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Denali Expedition: Van Deventer and Team Enjoy Rest Day

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 10,400'

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Saturday, May 14th - 3:32pm PST We put our intention to move to 11,000' on hold today and decided that after a couple of big days with big loads, a rest day was in order. A leisurely wake up and breakfast led to naps and lunch, which led to more naps, photography sessions, and dinner. All together, the perfect rest day. Tomorrow, we'll wake, pack up this lovely camp, and make the move to 11,000'. This has been a great home but everyone is excited to move on and check out some new scenery. We'll check in tomorrow. Best, RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young, Jess Matthews, and team
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Go Hitesh!!! We’re with you in spirit!

Posted by: Purvi on 5/16/2016 at 2:38 pm

Looking good team!  Keep on keepin’ on!

Posted by: Chris B on 5/15/2016 at 10:47 pm

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DENALI EXPEDITION: Van Deventer and Team Move to Kahiltna Pass

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 10,400'

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May 13, 2016 - 6:02 PM PST Progress in the mountains comes in small, incremental pieces. Today that meant moving 17 days of food and fuel, as well as the bulk of our lunch food, up to 10,400' at Kahiltna Pass. It was an impressive pile that went into our cache hole, and will make our loads much friendlier tomorrow for our anticipated move to 11k camp. It was a warm day, scorching even, when we lost the light down glacier breeze, but everyone did great, and cruised the return trip with empty packs and sleds. We had a sumptuous meal of quesadillas, and now everyone has crawled into sleeping bags to escape the chill that happens as soon as the sun drops below the mountains, reminding us that this is still May in Alaska. We'll let you know what adventures we find tomorrow. Thanks for following RMI Guides Pete VanDeventer, Robby Young, Jess Matthews, and Team
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Keep up the good work guys, and keep sending the pictures.  It inspires those of us who want to do it.

Thanks

Posted by: Kevin Stone on 5/16/2016 at 11:56 am

Hi Lisa looks like ur making good progress on this adventurous climb, just to drop a line the Downs was tough yesterday with 25-30 mph came home in 36 though hit it real solid 2 birdies one on 18 for 78 not trying to rub it in but letting u know the Downs is calling u, everyone is asking for u so I’m filling them in on ur tough journey. Bill was asking for u as was Tom Sepp and the crew anyway be safe and climb on.

Posted by: Joe&Pat; on 5/16/2016 at 3:11 am

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Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Start up the Glacier

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,600'

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May 13, 2016 - 1:34 am PT We've launched! After spending yesterday packing and repacking bags, double and triple checking lists, and culling and sorting gear, we were ready to roll. We woke this morning to blue skies and warm sunshine, so we made a beeline to the hanger. They were ready for us with the first two planes of the day. Soon we were airborne, churning our was towards Denali. Once we landed it was back to packing again, and then with tidied loads, we started up glacier. It's a long walk, with ridiculous loads, but everyone did great! We built a cozy camp at 7,600' and now we are tucked in for the night. Tomorrow we plan to carry a load of fuel and food to 11,000' camp, then return to 7600'. Wish us luck! RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer
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Peter and team hope all is well and the weather is on your side for day 2 / 3500’ climb wow that’s a lot of snow be safe keep the pictures coming,

Posted by: Joe&Pat; Bolomey on 5/14/2016 at 3:27 am

From wet farmlands of IN Greetings + Godspeed to you amigo Pete + my bud Scott…Here’s to S2 ~ Safety + Summit…Waltero
Hey to Mike also.

Posted by: Walter Glover on 5/14/2016 at 1:40 am

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Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Fly Onto the Glacier

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

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The May 10th Denali Expedition led by RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer, Robby Young and Jess Matthews flew onto the lower Kahiltna Glacier this morning right on schedule. Pete and the team will check in throughout their expedition with updates on the team's progress. Stay tuned!
Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Homey…!  so beautiful photos coming out of there.  Hope you are kickin butt up there.!!!

Posted by: greg on 5/16/2016 at 11:58 am

God speed and all good blessings and energy, kick some ass Faulky!

Posted by: Ben Lav on 5/13/2016 at 2:14 pm

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