Entries By Eric Frank

Mt. McKinley: Upper West Rib Team Scheduled Rest Day

June 3, 2015

Posted by: Eric Frank, Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

June 3, 2015 - 5:08 pm PT Last night shortly after dinner a light snow began falling as we got in our tents. This morning we awoke to 8" of new snow and it has continued falling all day. It is always nice when weather forces a rest day right on schedule. We drew out the breakfast process making hash browns, eggs, bacon, and uncountable cups of coffee. The early afternoon was spent napping an watching movies in our tents and shoveling out camp. Hopefully tomorrow is nice and we can get a cache in at 13,600' before returning to 11 camp. The teams is in good spirits and enjoying a day off their feet. That's all for now, thanks for following along. RMI Guides Geoff Schellens & Eric Frank

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Kim and rest in the same sentence? I am imagining you doing push-ups, crunches and using anything you can find in your backpack for weight resistant exercises. Keep enjoying this fabulous adventure!

Posted by: Mary Beth Donelan on 6/5/2015 at 6:09 am

Hi Kim. I just wanted to tell you that last night, Lora put our A/C down to 68. I was freeeezing all night! Ugh. Anyway, what’s going on with you these days? When do you leave for Alaska?

Good luck!

-Michael

Posted by: Michael on 6/4/2015 at 5:50 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Upper West Rib Team Establishing Camp at 11,200’ Camp

June 2, 2015

Posted by: Eric Frank, Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

June 2, 2015 - 5:43 pm PT Light snow is pelting the outside of our tents this afternoon, but we are warm and dry inside. Soon we will need to venture out and build high walls around our camp to protect the tents from any potential wind damage. Despite the fact that it is a lot of hard work, wall building tends to be a favorite among groups. It is half artistry and half big-kid Legos. The group was already productive today. After a leisurely breakfast of bagels with smoked salmon, we took a three hour stroll down to our cached food and brought it back up to 11,200' camp. Now we are firmly established here and getting stronger for our next move uphill. RMI Guides Geoff Schellens and Eric Frank

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Stay warm Kim with all that new snow. Remember, with your height you will have an advantage getting more Oxygen!

Posted by: JDT on 6/4/2015 at 8:10 am

Hi Kim: Looks like you & the team are doing terrific! We look forward at some point to seeing photos of the snow walls you are building around the tents. Sounds like it could be a “work of art” suitable for gallery viewing.Go Kim Go!!! Be safe & stay well!! Love, Dad

Posted by: SHEL on 6/3/2015 at 4:52 am

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Mt. McKinley: Upper West Rib Team Moves to 11,000’ Camp

June 2, 2015

Posted by: Geoff Schellens, Eric Frank

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

Monday, June 1st 10:23 pm PDT This morning we woke up at 7:30 to another beautiful day. Despite the chilly breeze, we packed up camp and had a quick breakfast and hit the dusty trail. Soon the wind dissipated and we found ourselves in base layers again. The team moved very well up Ski Hill and past our cache site on up to 11K camp. Luckily 11K camp was somewhat vacant so we moved right into an old camp saving us a lot of work, although we will need to fix up the snow walls a bit tomorrow. After a delicious dinner of mac and cheese, we crawled into our tents as the low clouds crept higher with the incoming front. Weather permitting tomorrow we will retrieve our cache at 9,600' and do some work around camp here at 11. Thanks for following along with us. RMI Guide Geoff Schellens

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“Greetings up there!” Hope you are the team that my brother “Steve” is with as I am tracking your progress. Sounds like the trek has been pretty smooth thus far- “GOD SPEED”
“TO THE SUMMIT!!!”

Posted by: Pamela Wincapaw on 6/2/2015 at 5:15 pm

Hey Kim! It looks amazing up there! Stay dry and warm, but most of all enjoy every moment!

Posted by: Nicole on 6/2/2015 at 2:18 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Upper West Rib Team Caches Gear at 9,600’

June 1, 2015

Posted by: Geoff Schellens, Eric Frank

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,800'

Sunday, May 31st 11:16 p.m. PDT The team got a late start this morning after a middle of the night arrival at 7,800 ft camp. Breakfast took the majority of the morning, but eventually we loaded up a portion of our food and gear to make the three-hour trip up the glacier to cache our load. Everyone did well despite the heavy packs, and we are looking forward to the them lighter and lighter as we eat more food. This evening we were able to congratulate both Mike Walter and Pete Van Deventer's teams who are on their way down from the summit. RMI Guide Geoff Schellens

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Hi Kim,

Looks like things are bright and sunny on the mountain. Hope you’re having a fantastic time!

Lisa

Posted by: Lisa on 6/2/2015 at 8:24 am

Hi Kim, You guys are really on the move- what an awesome team you all make! Enjoy and stay safe. xx Trish

Posted by: Trish on 6/1/2015 at 6:17 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Upper West Rib Team Flies onto the Mountain

May 31, 2015

Posted by: Geoff Schellens, Eric Frank

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,800'

Sunday, May 31st 11:17 a.m. PDT The Upper West Rib team covered some serious mileage today. We had a casual morning in Talkeetna with a big Roadhouse breakfast and then strolled to the hangar to put the final touches on our packing and preparations before flying into the range. With such warm temperatures (Talkeetna was as warm as 77 degrees) we pushed our fly time back to the afternoon to accommodate our night schedule on the lower Kahiltna Glacier. We loaded our DH Otter at 3:00 PM and shortly thereafter were flying. The flight into the Great Alaska Range is one of the most spectacular mountain flights I have ever experienced. As our small plane maneuvered through the peaks and up the the glaciers, everyone's eyes were glued to the windows. After landing at base camp we began rigging our sleds and getting ready to move. With such good weather we wanted to take advantage of the cooler temperatures in the evening for our move to 7,800' camp. We left BC just after 8:00 PM and soon found ourselves walking past beautiful peaks like Mt Francis, Foraker, and Crossen. Despite the heavy packs and sleds, the team moved very well . We arrived just before 1:00 AM and set camp, had some dinner and racked out. Everyone is climbing very well and excited to have the expedition underway. That's all for now. Thanks for following along with us as we make our first steps toward Denali. RMI Guide Geoff Schellens

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Have a great climb

Posted by: Marilyn Frank on 6/1/2015 at 4:02 pm

Best wishes for an outstanding trip!

Posted by: Leia Simmons on 6/1/2015 at 7:07 am

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Mt. McKinley: Upper West Rib Team Prepares in Talkeetna

May 29, 2015

Posted by: Geoff Schellens, Eric Frank

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 348'

Friday, May 29th 12:52pm PDT Today the UWR (Upper West Rib) McKinley team is scurrying around getting all of our gear dialed for the glacier. Planes are landing and taking off every few minutes, which keeps us motivated to stay on our tasks. Line by line we are crossing off our check lists, and the piles of food and gear are growing to epic proportions. The weather is stable right now, and it looks promising that we will fly on tomorrow. Thanks for following along. We'll update everyone from the glacier! RMI Guides Eric Frank and Geoff Schellens and team

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Go Kim! I’m holding down the fort in Cincy so no worries! :)

Posted by: Maria on 6/1/2015 at 6:18 am

Hi, Kimmy. My back hurts just looking at all that stuff you have to carry!! Have a great time! I’ll try and not screw up too much while you’re gone! - Helen

Posted by: Helen on 5/31/2015 at 12:07 pm

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Mt. McKinley: Upper West Rib Team Starts Their Expedition

May 28, 2015

Posted by: Geoff Schellens, Eric Frank

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

The Upper West Rib team assembled today at the Anchorage airport and started our journey north to Talkeetna. All of us are excited to have the trip underway. We have lots of logistics and preparing to take care of, but that will start tomorrow. Tonight we are going to get settled into our hotel, have some dinner, and relax. That's all for now, thank you for following along with us as our adventure begins. RMI Guide Geoff Schellens

Mt. Rainier: Four Day Summit Climb Teams on the Summit!

May 25, 2015

Posted by: Zeb Blais, Eric Frank

Categories:

Elevation: 14,410'

The Four Day Summit Climb Team led by RMI Guides Eric Frank and Zeb Blais reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning just before 8 am PT. Eric reported clear skies with chilly temperatures and a 20 mph wind. The teams will enjoy some time on the crater before starting their descent to Camp Muir. After a brief rest at Camp Muir they will continue down to Paradise. We look forward to seeing the teams at Rainier BaseCamp this afternoon. Congratulations to today's Summit Climb teams!

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Congratulations Bridget and Patrick!! Have a safe trip back down!

Posted by: katie marsh on 5/25/2015 at 12:15 pm

Congratulations Bridget and Patrick!! The first of many more adventures for the two of you! Your aunt Barb would be so proud!!

Posted by: Mom and Dad McLoone on 5/25/2015 at 12:02 pm

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Mt. Rainier: Four & Five Day Summit Climbs Reach Summit

August 12, 2014

Posted by: Eric Frank, Brent Okita

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

RMI Teams reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. RMI Guide Brent Okita led the Four Day Summit Climb and Eric Frank led the Five Day Summit Climb team. The teams began their descent from the crater rim at 7 am and reported light winds and a bit of a cloud cap. The teams will return to Camp Muir and then continue down to Paradise. We look forward to seeing them back at Rainier BaseCamp later today. Congratulations to today's Summit Climb Teams!

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You did it!!! I love you and we are all so proud of you! You are awesome!!!

Posted by: Bobbie Jo on 8/12/2014 at 8:06 pm

Daddy! YoU did it! I am so proud of going after a dream and actually living it! You are such a great example. I love you daddy and I cannot wait to hear all about it! Xoxo Mari Jo

Posted by: MariJo on 8/12/2014 at 4:16 pm

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Mt. Rainier: August 8th Summit!

August 8, 2014

Posted by: Eric Frank, Geoff Schellens

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

At 7:32 a.m. the RMI Mt. Rainier Four-Day Summit Climb teams began their descent from the crater rim. RMI Guides Eric Frank and Geoff Schellens reported light winds, a marine layer and cold temperatures. We look forward to congratulating them at Rainier Basecamp this afternoon!

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Brent Wolfe !! You and the rest of the team ROCK!! ...literally! Way to make it happen. I guess this shows the biggest obstacles really are just in our mind! I’m so proud of you!
Love,
Bre

Posted by: Bre wolfe on 8/13/2014 at 6:28 am

That’s what I’m talking about! Well done guys!

Posted by: MrsRobber on 8/8/2014 at 11:31 am

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Entries By Eric Frank

Mt. McKinley: Upper West Rib Team Scheduled Rest Day

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Upper West Rib Team Establishing Camp at 11,200’ Camp

On The Map

Mt. McKinley: Upper West Rib Team Moves to 11,000’ Camp

Mt. McKinley: Upper West Rib Team Caches Gear at 9,600’

Mt. McKinley: Upper West Rib Team Flies onto the Mountain

Mt. McKinley: Upper West Rib Team Prepares in Talkeetna

Mt. McKinley: Upper West Rib Team Starts Their Expedition

Mt. Rainier: Four Day Summit Climb Teams on the Summit!

Mt. Rainier: Four & Five Day Summit Climbs Reach Summit

Mt. Rainier: August 8th Summit!

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