Entries from Mt. McKinley

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Ascend Fixed Lines to Cache Supplies

June 28, 2017

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Hannah McGowan, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,000'

June 27, 2017 Things looked good at 6 AM today, so we rolled out, fired the stoves, rousted the team, breakfasted and got walking. All of this was in the cold shadow before the sun came around. Our pals on Mike Haugen's team were two hours ahead of us, already starting the fixed ropes at 15,000 as we left 14K. We made steady progress up the initial hills with perfectly packed snow to walk on. The sun caught us as we neared the ropes ourselves, making it a little easier to keep hands and faces warm. We launched up the steep headwall, getting into the rhythms of mechanical ascenders on rope, and moving crampons and ice axes on firm snow and ice. We hit the 16,200 ft top to the lines and continued up the spectacular West Buttress to 16,400 ft. Only Denali, Foraker and Mount Hunter were above the Alaskan sea of clouds today. We cached supplies and enjoyed the views from our lofty perch. Interestingly, this height wasn't a new record for any of our well traveled climbers. Our descent to 14,000 was relatively easy and fun with light packs. We hope our friends at 17,000 have a nice night and a good summit tomorrow while we rest. Best Regards RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Hi Dave,
thank you for your wonderful reports about your journey with all Details so that I can imagine the amazing nature you are hiking through.
The circumstances seem to be excellent and I wish all of you, specially my dear climber Hans a successful climb up to the summit.
I keep my fingers cross for you!!!! Ute

Posted by: Ute Novak on 6/29/2017 at 5:45 am

Hey Matt, keep up the great work. What an incredible journey!

Posted by: Eric Taylor on 6/28/2017 at 6:46 pm

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Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Move to 17,000’ Ready for Summit Bid

June 28, 2017

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,000'

June 27, 2017 We are in position for a summit day. We made our move from camp at 14,000' to our camp at 17,000'. The crew did a great job ascending the fixed lines and climbing the spectacular ridge past Washburn's Thumb, a huge chunk of rock that towers above the route. It was a little windy on the ridge, but it is hard to complain about wind on a huge mountain like Denali. We made a fortified camp before the clouds came up and gave us some wind and snow. The sun is starting to peak through and we are hoping for good weather tomorrow so we can get a shot at the summit! RMI Guide Mike Haugen

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Go Glo and team! You are all marvelous!

Posted by: michelle on 6/28/2017 at 10:33 pm

Julian & team! Thinking of you and wishing you all the best in your upcoming shot at the summit! Praying for strength, safety, calm winds, low precip, high viz, and smiles all around!

Posted by: Cheryl on 6/28/2017 at 12:21 pm

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Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Take a Rest Day at 14,000’ Camp

June 27, 2017

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Hannah McGowan, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

June 26, 2017 Well we didn't go for our carry after all. Even though we were up early and the day was beautiful. Over breakfast the decision was made to take a rest day instead. All are well, but we've been climbing hard and we are still relatively new to 14,000 ft... we'll bide our time. We did rope up and go for an enjoyable stroll to the "Edge of The World" to look straight down to the NE Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier and across to the West Rib of Denali. We posed for pictures and enjoyed the sunshine. The afternoon in camp was pretty peaceful -as we'd hoped would be the case. We chatted with teams descending the mountain and read our books and took our naps. At dinner, it was story night with each team member recounting some adventure, or misadventure for the group. Tomorrow we'll get back to climbing. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Jim, You be the MAN! Onward and upward indeed. I’ll be toasting you- and missing you- at the Casino cocktail party this weekend. Meanwhile, a stiff Kraken rum drink awaits at the Martin Box. Your pal at sea level, Peter

Posted by: Peter Krogh on 6/28/2017 at 6:49 am

My jaw hit the ground when I looked up where you are my friend! Incredible to see the pictures and progress you and your team are making. Be safe and I’ll see ya back in Ohio!!!

Posted by: Gary O'Donnell on 6/27/2017 at 8:13 pm

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Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Take Well Deserved Rest

June 27, 2017

Posted by: Mike Haugen, Pepper Dee, Gloria Roe

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

June 26, 2017 Today was a well deserved rest day! Yesterday was quite the endeavor and I think everyone was happy to not have an alarm clock to answer to. We stayed cozied in our sleeping bags until the sun hit our tents and the warmth beckoned us out around 9:45 am. Emerging from our tents we wet straight into a leisurely Quesadilla breakfast, a special request by Pepper Dee, who turned 26 today! Later in the day we took a walk to the Edge of the World and everyone got to strike a pose while peering out over the vast expanse of glaciers and mountain peaks. I may be bias but I think the best picture involved a blow up couch that the birthday boy had hauled up all the way from base camp! We finished the day off with a quick dinner and chat about plans for tomorrow. If the weather cooperates we will be headed to 17,000' camp in order to be in position for our summit bid! Yeehaw! Good night from 14! RMI Guide Mike Haugen

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Julian… AMAZING!!!
Nice work pulling it up to 17K on the big wall and fixed lines.
The photo back down at The Edge in 14 camp is spectacular. Happy that you and your team that have amazing weather. Saturday looks like it might dump metres of snow again, but then you’ll be back in the clear. Best of luck!!! Stay safe.
Stephen

Posted by: Stephen Wright on 6/28/2017 at 11:03 am

What kind of pose did you strike Gloria!

Posted by: Michelle Weekly on 6/28/2017 at 1:11 am

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Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team at 14,000’ Ready to Move to High Camp

June 26, 2017

Posted by: Mike Haugen, Pepper Dee, Gloria Roe

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

June 25, 2017 We must be doing something right to deserve this many days in a row with good weather! The team had a great day working our way up to cache gear, food, and fuel at 17,000 ft Camp. The ridge that leads up to high camp provides some incredible climbing and amazing views. A few of our climbers commented that it was the best climbing that they have ever done. The team did so great that we earned a rest day tomorrow before we position ourselves up at high camp the day after. Superstitiously, we all agreed not to take a shower as long as this good weather holds. This shouldn't be too tough to abide by as the nearest shower is a weeks walk away! RMI Guide Mike Haugen

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Way to go, Jeff!!!

We are loving tracking your progress.

Posted by: T + A on 6/27/2017 at 5:58 am

We are keeping our fingers crossed that the weather holds for you to reach the summit. Lots and lots of luck and love! Dad and Mum

Posted by: Liz Bannister on 6/26/2017 at 10:39 pm

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Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Rest Day at 14K Camp

June 24, 2017

Posted by: Mike Haugen, Pepper Dee, Gloria Roe

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

June 24, 2017 10:36 pm PST And today we rested. After our big move day yesterday we felt we deserved a day of kicking back and recovering. We made a point of emerging from our tents no earlier than 10 am and got the day started out right by consuming a mountain of pancakes. Kudos to Caleb for consuming the largest pancake of the morning! By 1 pm we were wrapping up the pancake party and as you may imagine, that long of a breakfast can really take it out of you .... So we rested a bit more. Once we felt we had properly digested we reviewed fixed line travel and running belays in preparation for our carry tomorrow. After practice for a few hours it was nearly time for dinner! Funny how time flies on a rest day. We had an early dinner of gourmet Ramen and before the sun could go down on us and give way to the chill of 14 Camp we headed to bed. Tomorrow we have our first go at the fixed lines! Goodnight from 14! Hasta Manana RMI Guide Mike Haugen

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Settle Into Camp at 14,200’

June 24, 2017

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Hannah McGowan, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

June 24, 2017 10:07 pm PST We continue to enjoy better weather than we have a right to expect. The forecasts keep calling for snow, and I'm sure it was snowing somewhere -we got about .5 inches overnight at 11,000 ft, but when we peered outside this morning it just looked like good climbing weather. We were out of there by 8 and up our now familiar hills, Motorcycle and Squirrel, we had no trouble getting to Windy Corner by noon and then we passed our cache (yesterday's high point) and made for 14,200 ft. We pulled in at 2:30 for a respectable 6.5-hour journey. There was a fine place for tents right alongside our pals on Mike Haugen's RMI trip. The afternoon was spent as a lot of ours seem to be, building camp and melting snow for water. Except now we are doing it in the legendary Genet Basin with the West Buttress and Denali's gigantic South Peak looming over us. We built a fine dining area (a giant pit in the snow with snow benches and snow tables and our dining tent capping it) and then tested it out with a team dinner. Tomorrow should be a relatively easy day, just dropping down the short distance to our cache and bringing it all home to 14.2. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Hey Matt! Us here at Horter are following your progress, and enjoying the pics! Looks absolutely awesome! Best of luck!

Posted by: Jack Peters on 6/26/2017 at 1:53 pm

Following you all closely and wondering why you would want to spend time in the cold and snow!? However, I do know the answer. Mom Brennan

Posted by: Janet Brennan on 6/25/2017 at 6:07 pm

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Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Move to 14K Camp

June 23, 2017

Posted by: Mike Haugen, Pepper Dee, Gloria Roe

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

June 23, 2017 10:30 pm PST Greetings from 14 Camp on Denali! Our team took advantage of stable weather and strong legs today to retrace our steps back up to 14,200 feet, this time with tents and sleeping bags in tow. We were excited to ascend the steeps of Motorcycle Hill and Squirrel Hill for the last time, and lucky for us, windy corner proved not so windy after all. The rest of the day was devoted to digging in our new camp, which is looking dialed and styled. The team is looking forward to having some time to relax and adjust to the new altitude tomorrow, with a non-zero chance of Horiskey-style blueberry pancakes. Ciao, RMI Guide Mike Haugen

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Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Carry to 13,500’

June 23, 2017

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Hannah McGowan, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 13,500'

June 23, 2017 10:00 pm PST It didn't seem terribly cold this morning at 5:30, Around 17 F or so, which made it a little easier to get up and rally for "the carry". We got out on the trail by a quarter to eight. Finally we were wearing crampons and holding ice axes like mountain climbers (to this point it has been snowshoes and ski poles). The track was in great condition -well packed snow- due to the large number of teams that have passed through since the last storm. We cruised up the steep Motorcycle Hill, and navigated the squirrely Squirrel Hill and found ourselves in the Polo Field below the end of the West Buttress before the sun caught us. Another hour brought us to a decidedly calm Windy Corner. We slipped around the corner, getting great views of Foraker, Hunter and finally Denali, in the process. We cached food and fuel at 13,500 ft -our target for the day- and had an easy walk back down to camp at 11K with relatively empty packs. It was exhilarating to be out of the deep valley at last and to be crossing ridges and turning corners with all the big views. But it was also nice to get back to our camp and to have a calm afternoon to rest after our labors. We ate dinner and made preparations for our big move up to 14K tomorrow. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Very exciting to see the progress and clear skies. Wishes for good luck and weather to the team.

Posted by: Bettie S on 6/24/2017 at 4:50 pm

Dad, I’m so proud of you!! I had an amazing time on my hike this past week and I can’t wait to tell you all about it when you come home. But first, you have a mountain to conquer! Best of luck to you and the rest of your team. Don’t forget to take a picture with Teddy at the top! Love, Pookie

Posted by: Madeline Brennan on 6/24/2017 at 3:07 pm

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Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Enjoying Life at 11,000’ Camp

June 23, 2017

Posted by: Dave Hahn, Hannah McGowan, Hannah Smith, Avery Parrinello

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,000'

June 22, 2017 Rope teams came and went in the early morning today, and we stayed comfy in bed. The guides were desperate for coffee by 8:30, but the sun and full breakfast didn't show up until after 9. Our rest day consisted of long, leisurely meals in the dining tent separated by naps and reading sessions. It was a fine and sunny day at 11K. We sorted loads for the carry tomorrow and discussed climbing techniques. Each climber and guide prepared for the after-dinner poetry slam suggested by Anja. There were haikus and limericks, remembered verses and spontaneous rhymes... There was much laughter, some genuine applause and plenty of food for thought. And then there was the swirling cloud endless evening light show of Alaska. We're all excited to go climbing tomorrow. Best Regards RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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Our very best to all of you from Chicago & sending a big “hi” to Rubin. Have fun & stay strong.

Posted by: The Kalseth's on 6/23/2017 at 6:51 pm

What awesome views! So glad everything is going well. Best wishes to you all, but especially to my brother, Ken Porrello!

Posted by: Diane Bertosa on 6/23/2017 at 3:10 pm

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Entries from Mt. McKinley

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Ascend Fixed Lines to Cache Supplies

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Move to 17,000’ Ready for Summit Bid

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Take a Rest Day at 14,000’ Camp

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Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Take Well Deserved Rest

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Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team at 14,000’ Ready to Move to High Camp

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Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Rest Day at 14K Camp

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Settle Into Camp at 14,200’

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Denali Expedition: Haugen & Team Move to 14K Camp

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Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Carry to 13,500’

Denali Expedition: Hahn & Team Enjoying Life at 11,000’ Camp

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