Mt. McKinley: Knoff & Team at 14K Camp

June 28, 2012

Posted by: Mike Uchal, Adam Knoff, Zeb Blais

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

After a few snowy days at our 11K camp, we hoped for some kinder weather for our move to 14,000'. We all agree we got too much of a good thing. Yesterday's move validated the old mountaineering saying that "you either freeze or fry." Wednesday morning was clear, but quite cold at 11K. We ate our warm breakfast, anxiously awaiting the sun to warm our tents before we packed up to move. The cool morning climb up Motorcycle Hill quickly turned into a sweltering overly sunny slog through the Polo Fields and around Windy Corner which lacked the then desired wind of which it got its name. After refueling and rehydrating the well-oiled machine we pulled into camp 4 (14,000') at 5 pm. We were welcomed by our other RMI team, light snow, and many other climbers at this small makeshift alpine village. Today (Thursday), we returned to Windy Corner to retrieve our cache of food and equipment in much of the same weather conditions as the day before. We are now resting back at 14,000' awaiting our possible carry up the fixed lines to 16,000' tomorrow. To our many fans out there who are leaving messages on our blog, rest assured they have reached us! Tuesday night over dinner we passed the iPhone around for all to read the kind words from friends and family. Keep them coming! Until tomorrow, RMI Guides Mike Uchal, Adam Knoff, Zeb Blais, and our team at 14,000' Stay classy lower 48!

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Hi to Mike R and fellow climbers. I am soo amazed by your courage, strength, and perseverance, you should be very proud of yourselves as I am of you Mike!I luv reading all the messages including the other teams as well, Its absolutely unimaginable to me, what you must be experiencing. Enjoy what you can. Thinking about you. Love Cheri

Posted by: Cheri on 6/29/2012 at 6:54 pm

Greetings John!

We are all so excited about your amazing adventure! Deann is on the phone with me right now and we are still talking about you! Enjoy your travels!

ONE of you biggest fans! Jo

Posted by: Jo on 6/29/2012 at 3:11 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Knoff & Team Resting

June 26, 2012

Posted by: Adam Knoff, Mike Uchal, Zeb Blais

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

Today is number six on the mountain and the first solely designated to rest. As discovered on day one of our long journey together, having fun is as necessary as being organized, fit and compatible. This morning the gang was allowed to sleep until their natural alarm clock pulled them from dreams of family, beer and showers. Six inches of fresh snow blanketed our camp here at 11,000 feet so we were all pleased to be staying put. Once all gathered in our perfectly designed cook tent, two hours were killed flipping flap jacks and drinking coffee. Now we have moved on to lunch where singing every song to Michael Jackson's Thriller album has trumped all else. There is not an unhappy soul in the group. Mike would like to wish mamma and papa Uchal safe travels on their adventure to Russia and beyond. RMI Guide Adam Knoff

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Singin MJ??? Has Gords schooled you all in the finer moves of the Thriller choreography?? When you run put of MJ Gords may treat you to some spot on GnR! Could make for a loooong rest day! Cheers everyone. The Reisers in N.Conway, NH

Posted by: Petah Reisah on 6/28/2012 at 6:54 am

Hi Michael, Hope you guys all enjoyed your day of rest. I am sure it was well deserved. Just wanted to tell you that your Dad is very jealous that you are surrounded by all that snow and cold :) Stay strong and safe. Love you. P.S. Jess says “HI”

Posted by: Dad & Lynne on 6/28/2012 at 4:54 am

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Mt. McKinley: Knoff & Team Carry to Windy Corner

June 25, 2012

Posted by: Adam Knoff

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

Today we set out to cache our upper mountain supplies above Windy Corner. As we finished breakfast and packed gear the wind blew snow around camp. Layered up and ready for the weather, we set out anticipating the gales that would greet us at the corner. Constant wind and snow tried to impede us but the crew dealt with the adverse weather like it was a summer stroll. As we pulled up to the fabled Windy Corner the weather was nicer than what we'd walked through to get there. We buried our gear there and pushed back through the nasty weather to 11 camp. Everyone did great and spirits are high. Tomorrow we rest! RMI Guide Adam Knoff

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Ahh - a day of leisure in the rarified air. Well deserved after yesterday and a chance for the team to recharge.
Chris - continued best on the adventure and trust you remembered every last lyric on the Thriller album.
Pops

Posted by: Pops on 6/26/2012 at 4:53 pm

This is incredibly great! The team is working together and enjoying the experience. Hope the weather cooperates all the way up and back. Love Ya Tim. So proud of you!!

Posted by: Bob McLaughlin on 6/26/2012 at 3:20 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Knoff and Team Move to 11,000’

June 24, 2012

Posted by: Adam Knoff

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

Today presented our team with it's first real challenge. Early this morning mother nature decide that leaving the weather window wide open was making things a bit to easy for us. She knew we had plans to move to 11,000 feet so early this morning the wind started blowing, the temps dropped and the world resembled the inside of a ping pong ball. For a while we were actually debating staying put. That thought lasted as long as a Luke warm cup of coffee and two hours later we were all heading toward camp 3. Despite the weather this team performed like a well oiled machine. We arrived at 11,000 feet in great style and pounded out a great camp. I am most impressed by everyone's strength and charisma. Talk to you all tomorrow. RMI Guide Adam Knoff

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Hi Michael R,
Any good X-C skiing up there? If u see any good scarfs pick one up for me-hee hee!
We know u will do well ~ enjoy the experience & have fun!
Lv, Diana & Brian

Posted by: D and B on 6/25/2012 at 5:53 pm

Hey! One picture of my hubby is not enough for me to make it through! I just need to see Tims face and I’ll know how he’s doing. Pleeeeease! : )
Appreciate any news you can send, stories. Good job on the blog…just want more. You write very well!

Be safe and be smart!
Deb McLaughlin

Posted by: Deb McLaughlin on 6/25/2012 at 5:14 pm

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McKinley Expedition: Knoff & Team Carry to 11,000’

June 23, 2012

Posted by: Adam Knoff

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 9,800'

It is apparent the two previous days of hauling full loads weighing more than a small horse has already made our team stronger. Yesterday we all felt a bit nackered but ten solid hours of sleep was most revitalizing. This morning the alarm went off at 6:00 am and we woke to clear skies and cold temps. The ever constant roar of our stoves means coffee is close providing the needed impetus to crawl out of warm bags and into cold boots. We then made a smooth carry to 11,000 feet, the sight of our next camp. With a full afternoon to rest, the team is now learning the invaluable skill of killing time. RMI Guide Adam Knoff

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Nelson, Kyle and Jacob are at 14,200. Wishing you and your team every success. See you on the way down!! NOLS WADDINGTON 2011.

Posted by: Glenn on 6/25/2012 at 8:10 pm

NELS!!! Miss you.. You better be writing down everything. Stay safe!
EB
PS You win this one.

Posted by: Erica on 6/25/2012 at 5:36 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Knoff & Team March Up Ski Hill

June 22, 2012

Posted by: Adam Knoff, Mike Uchal, Zeb Blais

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 9,800'

Hello to all from the June 19 Denali expedition. If the saying "make hay while the sun shines" applies to mountaineering, this team could feed a lot of cows. I am thrilled with our team dynamic and progress. Yesterday we ate breakfast, got ready and were blessed with clear conditions at base camp. K2 Aviation worked hard to get us all on the glacier which allowed us to pack up and move out. We arrived at the base of Ski Hill by dinner. Today we woke to perfect weather and the team again showed great enthusiasm to get moving. By 6:45 a.m. we were marching up Ski Hill with full loads. We arrived at 9,800 feet by 11:30 and are now enjoying a steamy afternoon sun bathing. Stay tuned for tomorrow's next episode. This is Adam Knoff signing off.

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Tim you are half way there. I am sure you are thinking this is no problemo. Keep the calories up to keep the fire burning. Skip

Posted by: Skip on 6/24/2012 at 10:57 am

You’re a long way from Oklahoma buddy! Diane and all the turkeys miss you. Ate one last night!

Posted by: Fanta on 6/23/2012 at 3:02 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Knoff & Team - Hangin’ in the Hangar

June 20, 2012

Posted by: Adam Knoff, Mike Uchal, Zeb Blais

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 348'

After a delicious Roadhouse breakfast and stories from the world famous Fairview Inn pre-party, the team has been busy sorting gear for the trip. The weather is beautiful right now and we're prepping to fly onto the mighty Kahiltna tomorrow morning. Until then we're enjoying solid earth under our feet, the smells of lush green plants in our noses and hearty meals in our bellies. Cheers from the RMI Knoff, Uchal and Blais team. RMI Guide Adam Knoff

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Lookin good Uncle Gords!!! Best o’luck to you all! Trackin your every move from Boston.

The Reisers

Posted by: Petah Reisah on 6/23/2012 at 1:54 pm

Joyce says Hi from VL. She had 6 to serve today. Remember what she said about you gettin up that slope!
BE SAFE!

Posted by: YETI on 6/22/2012 at 8:25 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Knoff & Team at 14K Camp

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Mt. McKinley: Knoff & Team Resting

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Mt. McKinley: Knoff & Team Carry to Windy Corner

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Mt. McKinley: Knoff and Team Move to 11,000’

McKinley Expedition: Knoff & Team Carry to 11,000’

Mt. McKinley: Knoff & Team March Up Ski Hill

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Mt. McKinley: Knoff & Team - Hangin’ in the Hangar

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