Entries By mike haugen

Elevation: 9,600'

Sunday, June 17th - 7:47 pm PT Whelp, we’re still posted up at 9600’ camp, but fresh out of tequila and island wear. Every few hours last night we had to call for all hands on deck to keep the blowing snow from piling up and over our tents. The storm took a toll on our kitchen tent, but we still managed to rotate through in small groups for a pancake breakfast. Now we are still listening to the snow and wind tap tap tapping against the tent walls, but we are all snuggled up with dinner and tea in bed. With any luck Hurricane Horiskey will ease up over night, but until it does we’ll be keeping a close watch on the snow accumulation and poised to shovel as much as we need to keep our little camp in good shape. Thanks to the hard workin' bunch of RMI Super Crew 6, we’re warm and the sounds of laughter from neighboring tents often overshadows sound of the wind. Super Crew 6 would also like to add a shoutout to all the fathers out there! Happy Father’s Day! Much love From our windy, snow covered but Cozy tents to wherever you may find yourself today. Love you all! RMI Guide Mike Haugen

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Laughter? Lindsay hasn’t started singing her Disney Songs yet, has she?
Ya’ll keep warm…wishing that clear skies come your way!
Okie Mom

Posted by: Ellen M on 6/18/2018 at 4:54 pm

Stay warm Glo!

Posted by: Mary Ann Hickey on 6/18/2018 at 10:18 am

Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Wait out Storm

June 16, 2018

Elevation: 9,600'

Saturday, June 16, 2018 - 8:47 PM PT We thought we’d take advantage of the 24 hour light to catch up on our sun tans today and decided to stay put. Between the umbrellas in our Espolón drinks and the Hawaiian shirts, it was well worth it! Alright, I guess that’s only half true- we did in fact stay put, but unfortunately it was hardly a choice- strong winds and precipitation continued through the night and all day. It seems Mother Nature is in a fighting mood! It’s a good thing we built such high walls! Even still, the snow is piling up and nearly spilling over. We’ve got a whole crew of superstars though and we’ve gone all hands on deck to reinforce our camp a couple times throughout the day. Between shoveling frenzies, we spent the day laughing in the kitchen tent, napping, sport eating, and marveling at how quickly our outhouse keeps filling in with snow. Spirits are high despite the hard work required to thrive in conditions like this, and the whole team is currently snuggled up in big sleeping bags and down booties. The storm is forcasted to begin clearing tomorrow, but unfortunately that could mean anything here in Alaska. For now rest assured we’re hangin tough and taking care of each other. With love, RMI Guide Mike Haugen and the Super Crew

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Waiting is always hard but having a fun, supportive team around you makes it easier. Sounds like a lot of snow even for a Colorado transplant. All of us back home are cheering for you.

Posted by: Nancie Summerlin on 6/17/2018 at 5:32 pm

Stay strong. Enjoy each other’s company. Laugh. Work hard. Take in every moment no matter what. Be safe. Know that you are loved. Love you Shannon. Mom.

Posted by: Linda Walsh on 6/17/2018 at 4:32 pm

Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Move Up to 9600’

June 16, 2018

Elevation: 9600'

When the weather reports we receive include the words gentle breeze, fresh winds, and tail end of a typhoon, you know you are climbing in Alaska! We had a great trip from our camp this morning with all of our team members handling these heavy loads like champions! Since we always hope for the best, but prepare for the worst, we fortified our new camp with large snow walls to block some of the winds that may or may not be headed our way. We were so proud of our walls that Rusty even put his civil engineering stamp on them. The weather was very good before a marine type cloud layer brought some new snow and the fresh wind we were told about. It already seems to be clearing up a bit. Meanwhile, we are hunkered down eating Tasty Bites and waiting to see if hurricane Horiskey hits us. RMI Guide Mike Haugen & Super Crew 6

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“Mother Nature, please cancel my my subscription”. Thats all I got for today folks! Wishing you better weather. Keep up the GREAT TEAMWORK!

Posted by: Ellen M on 6/17/2018 at 9:24 am

Happy Father’s Day dad (David McCampbell) proud to be your daughter! Be safe talk to ya when you get back down:)

Love you,
Patti

Posted by: Patti Van Lange on 6/17/2018 at 8:42 am

Denali Expedition: Haugen and Team Move to 7,800’ Camp

June 14, 2018

Elevation: 7,800'

Thursday, June 14, 2018 - 8:01 PM PT We had a super early start this morning. We were very proud of Super Crew 6 this morning for getting up and packing up with style so we could get on the trail quickly. I gave them a C+ to their face but it was really an A+ effort. I didn't want them getting too cocky right off the bat! We had a great walk up the Kahiltna Glacier through light snow and medium visibility. As we approached camp, the sky started to clear and bit and we have been able to see Denali on and off since then. We are dug in safely and 7,800' and will make an on the fly decision whether to move up to our next camp based on what the weather looks like when we get up at 2 a.m. Keep your fingers crossed for us! RMI Guide Mike Haugen and the Super Crew

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Great job Super Team! Team “currently only 1/3 ginger” has the fort back home. So Rusty doesn’t feel left out, today we enjoyed a pan flute rendition of “Nothing Else Matters”

Posted by: Marsha on 6/15/2018 at 5:07 pm

Following this adventure with wonder! Go David!

Posted by: Jennifer Baker on 6/15/2018 at 2:33 pm

Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Arrive at Denali Base Camp

June 13, 2018

Elevation: 7,200'

Wednesday, June 13, 2018 - 8:54 PM PT The mountain weather was kind to us today. After a hearty breakfast at the Roadhouse in Talkeetna, we made our way to the airstrip where K2 Aviation told us we were good to fly. We hopped into our climbing clothes, did our last minute list checks, and got into the planes. After a phenomenal 45 minute flight over the tundra and into the Alaska Range, we landed on the snow runway that is Kahiltna Base Camp. We spent the day taking in the sights, practicing crevasse rescue skills, and preparing for our long, heavy slog to our next camp at 7,800'. Our plan is to wake up super early and be traveling across the Kahiltna Glacier while all of the snow bridges are very frozen. We also like to travel at night to avoid baking in the heat of the day as all of the white, snowy surfaces reflect sun back up at us. We either freeze or fry in the mountains and the 24 hours of daylight allow us to travel safely whenever we choose based on the temperature. RMI Guide Mike Haugen & Super Crew 6

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Looks like beautiful weather! Wishing you all a safe and amazing climb, especially you Craig Clark!

Posted by: Carol clark on 6/14/2018 at 8:29 am

Hello Mike, I’m looking forward to following this team up to the summit and back. It was a pleasure climbing with Rusty, Josh and David on Mt Rainier in 2015. I know that they are in good hands on this trip.

Posted by: David Clemmons on 6/14/2018 at 5:15 am

Denali Expedition: Mike Haugen & Team Meet in Talkeetna, Ready to Fly

June 13, 2018

Elevation: 348'

Wednesday, June 13, 2018 - 9:59 AM PT Our Denali Expedition Team is assembled in Talkeetna and ready to climb! After the last hectic few days of travel and packing, we are loaded in the plane and ready to be on our way to the mountain. We are looking forward to the adventure and challenge we are facing. Wish us luck!!! RMI Guides Mike Haugen, Hannah McGowan and Gloria Roe

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Josh,
Just heard from Keith. Fire has been contained and evac has been lifted.
We are all headed out for our helicopter tour! Hope everyone is doing well. Love and hugs!

Posted by: Sarah Levy on 6/15/2018 at 12:48 pm

Hey Glo! So sorry about the blocking situation. I love and admire you and I wish your team safe adventures. What a great weather day to start out.

Posted by: Michelle Weekly on 6/13/2018 at 11:34 pm

Mt. Rainier: Four Day Summit Climbs Reach Summit!

June 8, 2018

Posted by: Mike Haugen, Hannah McGowan

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

RMI Guides Mike Haugen and Hannah McGowan led today's Four Day Summit Climb to the summit of Mt. Rainier. They reported cold and windy conditions today but not enough to turn them around. They will return to Camp Muir for a quick rest and repack and then will continue down to Paradise. Congratulations to today's Summit Climb teams!

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A great experience climbing Mount Rainier with RMI. A great group of mountain climbers and our guides were amazing. Can’t wait to return to the Pacific North West for some more climbing in the future.

Posted by: Paul Dobrzynski on 6/12/2018 at 6:41 pm

Thomas Merrill, Cannot wait to have word of your experience!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: denise wooden on 6/8/2018 at 12:59 pm

Mt. Rainier: Four Day Summit Climb Teams Reach Summit

June 4, 2018

Posted by: Mike Haugen, Zeb Blais

Elevation: 14,410'

The Four Day Summit Climb June 1 - 4, 2018 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier today. RMI Guides Mike Haugen and Zeb Blais led the teams and reported high winds at Camp Muir overnight that decreased enough for them to make their attempt. They reported good weather with increasing winds as they reached the upper mountain. The teams will return to Camp Muir and then continue down to Paradise. Congratulations to today's Summit Climb teams!

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Yes!!!!! Fantastic!

Posted by: Lisa Koch on 6/4/2018 at 8:24 pm

Great job ty. We are proud of you and the team. You accomplished a great fear

Posted by: Kathie and joel gardella on 6/4/2018 at 5:16 pm

Mt. Rainier: Expedition Skills Seminar - Kautz Summit!

July 26, 2017

Posted by: Mike Haugen

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

SUMMIT! After a week of training and learning alpine mountaineering skills the Expedition Skills Seminar - Kautz reached the summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning. The team ascended Mt. Rainier by navigating the Katuz Ice Chute. RMI Guide Mike Haugen reported great climbing conditions with calm and clear skies. Congratulations to today's team!

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Congratulations Kurt; what an accomplishment and check on your bucket list! Can’t wait to celebrate with you when you are HOOOOME!!

Posted by: Megan on 7/26/2017 at 7:39 pm

Awesome and Congratulations to you all! God is always so good. I’m glad to hear it all went well. I’m excited to hear stories and see pictures. Thank-you RMI.

Posted by: Rebecca Joslin on 7/26/2017 at 1:03 pm

Mt. Rainier: July 18th Update

July 18, 2017

Posted by: Mike Haugen

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

The Mt. Rainier Summit Climb, led by RMI Guide Mike Haugen, was 100% successful to the summit this morning! After topping out at 8:00 a.m., the team was able to enjoy over an hour taking in the views before starting their descent at 9:30 a.m. Congratulations team!

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Is the climb completed now?

Posted by: Diana Repanich on 7/18/2017 at 5:03 pm

Way to go Jim and Will!

Posted by: Lynne Dugaw on 7/18/2017 at 3:49 pm