Entries By raymond holt
Posted by: Seth Burns, Jackson Breen, Raymond Holt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska Mt. McKinley
Saturday May 17, 2025 2:07 pm PDT
Seth Burns and Team checked in from Talkeetna, they are loaded and Flying onto the Kahiltna Glacier.
Let the climbing begin!
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McKinley Expedition May 13, 2025
Posted by: Seth Burns, Jackson Breen, Raymond Holt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
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Friday, May 16, 2025 - 10:19 pm PDT
We started our day with breakfast at latitude 62 and ended our day with dinner at latitude 62. Can anyone guess where our day will start tomorrow?!
We spent the morning talking about the finer points of Denali climbing while learning and practicing some new skills. In the afternoon, our pilots at K2 along with the Denali base camp manager saw a break in the weather. Giddy with excitement, we loaded up the plane with all of our bags, put on our mountain clothes, and patiently waited for our chance for take off. Unfortunately, mountain weather can be a fickle beast and the mountain wasn't ready to let us in just yet. We became mesmerized by some classic Denali climbing films and fantasized about when we would soon be in those very spots.
Waiting is inevitable in the mountains, but always hard, especially at the beginning of a trip. I could not be more proud of our team's attitude. They are taking everything in stride and with a smile. We are enjoying constant laughs, telling stories, and building camaraderie that will enable us to run when our feet hit the ground. We will be ready to fly when our time comes. Hopefully that time is tomorrow morning!
RMI Guides Jackson, Ray, Seth and Team
New Post Alerts:
McKinley Expedition May 13, 2025
Posted by: Seth Burns, Jackson Breen, Raymond Holt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Thursday, May 15, 2025 - 9:00 PM PDT
Well, we did not fly today. The clouds around Talkeetna and especially on the Kahiltna kept the planes on the ground. While this is not exactly what we wanted it is not unusual. Our friends at K2 aviation run a professional outfit and do everything they can to get us safely on and off the mountain. While they kept their eyes on the weather, we spent the day enjoying coffee, going over rope skills, eating plenty of food, and even going on a nice run.
If you're reading this, send us clear sky vibes.
RMI Guides Seth, Jackson, Ray, and Team
New Post Alerts:
McKinley Expedition May 13, 2025
Posted by: Seth Burns, Jackson Breen, Raymond Holt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 348'
Wednesday May 14, 2025 - 8:52 pm PT
Our first full day in Alaska greeted us with a beautiful and crisp morning. Today was a day of packing and repacking, prepping for the weeks ahead. While at time tiresome, we were laying the groundwork for a successful climb. By the end of the afternoon, bags were packed, food checked, and our team organized into our two flights. Excitement is high as we hope to fly to basecamp tomorrow.
All the best- RMI Guides Seth, Jackson, Ray, and team.
New Post Alerts:
McKinley Expedition May 13, 2025
Everyday is a grind, but the ending will be amazing, keep pushing! Remember each moment!
Posted by: Josh Durkiewicz on 5/15/2025 at 9:12 am
Posted by: Seth Burns, Jackson Breen, Raymond Holt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Alaska
Elevation: 348'
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 - 10:03 pm PT
Hello from Talkeetna! After a long day of travel we have arrived in this lovely little town, our launching off point. The excitement is tangible as we settle in, looking forward to a day of packing and prep tomorrow.
RMI Guide Seth Burns
New Post Alerts:
McKinley Expedition May 13, 2025
Thank you so much for setting up this thoughtful webpage. We’ll be following along with the update! Wishing you all strength, endurance, good weather, and an amazing experience!
Love you Grace and Jason!
Posted by: Carol, Yong & Ruihua on 5/15/2025 at 8:14 am
Will, what an incredible adventure - soak in every moment!! We cannot wait to hear about it!! Xoxo
Posted by: Nicole and Drew on 5/15/2025 at 5:18 am
Posted by: Seth Burns, Hannah Blum, Raymond Holt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Expedition Skills Seminar – Muir, May 4–9, led by RMI Guide Seth Burns, successfully reached the summit of Mt. Rainier at approximately 9:15 AM today. The team encountered cold and windy conditions during their ascent from Camp Muir to the top of Disappointment Cleaver. However, upon reaching 13,200 feet, the winds eased, giving way to sunshine and clear skies.
Over the past several days, the team has been based at Camp Muir, where they focused on building essential mountaineering skills. They will spend one final night on the mountain before descending to Paradise tomorrow.
Well done, team!
PC: Hannah Blum
Posted by: Casey Grom, Drew O’Brien, Jess Wedel, Raymond Holt, Jack Ritterson, Miles Watson
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Five Day Climb August 30 - 3 September led by RMI Guides Casey Grom and Drew O'Brien reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. The team first checked in at 7:30 am from 13,300' on their ascent. They reported good climbing and clear skies. A little after 10am they let us know they had reached the summit, enjoyed some time in the crater and now were starting their descent from the crater rim. The teams will return to Camp Muir in a few hours and get to rest, relax and enjoy some time on the mountain. Tonight they will spend their second night at Camp Muir, but they will get to sleep until a reasonable hour, not an alpine start. They will descend the remaining 4,500' to Paradise tomorrow and end their program with a small celebration.
Congratulations to today's climbers!
PC: Drew O'Brien
Congratulations Hailie!! Woohooo proud of you
Posted by: Lyndsay on 9/3/2024 at 9:50 am
What an amazing accomplishment. A major milestone moment. Big shout out to Hailie! Woot! You did it!
Posted by: Taryn Laakso on 9/2/2024 at 4:43 pm
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, George Hedreen, Raymond Holt, Tom Skoog, Miles Watson, Hannah Billings
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Five Day Climb August 23 - 27 led by RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer & George Hedreen reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. The teams enjoyed clear skies, a funky cloud and a light breeze for their climb and were able to enjoy some time this morning in the summit crater. The team began their descent from the crater rim around 9:30 am. They will return to Camp Muir and enjoy another night on the mountain. Tomorrow the teams will pack their gear and descend the remaining 4.5 miles to Paradise.
Congratulations team!
PC: George Hedreen
Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Raymond Holt, Mac Nolde
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb August 17 - 20 led by RMI Guides Pete Van Deventer, Raymond Holt and Mac Nolde reached the summit of Mt. Rainier just before 7 am today. Pete reported winds 10-20 mph and a descending cloud cap. The team spent a short time at the crater before starting their descent. They are en route to Camp Muir and once there will take a quick break before continuing down to Paradise. The group will end their adventure with a short celebration later this afternoon.
Nice work team!
Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Raymond Holt, Mitch Valaitis
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb led by RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier reached the summit of Mt. Rainer early this morning. The team climbed above the heavy marine layer, and Dustin reported clear skies and calm winds. It took the team 6 hours and 35 minutes to reach the summit from Camp Muir, and they are now on the descent.
Congratulations Team!
Godspeed out there Will. We’re excited for your journey and thinking about you every day.
Posted by: Andrew and Nicole Gonzales on 5/18/2025 at 5:30 am
Have fun out there, Juan and team! I’ll be cheering for you every step of the way.
Posted by: Jackie on 5/17/2025 at 3:17 pm
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