Entries By Dave Hahn

Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Summit!

July 10, 2015

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Steve Gately, JM Gorum

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 20,320'

Friday, July 10, 2015 - 2:14 am PT Hey, This is Dave Hahn calling from 17,000 feet on Mt. McKinley. It's about 10 minutes after 1 in the morning. We had a big day yesterday, on the 9th of July. We summitted Mount McKinley! It was a beautiful day, start to finish, nice and calm and sunny, clouds down below. It was perfect climbing conditions, but it was hard climbing conditions, we had to break trail. We shared that work with a few of the other guided teams that were up here. That made all the difference; breaking trail through new snow and being able to trade off that job. But it still took a long time, I think we were out for 14 hours today. We were on the the top at 6:45 until 7:15. It was beautiful up there, really wonderful day, and all of our team made it. I believe that means that RMI is 100% for this season; all of the RMI summit teams have made it. That's just about it for the Denali season, the groups that we were going to the top with today were some of the last. I think there's maybe one more team that is a day from being in position. So far so good for us, we're up at 17k for now and we'll head off the West Buttress tomorrow. But, it really turned around, turned nice for us in these last couple days and we're very appreciative.

RMI Guide Dave Hahn calls from 17 Camp after reaching the summit of Mt. McKinley.

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Hooray for everyone on Team Hahn. Impressive on any day, but especially digging new trail. What an accomplishment. Peter you rock!

Posted by: Laura Taft Paulsen on 7/11/2015 at 2:39 pm

CONGRATULATIONS to Gary and Team Hahn! Very glad your summit day was so beautiful. Can’t wait to heat the stories Gary. Hope your trek back is beautiful too. - Rob

Posted by: Rob Reynolds on 7/11/2015 at 9:47 am

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Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Move up to 17 Camp

July 9, 2015

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Steve Gately, JM Gorum

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,200'

Wednesday, July 8, 2015 - 10:51 pm PT No forecast could have predicted a day as nice as the one we just had, and certainly none did. They were calling for more snow, and perhaps it was snowing below the immense blanket of clouds that we looked down on all day. But right from our 6 am start at 14,200' Camp, it was nothing but calm, blue sky and sunshine - where we were and up above where we wanted to be. We got climbing just after 9 am and made excellent progress, reaching our previous high point in a little over three hours. We then worked up the crest of the West Buttress, climbing steep snow with a hand on perfect granite from time to time. There was plenty to concentrate on to ensure safe climbing, but there were also moments devoted to pure pleasure, gazing down at ridiculously steep drop offs and at the gigantic faces of neighboring mountains. We rolled into 17,200' Camp after about six hours and fifteen minutes on the route. This gave us plenty of time in the strong afternoon sunshine to build a strong camp and eat a good dinner. We are all ready to go climbing to the top tomorrow if the great weather continues. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Congratulations! You did it. We’re mighty proud of you and the team. Thanks to the team guides. Job well done, by all. We are at Bill’s home using his computer. Dad called Karen to tell her, You made it to the summit. CONGRATULATIONS1 AGAIN AND AGAIN. May all of you follow the same FOOT PRINTS in the SNOW coming down the mountain. We Love You lots and lots. You’ll get a Super Big HUG WHEN WE SEE YOU.

Posted by: Dad & Mom Ross on 7/10/2015 at 8:20 pm

I hope everything went well and you made summit. Congratulation!!!! To all of you!!!
Keep safe and come back home

Posted by: Iza Smolokowska on 7/10/2015 at 6:35 am

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Mt. McKinley: Hahn and Team Practicing Patience

July 8, 2015

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Steve Gately, JM Gorum

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Tuesday, July 7, 2015 - 10:56 pm PT Not surprisingly, this morning wasn't quite right for moving higher. It was socked in, snowing and a little blustery through the night. By morning, the blustery part was finished at 14 Camp, but we could hear the big winds still raking the crest of the West Buttress, a few thousand feet overhead. The team met for pancakes in the POSH and then dispersed to do camp chores and more wall building. In the afternoon, as the storm seemed to be losing a little energy, RMI Guides Steve Gately and JM Gorum raced up to 16,200' to fetch back some of our cached food. With the extended forecast being a little sloppy, we want more supplies at 14,000' just in case avalanche conditions should develop between here and the cache site. They were up and down again in less than two hours. As we ate dinner, the upper mountain weather continued to improve. By bedtime, there was plenty of optimism that despite the forecasts, we'd get the break we need for moving to high camp. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Every extra day waiting for safe conditions to ascend is another day to spend soaking up the wisdom of Master Hahn. And pretty soon you’ll all be snow masons with the great walls you’ve been building. Good luck all on the next stage of the journey!

Posted by: Charlie Thomas on 7/8/2015 at 7:40 pm

we anxiously await the climax to the summit but happy to hear of the precautions taken by the team leaders…thinking about you Pat!

Posted by: mom and dad grengs on 7/8/2015 at 12:36 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Hahn’s Team Ventures Out to the Edge of the World

July 7, 2015

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Steve Gately, JM Gorum

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Monday July 6th 11:23 pm PT Our rest day at 14,200 ft was jam packed with naps and meals in the POSH tent. It wouldn't have been a great day for moving higher anyway since we watched a storm take over the upper mountain. Steve Gately led the team out to the "Edge of the World" before the clouds came around and each climber got the thrill of looking down thousands of feet to the Northeast Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier. In the late afternoon, we all put in a work session to improve the snow walls protecting our tents. By dinner, the storm had arrived at 14K Camp and snow and wind took over outside. We'd love to move up tomorrow so we'll hope this weather moves on through. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Cache Supplies at 16,200’

July 6, 2015

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Steve Gately, JM Gorum

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Sunday July 5th 10:26 pm PT We started walking uphill at 10 this morning. There was a mean-looking cloudcap on Denali when we first looked up, but things mellowed as we ate breakfast and geared up. We made excellent time, climbing up the fixed line section to 16,200 ft on the West Buttress, and in the process, we shattered altitude records for Gary, Peter and Pat. It took a few minutes to cache food in a raven-proof snow hole up there and then we cruised down with light packs. It turned out to be a sunny and warm day down at 14K Camp and we were happy to rack out for a few hours in warm tents before dinner. We've earned a rest and acclimatization day tomorrow. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Peter, your a monster!

Posted by: Jordan Friedson on 7/7/2015 at 7:40 am

Super news! Congrats Peter for crushing previous heights, and for bravely climbing to new ones. We are all pulling for you down here at sea level with kayaks and paddle boards as our adventure travel. Be safe and keep warm.

Posted by: Laura Taft Paulsen on 7/7/2015 at 7:30 am

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Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Backcarry Gear to 14K Camp

July 5, 2015

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Steve Gately, JM Gorum

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Saturday July 4th 11:00 pm PT Our first morning at 14K camp was calm and easy. We slept in until the sun peaked over Denali's West Rib at 9:15 AM. We had a leisurely breakfast in our new POSH dining tent (stolen from Billy Nugent's RMI Team) and then we geared up for retrieving our cached food, fuel and equipment from 13,500 ft. That just took us about two hours, round trip, and then the team took it easy for the afternoon. Billy Nugent's team made the top yesterday and we were happy to share camp with them for a couple of hours as they passed through on their descent to 11,000 ft. After dinner, we had a short refresher training session on climbing fixed ropes as of course that is our next goal, to climb the fixed ropes to 16,200 ft. As usual, we'll need to see what the weather does... it started snowing again this afternoon. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Move to 14,000 Camp

July 4, 2015

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Seth Waterfall

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

July 4, 2015 1:11 am PST This was the day. The weather was a whole lot better than the last few days, but it wasn't perfect. A little blustery. We needed to take advantage though to get out of 11,000' and up to 14,000' Camp. Even having had a handful of teams break trail on the route before we made our effort today, we still anticipated a tough haul with knee deep snow on such steep hills. Motorcycle took longer than normal, Squirrel took longer, the Polo Fields went on forever, Windy Corner was windy (and it took longer). It was all pretty tough going until we got around the corner and reached our cache location from the other day. Finally there was less new snow, less wind and a decent track to follow. It was still uphill though. It took us 8.5 hours to cover what should have taken 6 hours, but what a wonderful feeling to roll into 14 Camp after thinking of it so much when we were stuck down below. We've got different and magnificent views now, of Denali, but also of Mount Foraker and Mount Hunter and about a thousand other peaks when the clouds allow. We did a late dinner after camp was built and then hurried in to the tents for the night. It is colder up here, and colder still when the sun goes behind the mountain. Everybody deserves good rest after such a big day. Best Regards RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Gary Ross, You really are going to great lengths to prove that happiness is found in being “cold, wet, tired and hungry”. I am following the RMI blog everyday and from the sound of things, you must be positively joyful!
Here at 465’ I am thinking of you and wishing you plenty of happiness along your journey up and down that magnificent mountain.
Mary

Posted by: Mary R on 7/4/2015 at 11:19 pm

We’re all rooting for you!! Happy 4th, miss you!! xoxo

Posted by: Anne Thomas on 7/4/2015 at 6:42 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Smoke & Snow for Hahn & Team at 11,200’

July 3, 2015

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Steve Gately, JM Gorum

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

The wind and snow conspired to make for a tough and noisy night in the tents last night. A few intrepid souls got out in the storm to dig away the encroaching drifts. Morning brought less wind, but the snow continued as the guides served breakfast in bed. It was slightly surreal to have the strong smell of forest fire smoke mixed in with heavily falling snow while camped so far from trees. Eventually the snow slowed and then stopped, but by that point, several feet of it had accumulated. The clouds stayed right in on us until about 8 in the evening. We were enjoying an open air dinner when the mist fell away, the sun came out and everything got beautiful. The team stayed out well into the evening, staring at Kahiltna Dome, Mount Foraker and Denali's West Buttress. Our prospects for going up in the morning were improved as we watched several teams come down Motorcycle Hill, plowing a trail and cutting whatever tension the otherwise suspect snow-pack was under. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn and Team

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Hey, Rob,

Aunt Carol & Uncle Richard got your postcard. Their thoughts and prayers are with you and your team. Stay Safe. Love Aunt Carol and Uncle Richard.

Posted by: Mary Ahlbrand on 7/3/2015 at 6:31 pm

Go Team Hahn! Safe travels and hoping your weather turns. Mine certainly hasn’t. Can’t fly anywhere north of here without serious thunder. We are cheering every second that you get up that mountain. Keep Living the Dream.

Posted by: Mike Gorum on 7/3/2015 at 1:12 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Take a Snow Day At 11,200’ Camp

July 2, 2015

Posted by: Dave Hahn, JM Gorum, Steve Gately

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

July 2, 2015 12:36 am PST This day didn't start out all that bad, but then it didn't waste too much time getting bad. It got snowing about an inch an hour by mid morning. That didn't stop some of our neighbors from picking up and moving to 14K anyway, but it stopped us. We didn't want to risk getting caught at Windy Corner when the wind started. So it was a quiet day for us, sitting in our tents listening to the snow. Just about right in the middle of a nice dinner in our beloved POSH tent, a cannon shot of wind hit and ripped the shelter nearly in half. We sat for a few minutes more anyway, chowing down, looking out the big new vent and wondering who'd be first to abandon ship. Then it was a mass exodus back to the tents for what promised to be a windy, snowy, stormy night on Denali. We'll figure out a different plan for our cooking and dining shelter needs. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Hi Rob: We are following your progress every day! Stay safe and remember, YOU WANTED TO DO THIS! :) Love you. Cheryl

Posted by: Cheryl Stuckwish on 7/3/2015 at 10:44 am

Hope you can “McGiver” a repair on the POSH! Rooting for you guys. Tell Gary Ross we say hello.

Posted by: Chris Phillips on 7/3/2015 at 6:40 am

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Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Enjoy Fresh Snow and a Rest Day

June 30, 2015

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Steve Gately, JM Gorum

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

June 30, 2015 5:46pm PST Today's wake-up call was a quiet and windless fall of about six inches of light powder snow. It was our planned rest day, after five busy days getting on and up the approaches to Denali, so there wasn't any early morning angst as to whether the snow would keep us from our goals for the day. Today, those goals included a breakfast of bagels and smoked salmon in the POSH tent and a session of digging out camp as the snow continued to fall. We eventually climbed back in the tents for naps and reading. A few teams came down the mountain today, resting near our camp as they prepared to march on toward the airstrip in the snowstorm. We'll hope to move uphill tomorrow and we'll be ready for that, but of course we'll pay attention to the weather and see what it allows. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn and Team

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

doing a great job HAHN team, pulling for all of you. glad you reached 14,000. I want to say Hello to my grandson Jm

Posted by: Floyd Tirey on 7/7/2015 at 10:51 am

Finally I am learning to use this computer. We are praying every inch of the way for you and your team mates and guide. Remember the story, Foot Prints in the Sand. Well, It’s Foot Prints in the Snow, for each one of you. We are sending our hugs and lots of love to you, our son, GLR.

Posted by: Dad & Mom Ross on 7/2/2015 at 2:47 pm

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Entries By Dave Hahn

Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Summit!

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Move up to 17 Camp

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Hahn and Team Practicing Patience

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Hahn’s Team Ventures Out to the Edge of the World

Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Cache Supplies at 16,200’

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Backcarry Gear to 14K Camp

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Move to 14,000 Camp

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Smoke & Snow for Hahn & Team at 11,200’

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Take a Snow Day At 11,200’ Camp

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Hahn & Team Enjoy Fresh Snow and a Rest Day

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