Entries By Brent Okita

Elevation: 11,200'

Sunday, May 26, 2013 Bagels fried in butter, slathered in cream cheese and accompanied with smoked salmon and bacon. It was the perfect fuel to start us out on the perfect day. Clear, calm skies prevailed over the Alaska Range once again and shortly after 9:30 we were hoofing it down to pick up our cache at 9500'. Everyone cruised up and down, allowing us a quasi rest day upon our return to camp around 1:00. A little afternoon training with our crampons and ice axes will serve us well as we start climbing some steeper terrain tomorrow. Motorcycle Hill, Squirrel Hill, the Polo Field and Windy Corner will be some of the areas we'll climb through on our way to caching a bunch of food and supplies at 13,500'. We're looking forward to an exciting and challenging day. As we were preparing to settle in for our dinner of burritos we got a pleasant surprise when the first RMI trip arrived in camp after summiting on a perfect day yesterday. It is exciting to see our friends, and certainly gets us stoked for the climbing to come. We're hoping for some similar conditions when it comes our turn to go for the summit. But for now, we'll just concentrate on the matter at hand. Getting our cache to 13,500'. We'll be getting up fairly early in order to get back to camp with time to relax and prepare for the next day. Until then ... RMI Guides Brent, Logan, Leah

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I think George is jealous about your trip. Next time take him too…

Posted by: susan birnbaum on 5/28/2013 at 3:17 pm

Razzle-dazzle & Ray Ray,

What an amazing experience! I remember you telling me about the fried bagels as we sat in the sun trying to imagine what your climb would be like. Can’t believe it’s really happening. Be in every moment, absorb it all: the sound of the snow, your heightened sense of awareness, the way you can read the terrain… It’s you and the mountain.
Miss you, love you,
-E

Posted by: Eva on 5/27/2013 at 10:25 pm

Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team Move Into 11K Camp

May 25, 2013

Posted by: Brent Okita, Leah Fisher

Elevation: 11,200'

The sun doesn't set at 11,200' camp until after 9:30 sometime. Then it just passes behind a mountain to cast shadows on this place that we're now calling home. And we're soaking it all up after another nice day of climbing. Today we made it to camp in under four hours, and for the first time had pretty reasonable sized packs. A cool down-glacier breeze offered us a change of pace from the sweat fest of the lower glacier, and I think most of the team welcomed the drop in temperature. Pulling into camp in the early afternoon allowed us to walk into a vacated camp spot and relieved us of the tough work of building walls and excavating tent platforms. Most of us relaxed and enjoyed a well deserved break from our toils. Another first for the trip: we enjoyed a fine meal from the comfort of our Posh House. This is a tent like thing that allows us all to sit, cook and eat, protected from the elements like the wind, cold, snow or even sun. It's cozy and makes it fun to just linger over a couple of hot drinks and enjoy each others company. Tomorrow we'll be doing a back carry to pick up the cache we left there this morning. We're looking forward to a fairly easy day, and hopefully another great day of weather. Before we sign off, Ayla wants to give a big shout out to her sister. Happy Birthday Eva! (By the way, your sister Ayla is a rock star - she's doing great.) Until tomorrow ... RMI Guide Brent Okita

On The Map

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Hi to Jeff Hooper from sis - I think this is the right team! Hope you are having a great time, looks cold! Take care, thinking of you. Jill and Dad (via phone)

Posted by: Jill Cathey on 5/26/2013 at 7:59 pm

Hello Monica,
Wow the pictures are beautiful! Kathy,Maribeth and I are so proud of your accomplishments!
Praying for you,

Jimmy Rx

Posted by: Jim Gentle on 5/26/2013 at 6:44 pm

Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team Establish Camp at 9,500’

May 24, 2013

Posted by: Brent Okita, Leah Fisher

Elevation: 9,500'

Weary though we were last night, everyone bounced back after a good nights sleep. Looking up at Ski Hill and knowing we needed to haul these loads up it had us a little anxious in the morning, but we all found the strength and spirit and we made it up to camp at 9,500' by 3:00 p.m.. We were pretty happy and relieved to get here, and it was wonderful to have another perfect day for it. We've been enjoying the warmth of the afternoon to make camp, and perhaps more importantly, to relax a bit and even get out of our boots. Tomorrow we start ferrying loads up the mountain, moving only half our gear at a time. This means that we'll be spending at least two days at a time at each camp. Tomorrows plan is to pack up camp and bring just a few days of food and fuel with us, caching the rest here in a deep hole and away from the ravens who have developed a taste for candy and ramen. We'll make camp at 11,200', then come back the next day with empty packs to bring up what we left. What does all this mean? Light packs! Ok, perhaps I should be realistic and call them 'lighter pack.' Anyways, we're firing on all cylinders here and things couldn't be much better. What a treat it is to climb with a fun, strong team. We'll talk again tomorrow. RMI Guides Brent Okita, Logan Randolph and Leah Fisher

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Off to a good start!
Ferry away and get set for all. Joe (USFS Ranger) is hoping to see you. Carry on….
M&M

Posted by: Mike and Karen Fisher on 5/25/2013 at 8:48 pm

Good luck guys! Those sleds look fun!

Posted by: Jack on 5/25/2013 at 7:15 am

Mt. McKinley: Okita & Team Ready in Talkeetna

May 24, 2013

Posted by: Brent Okita, Leah Fisher

Hello from Talkeetna, Alaska The result of a day of hard work sorting and packing stuff we'll live with for the next two or three weeks. With a little luck we might be flying onto the glacier in a couple of hours or so. The weather looks promising here, but of course it could be completely different on the mountain. We're all set and doing great. But first, breakfast at the Roadhouse ... RMI Guide Brent Okita

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have fun daddy! i miss you more and more everyday. i hope you have fun up there! be safe and come visit me soon! love you forever, like you for always as long as your living my daddy you will be

Posted by: Cory on 5/25/2013 at 10:59 am

Good luck on your hiking trip! I also hope you have good weather. All the snow on the mountain makes me feel very cold in Georgia. Ally Mac, your hiking gear and food look very very heavy. You must have strong arms for this trip.
Cheers to all!!!

Posted by: GrampZ & Grandmom on 5/24/2013 at 11:50 pm

Mt. McKinley: Brent Okita’s Team Begins Their Expedition in Alaska

May 22, 2013

Posted by: Brent Okita, Leah Fisher

Elevation: 346'

Everybody made it to Alaska just fine with just one not-so-minor hiccup. One duffel never showed up and had one of us spending the afternoon at REI replacing missing items. As luck would have it, we got a call from a climber in Talkeetna who had picked it up at the airport by mistake. With that behind us we were ready for a beer and turned in after our big travel day. Today we were busy getting the incredible amount of gear needed for this adventure ready for our flight in the morning. Everyone is excited about getting started. Me too, even after all these years. More to come soon... RMI Guide Brent Okita

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Dennis - Go get em guy - looks like you are with a good team - best of luck - see you soon - Mom & Dad

Posted by: Norman Uhlir on 5/30/2013 at 12:32 pm

Gerald!!!

We’re all thinking of you and can’t wait to hear about the trip. All the best to you and the team my brother!
Mike

Posted by: Mike Arahill on 5/28/2013 at 5:10 pm

Mt.Rainier: Four & Five Day Climbs Summit

May 19, 2013

Posted by: Brent Okita, Tyler Jones, Tyler Reid, Mike King, Nick Hunt

Elevation: 14,410'

The Four Day Summit Climb led by Brent Okita and the Five Day Summit Climb led by Tyler Reid both reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning just after 7 am PT. Brent reported beautiful weather - bluebird skies without any wind. The low marine layer of clouds we are experiencing in Ashford tops out around 6,000' -7,000’. The teams started their descent around 8:30 en route to Camp Muir. They will take a break there before continuing their descent to Paradise. Congratulations to today's teams!

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Awesome job, so glad you made it! So proud of my husband Curt! Yaaaay

Posted by: Rebecca McCLellan on 5/19/2013 at 5:01 pm

You did it! Scott I’m so excited to hear you made the summit! You must be so proud! I know I’m proud of you. I can’t wait to hear the stories! Safe travels home. I love you.

Posted by: Nina on 5/19/2013 at 10:26 am

Mt Rainier: May 15th Summit!

May 15, 2013

Posted by: Brent Okita, JJ Justman, Mike King, Nick Hunt, Walter Hailes, Steve Gately

Elevation: 14,410'

Our Five Day Summit Climb Teams led by RMI Guides Brent Okita and JJ Justman reached the Summit of Mt. Rainier today. The team reported fair weather with winds of about 15mph and a cap on the top of the mountain. The teams spent some time on the summit and are now on their way back to Camp Muir. Congratulations Brent, JJ, and teams on the first summit of our 2013 Mt. Rainer climbing season!

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Thanks again to JJ and Brent as well as all the other guides for a great climb! So glad to be a member of the first summit team of the season! You guys are truly amazing and I had a wonderful experience with RMI!

Posted by: Chad Burgert on 5/16/2013 at 8:42 pm

A. Summer - Getting high, elevation-wise that is

Posted by: Mark Addams on 5/16/2013 at 7:23 am

Mt. Rainier: 2013 Climbing Season is Underway!

May 14, 2013

Posted by: JJ Justman, Brent Okita

Elevation: 10,300'

Well, yesterday the first climb of the season had to grit its teeth in high winds and low visibility. Low and behold, the team did great making it up to Camp Muir at 10,000 feet. Today the teams woke up to gorgeous weather and a view stretching well into Oregon. We will rest, relax and go for a little walk uphill to do some photo taking. The plan then will be to get ready for our summit tomorrow. RMI Guides JJ Justman & Brent Okita

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Congratulations Chad on your summit. I am so proud of you. Continue to follow your dreams. Thanks to the whole team for such a great adventure.

Posted by: Warren Burgert on 5/17/2013 at 12:15 pm

Jeff, Scott, Laura, and Craig. Bravo! on your great adventure. Mom and I are in England tracking and admiring your achievement. Best wishes and God’s speed and safekeeping as you march to summit!!

Love,
Mom and Dad

Posted by: George and Lucy Galllimore on 5/14/2013 at 2:03 pm

Mt. Rainier: Winter Seminar Completes Week of Training

April 12, 2013

Posted by: Brent Okita, JJ Justman

Elevation: 5,400'

The last RMI winter seminar of the season is almost complete. The team is getting close to the Paradise parking lot and we can smell the cheeseburgers already. We had a great week of training and climbing. Thanks for following along everyone. RMI Guides Brent Okita, JJ Justman, Katie Bono & Thomas Greene

Mt. Rainier: Winter Seminar Team Trains and Reaches Top of Muir Peak

April 11, 2013

Posted by: Brent Okita, JJ Justman