Entries By sam hoffman
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Sam Hoffman, Sam Marjerison, Nick Sinapius
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 7,600'
Saturday, June 15, 2024 - 10:02 pm PT
Another beautiful day on Denali, which started at 2:30 AM for our team. We were snowshoed up and moving uphill by 5 AM. Conditions were excellent for travel. The surface was frozen up just right and the day was cool enough to keep us from sweating as we got on "Ski Hill". We moved well for four hours to reach 10,000' There at the head of the 49 mile Kahiltna Glacier, we dug a cache and buried our supplies to prevent attack by ravens. It took just under two hours to get back down to camp, by which time we were ready to get in the tents and out of the hot sun. We napped away the afternoon and rehydrated. Tomorrow we'll climb to 11,000' Camp.
Best Regards,
RMI Guides Dave Hahn, Sam Hoffman, Sam Marjerison and Nick Sinapius
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Denali Expedition June 11, 2024
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Sam Hoffman, Sam Marjerison, Nick Sinapius
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 9,700'
The skies were clear early this morning, and so it was the perfect time to leave basecamp as the snow surface was nicely frozen and travel was "easy". We were roped up and on our way by 4 AM, watching the sunlight play on the upper slopes of Mts Foraker and Hunter. Glacier conditions were excellent. There were few open crevasses, and the route was fairly direct. We pulled into our destination -the base of "ski hill" - in just four and a half hours.
Camp then went up relatively quickly and we got in out of the intense midday sun for some quality naps. A breeze came up in the evening, but by then we'd built a dining tent and were able to enjoy dinner in peace.
We intend to make a carry tomorrow, to 10,000 ft if possible.
Best Regards,
RMI Guides Dave Hahn, Sam Hoffman, Sam Marjerison, Nick Sinapius
New Post Alerts:
Denali Expedition June 11, 2024
Looks like y’all have great conditions so far! Happy Father’s Day to Tony and all the dads up there! Keep it up!
Posted by: Joe Cunningham on 6/16/2024 at 3:11 pm
Sending a shout out to one of my Denali mentors Mr. Hahn and to Sander and Dave Hill who promised me they would crush it.
Climb On!!
Adam Knoff
Posted by: Adam on 6/15/2024 at 5:37 pm
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Sam Hoffman, Sam Marjerison, Nick Sinapius
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 7,800'
Thursday June 13, 2024, 10:55pm PDT
And just like that, we are in a new world... a planet of ice and snow and rock and gigantic mountains. We flew on just before midday. It had been a little manky before that, with low cloud in both Talkeetna and Kahiltna Base camp, so we got to eat a last big breakfast in town as we waited for improvements. It was a thrill to get some views of Denali, way up above the remaining clouds, as we flew in, and a thrill to step out of the planes at basecamp.
We built camp, trained and prepared for departure in the intense high-altitude sunshine. We talked over what to expect and how to deal with expected challenges. We made it to bed by 9 PM. Our intention is to get up in the middle of the night to travel in the early morning shadows.
Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn & Team
New Post Alerts:
Denali Expedition June 11, 2024
Glad the adventure has begun. Sounds great so far. Good luck to all. Go Tony! I’ll warm up the bike trails for you.
Posted by: Rob McDowell on 6/15/2024 at 6:06 pm
So proud of you Caryn!!! I cannot wait to hear all about it! SEND IT!!
Posted by: Selena Price on 6/15/2024 at 10:08 am
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Sam Hoffman, Sam Marjerison, Nick Sinapius
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 7,300'
Dave Hahn & Team are Flying onto the Kahiltna Glacier! Follow along with us as they begin their climb of Denali.
New Post Alerts:
Denali Expedition June 11, 2024
So inspired by all of you! Looking good! So excited to follow along and take part in this adventure from a distance. Go Tony go!!
Posted by: Rosemary Bakker on 6/14/2024 at 7:06 pm
Yes!! It’s getting real now!! This is everything you’ve worked for Tony! So excited to follow this journey!
Posted by: Brenda on 6/14/2024 at 3:02 pm
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Sam Hoffman, Sam Marjerison, Nick Sinapius
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Wednesday June 12, 2024 11:29pm PDT
A big day in Talkeetna. It was cloudy and rainy, but that didn’t prevent us from starting out with a breakfast meeting at the Swiss Alaska Inn, introducing the team and discussing expectations and strategies for the climb. We carried on by regrouping over at the airplane hangar to sort equipment and get packed. We broke things up with an excellent briefing from the National Park Service. Denali climbing ranger, Alan Davis spoke to us about current conditions and the need to prioritize safety on the mountain. K2 Aviation - our flight service- then let us know what to expect in regards to getting on and off the mountain via ski plane in variable weather conditions. We then buckled down and put in a few serious hours getting organized for the climb. This was capped off with a formal weigh-in, a prelude to loading up the airplanes -which we hope will take place tomorrow morning. The team then relaxed at Mile High Pizza Pie in the heart of Talkeetna. Enjoying dinner and the drizzle from low clouds. We are set and excited to get on the mountain.
Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn & Team
New Post Alerts:
Denali Expedition June 11, 2024
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Sam Hoffman, Sam Marjerison, Nick Sinapius
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley
Elevation: 348'
Tuesday, June 11, 2024 - 10:17 pm PT
Our climbing team came together today. After years of planning and anticipation and training… twelve of us got together in the Anchorage airport and got started on RMI’s final Denali Expedition for 2024. We made it with all of our gear and without flight cancellations… it all worked out. We boarded the Denali Overland van for the big drive up to Talkeetna. The windshield wipers were on for much of the journey and the spectacular mountain vistas were… shrouded, for the most part. We broke up the trip with a stop at the last big supermarkets -in Wasilla- where we rounded out the trip menu with some fresh food for down low on the mountain. We got back in the van then and made it up to Talkeetna by 5:30 PM. Having settled our gear in the airplane hangar, we checked in to the comfortable Swiss Alaska Inn and then made the short hike over the railroad tracks and into downtown Talkeetna. The rain seemed to be keeping the tourists in check so we had a quiet dinner at the brewery and then walked down to the mighty Susitna River to gaze at the water and the clouds (where there might normally be mountains). The team then walked past a few perfectly good bars and watering holes to turn in early and be ready for what promises to be a big day of packing and prepping for the climb tomorrow.
Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
New Post Alerts:
Denali Expedition June 11, 2024
SOOOOO exciting!!!!! thinking of you all on the way up, and can not wait to see the summit pictures! love you KATIE!!!! mom
Posted by: barbara theiss on 6/13/2024 at 8:39 am
Step by step, all the way to the top! You’ve got this Tony!!
Posted by: Brenda on 6/13/2024 at 8:20 am
Posted by: Seth Burns, Sam Hoffman, Jackson Breen, George Hedreen, Will Ambler, Raymond Holt
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 11,200'
The Four Day Climb teams led by RMI Guides Seth Burns and Sam Hoffman reached Ingraham Flats, 11,200', this morning on their summit attempt. Due to unstable snow conditions the teams decided to call this their high point today and returned safely to Camp Muir. Climbers are packing up their gear and enjoying a bit more time on the mountain before starting their descent to Paradise. They will return to Rainier BaseCamp this afternoon.
I was in Sam’s, George’s and Ray’s group and I am extremely impressed and grateful for their service, professionalism and courtesy. I received more than I could have hoped for in my need for great and safe guidance in this adventure!
Posted by: John McGrath on 6/6/2024 at 2:55 pm
Posted by: Steve Gately, Sam Hoffman, Raymond Holt, Ben Siegel, Ben Thorneycroft, Avery Stolte
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Four Day Climb led by RMI Guides Steve Gately and Sam Hoffman reached the summit of Mt. Rainier early this morning. The team climbed with clear skies, cold temperatures, and arrived on the summit at sunrise to enjoy the views.
Congratulations Team!
Congrats to all!! Especially Jonathon for making it on his third try. And you ladies rocked it!! Proud of y’all and was happy to be a small part of the experience. There is a bar tab waiting for y’all. Enjoy and safe travels.
Tucker
Posted by: Tucker Graves on 5/31/2024 at 12:31 pm
Posted by: Brent Okita, Sam Hoffman, Drew O’Brien, Nick Sinapius, Raymond Holt, Ben Siegel
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 14,410'
The Five Day Climb May 23 - 27 reached the summit of Mt. Rainier today. RMI Guides Brent Okita and Sam Hoffman led the teams. The group reached the crater rim around 7:45 am PT. This is our first Mt. Rainier summit of the 2024 season.
Nice work team!
Yay! Congratulations
Posted by: Kim Uncapher on 5/30/2024 at 7:35 am
Nicely done. Heading there June 25. Are all summit attempts via the cleaver vs. Ingram direct?
Posted by: Ed on 5/29/2024 at 5:44 am
Posted by: Dave Hahn, Sam Hoffman, Seth Burns, Nick Sinapius, Calvin Jiricko, Claire Pennell
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier
Elevation: 11,500'
The Mt. Rainier Four-Day climb led by RMI Guides Dave Hahn and Sam Hoffman turned around at 11,500 this morning due to deteriorating weather. They are currently enjoying a sunny Camp Muir morning. They will recollect themselves at Camp Muir before their descent back to Basecamp in Ashford this afternoon. Nice work team!
Happy Father’s Day Tony and all! Your kids will be proud of ya. Keep on trecking and know we’re thinking you from 110 degrees in sunny Phoenix.
Posted by: Mark Miola on 6/17/2024 at 9:07 am
Sounds like an awesome fathers day!! Love how you move supplies up and then go back down to camp and then head back up the next day.
Posted by: Seth Cochran on 6/17/2024 at 1:22 am
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