Entries By mike haugen

Elevation: 14,200'

June 22, 2016 - 9:29 pm PT We took advantage of beautiful weather and moved some supplies up to the camp at 14,000 feet. We left camp around 4:30 a.m. so we could take advantage of firm snow and cool traveling conditions. Although we are on a cold mountain, the solar radiation can be stifling later in the day. Our 3,000-foot climb up to 14k took us up several big hills with names like Motorcycle Hill, Squirrel Hill, and Windy Corner. Once we got to 14k, we dug a giant hole and then buried our super cold weather gear, food, and some fuel under 1.5 meters of snow. The team did an amazing job all day and we were back in camp in around nine hours round-trip. The plan for tomorrow is to take advantage of the good forecast and move our camp up to 14k where we will be knocking on the door of the upper mountain. That's all for now! We'll be in touch from 14 camp. RMI Guide Mike Haugen

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Happy Birthday Jon!! Hope you are having a wonderful time and your climb is all you hoped for. God Bless!

Posted by: Marilyn and Jerry on 6/29/2016 at 12:21 pm

Venga team El Siete!!
Glad to read that the UNO cards are being used =)
Have a good climb tomorrow!

Tom

Posted by: Tom on 6/24/2016 at 2:41 am

Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Rest at 11,000’ Camp

June 22, 2016

Elevation: 11,000'

June 21, 2016 - 9:27 pm PT Rest days are the best days! Our team made the most of this one with an extended pancake breakfast, followed by several hours of heated "uno" playing. By mid afternoon though, the team was all business as we sorted group gear and provisions in preparation for our carry to 14 Camp tomorrow. It actually takes a good amount of thought splitting up expedition loads; we want to be sure we won't be carrying tons of weight on our move day, but also need to leave enough provisions at 11 Camp should we get caught in a storm cycle after the carry. But as of now, the packs are packed and we are excited to head up the mountain tomorrow! The solstice sun is shining brightly on us as we nestle in for the night. We'll catch you on the flip side! RMI Guide Mike Haugen

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Move Camp to 11,200’

June 21, 2016

Elevation: 11,200'

June 20, 2016 - 11:11 P.M. PDT Few things are as satisfying as watching a storm clear and being able to once again see the mountain you are trying to climb. Our stormy weather did just that, allowing us to do a rapid pack and move up to our 11,200 ft. camp. We spent the afternoon digging in and letting our tents dry out, and everyone is looking forward to a well deserved day of rest and acclimatization tomorrow. It was a stunningly beautiful evening up here, watching the clouds roll over Kahiltna Dome and streaks of solstice sunlight streak Mount Foraker. Fingers crossed for good weather to come. Love from, RMI Guide Mike Haugen and Team El Siete

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

11,200 - too easy. Go Team El Siete!

Posted by: E.L. on 6/21/2016 at 12:36 pm

Yay, Phil & team! Praying for continued good weather.

Posted by: Barbara on 6/21/2016 at 9:54 am

Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Send Father’s Day Wishes

June 19, 2016

Elevation: 9,600'

June 19, 2016 - 8:33 pm PT Happy Father's Day!! We love all our dads, and hope they're having a great day wherever they may be- enjoying breakfast in bed, playing golf, sunbathing on Ping Island, or beekeeping. The weather went from bad to worse over night. We took turns every hour tightening guy lines and shoveling snow from around the tents to prevent any wind incidents or tent buryings. The crew was in great spirits as we ate our way through the day staying comfy in the tents. We had a great Ramen and veggies meal to which we added sriracha sauce and called it Mountain Pho. The weather seems to be improving a tiny bit and we are hopeful that tomorrow will bring sunshine, rainbows, and the ability to move up to our next camp! Send us your best weather vibes, RMI Guide Mike Haugen

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Jon Buchburger is that as cold as putting up snow fence. Hope the weather holds. Gpa

Posted by: Tom and Sue Beckett on 6/21/2016 at 5:58 am

Happy belated Farher’s Day all. Sending good climbing mojo your way Senator.
Reach for the sun and settle for the summit
Paul

Posted by: Paul on 6/20/2016 at 8:22 pm

Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Move to 9,600’ Camp

June 19, 2016

Elevation: 9,600'

June 18, 2016 - 8:58 pm PT Remember how yesterday we told ya'll that despite the high clouds and other warning signs of low pressure that the weather was holding? Well, it sure isn't anymore. We delayed our departure from Camp 1 by a few hours and caught a lull that lasted long enough for us to travel to 9,600 Camp comfortably. We established camp and chilled the afternoon away as the winds and snow built. We are well fed, warm, and snuggled in for the night, hoping that the weather allows us to travel to 11,000 Camp in the morning. Only time will tell, but for now the psyche is high. Love to everybody, RMI Guide Mike Haugen

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Begin Their Climb

June 17, 2016

Elevation: 7,800'

June 17, 2016 - 8:48 pm PT We are climbing! We had a rather early departure from Basecamp this morning, leaving at 3 a.m. while the glacier was still nice and firm. The crew made quick work of the task at hand arriving into our new camp at the base of Ski Hill on the Kahiltna Glacier in 4 hours and 20 minutes. Rock Stars! We spent most of the day "sport eating" in preparation for the high calorie demand that this mountain will require. We had some clouds move in mid day, but the weather turned out to be great. We plan on another early morning rally up to 9,800 camp. We tried to count how many shells smothered in Velveeta we ate tonight to prep for tomorrow. Unfortunately we're not as top notch as Joe Horiskey. Love to the fans! And the Fams! RMI Guide Mike Haugen

On The Map

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Love seeing those pics! Hope the weather continues to be favorable. I love the shell counting game :-) One step at a time!

Posted by: Kelly Tybor on 6/19/2016 at 6:32 am

Keep up the great work!!!
“...can’t believe how far I’ve climbed.” Bruce, The Rising

Looking forward to hearing all the details and seeing the pics (over a cold one, that is)
My best,
Tony

Posted by: Tony Capaci on 6/19/2016 at 5:31 am

Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team at Kahiltna Base

June 16, 2016

Elevation: 7,300'

June 16, 2016 - 4:16 P.M. PDT And we're off! RMI Denali Expedition #7 (known in some circles as "el Siete") landed on the Southeast Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier this morning around 10 o'clock to clear skies and breathtaking views of the Alaska Range. The team took advantage of the clear weather by leisurely setting up camp, and then brushing up on anchor building, crevasse rescue, and sled rigging skills. Our next move is to make some dinner and head to bed early in anticipation of our move to Ski Hill camp while the snow is at its most frozen state- is 3 A.M. early morning or late at night? We'll let you know... For now, excitement is high, stress is low, views are stunning. Love to all friends, family, and Joe Horiskey, RMI Guide Mike Haugen & gang

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What an experience! The pictures are breathtaking, but probably don’t even compare to the real view! Cheers to all of you on your amazing journey!

Have fun Phil and everyone on the climb.

Use your core ;)

Posted by: Laura Andrews on 6/25/2016 at 4:06 am

Jon, A&D is will be monitoring your progress and living vicariously through your amazing adventure!!

Posted by: Lisa on 6/17/2016 at 6:10 pm

Mt. Rainier: Teams Abort Summit Bid Due to Blowing Snow Conditions

June 11, 2016

Posted by: Mike Haugen, Mike King

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 11,000'

The Mt. Rainier Summit Climb teams, led by Mike Haugen and Mike King, turned at Ingraham Flats this morning after a rough night of snow and high winds. The guides reported an ominous cap over the mountain after checking in from Camp Muir. Shortly after 8:00 a.m., both teams began their descent to Paradise.

Mt. Rainier: June 7th Summit!

June 7, 2016

Posted by: Mike Haugen

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

The Four Day Summit Climb led by RMI Guide Mike Haugen reached the summit of Mt. Rainier. Mike reported clear skies and 25 mph winds. The team has started their descent and are en route back to Camp Muir. Congratulations to today's team!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Awesome! Caught the kiss xoxox

Posted by: Debbie Gangwish on 6/7/2016 at 9:36 am

So proud of you guys.Love you

Posted by: Valerie Hopkins on 6/7/2016 at 9:07 am

Mt. Rainier: Four Day Summit Climbs Reach the Summit!

July 30, 2015

Posted by: Leon Davis, Mike Haugen

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

RMI Guide Leon Davis radioed BaseCamp at 7:02 am to let us know both Four Day Summit Climb teams were about to reach the summit of Mt. Rainier. Leon reported a nice day on the mountain with light winds out of the West. The teams spent over an hour enjoying the view from the summit. They began their descent from the crater rim at 8:20 en route to Camp Muir. After a brief stop they will continue to Paradise and complete their program later today. Congratulations to today's Summit Climb teams!

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Great job melissa dismuke! Sooo awesome to hear you guys made it. Safe travels back to base camp

Posted by: Ryan crane on 7/30/2015 at 10:28 am

So proud of you, Jeff. You did it again!! Can’t wait to see you safely back home. Love you!

Posted by: Adrian on 7/30/2015 at 10:18 am